How to set up a quarantine/hospitalization tank for koi carp?
To set up a koi quarantine tank, prepare a tank with a cover net, aeration and dedicated equipment, then plan water monitoring and water changes. The guidance below covers the equipment and work sequence for observing fish separately from the main pond.
Necessary materials
- A high-density polyethylene (HDPE) tank with a volume of 1 m3 (1000 liters) graduated from which you cut the upper face: example of model (around €200)
- A taut net to prevent the carp from jumping out of the tank
- A aerator with diffuser (bubbler) held at the bottom of the tank
- A permanent ammonia tester: Ammonia Alert from Seachem
- An external pump with sufficient length of pipe to fill the tank with water from the pool
- Possibly external filtration (not necessary if the water is renewed at least every 48 hours)
Rules to follow
- Place the tank at a reasonable distance from the pool to limit the risk of contamination.
- Protect the tank from heat (shaded place, insulation of walls) or cold (room, insulation of walls, heating).
- House only one koi in the tank, regardless of its weight, or several koi whose total weight does not exceed 2 kg; the guide to estimating koi biomass explains weighing and estimation methods.
- Have dedicated equipment: landing nets, filtration, aeration.
- Only intervene in quarantine (feeding, maintenance) after interventions in the pool.
- Ensure that you can drain the tank easily (drainage pipes connected on the drain valve, sump, etc.).
- Monitor the ammonia concentration daily and change the water if necessary.