Aeration is an essential component of a koi pond, as every living thing in the pond needs a steady supply of oxygen. Serious Koi keepers run a dedicated aeration system in their ponds, and oftentimes they also run one in the biological chambers of their filters. 

Well, to have a dynamic, healthy environment in your pond, you will need a biological filter, a source of aeration, a circulation pump, and enough space or volume. All of these components must be in balance with one another.

Water ponds, fish, and oxygen: the key to keeping Koi fish alive. We survive on this planet because we can breathe. Koi need oxygen, and the good bacteria that maintain the water healthy need oxygen.

Where is the best place in any pond system to add air or oxygen?

The filtration system removes wastes, bacteria, and other toxins from the water. An aerator adds air to the water so the fish will have oxygen and the water does not stagnate. The pump moves the water through the filter and aerator.

This is the reason why vortex filters and Japanese matting work so incredibly well together in any serious water pond system—but only if copious amounts of air are pumped around the Japanese matting matrix.

How much air should you add to your Koi Pond?

Add as much air as you can using air pumps and air stones to distribute the air (very important for heavily stocked ponds).

You can add the air directly to the pond, the filter, the waterfall, and anywhere else you can think of. These figures are meant to be a guide; your application may vary depending on stocking levels. (In general terms, 40lpm per 1000 gallons is a good rule of thumb.)