New Pond

[clevercourtier]

Just started a 20 gallon tank, with 3--4 inch koi fish. Planning a pond with at my parents house within the next few months. How much time do I have before I stunt the growth of these fish?

 

[addy1]

They are very close to being too big for the tank right now. Keep it really clean.

 

[DrDave]

Welcome to the forum.
I wouldn't worry about stunting their growth, they will need good filtration and frequent cleaning until that pond is ready.

 

[Shdwdrgn]

And keep in mind that the filter you picked up for your 20-gallon tank, which says its rated for up to 20 gallons...? Yeah that's complete crap, especially for the larger fish. You'll want a filter rated for closer to 40-60 gallons if you want to keep your fish healthy, and still keep up with water changes at least once a week.

 

[oldmarine]

Just started a 20 gallon tank, with 3--4 inch koi fish. Planning a pond with at my parents house within the next few months. How much time do I have before I stunt the growth of these fish?

I would strongly suggest staying away from koi if you are only going to have a 20 gallon tank/pond. Stick with something small like Sarasa (Comets) or Shubunkin's. I have a 365 gallon pond and I have mostly Shubunkin's and one Sarasa. They won't out grow my pond, and they are quite healthy looking. It wouldn't be right to stunt a Koi that has the potential to grow up to three feet long. Koi aren't intended to be Bonsi fish.

 

[j.w]

Rich I think he just wants to get started in an indoor tank with the little ones for a short while and then he's going to dig a much bigger pond for the Koi at his parents house. Hopefully they will let him build a nice big one cuz those Koi need all the room they can get to grow nice and big and beautiful :regular_waving_emot

 

[oldmarine]

Thanks, you're right.