Koi Feeding Temperatures

Koi Feeding & Water Temperature No food 85+F (30+C) Every other day (protein based food) 81-85F (27-29.5C) 3 X/day (protein based food) 76-80F (24.5-27C) 2-3 X/day (protein based food) 71-75F (22-24C) 1-2 X/day (protein & wheatgerm) 66-70F (19-21C) 4-5 X/wk (wheatgerm & protein) 61-65F (16-18.5C) 3-4 X/wk (wheatgerm based food) 56-60F (13.5-15.5C) 2-3 X/wk (wheatgerm based food) 51-55F (10.5-13C) 1-2 X/wk (only if visibly active-wheatgerm only) 45-50F (7-10C) No food 40F (4.5C) A koi's metabolism functions best at water temperatures above 70F (21C) It is better to underfeed than to overfeed Multiple small feedings are better than one or two larger ones When water temps fall below 65F (18C) proteins are harder to digest & carbohydrates become more important in the koi's diet (for energy) Koi should receive 1-4% of their body weight at each feeding (4% is an especially good target for younger fish) When feeding, allow no more than 20 minutes for consumption-any longer & its liable to sink and/or lose nutrients through leeching In the hottest months, try to feed when the water is cooler (mornings) & in the colder months try to feed when the water warms up (afternoons) Recommended Koi Treats Foods to Avoid > Watermelon slices » Brown Bread Meat Peas (sink & rot) » Cheerios » Orange Halves > Corn » Candies » Grapefruit Slices » Spinach > Pasta > Potatoes > Squash » Krill » White Bread > Dairy Products > Wheat Germ » Earthworms » Unpeeled Prawns/Shrimp > Whole Romaine Lettuce