The Koi are considered as one of the most elegant and colorful pets that owners can have in their outdoor ponds, but in order to keep them healthy, you should have the basic knowledge about the fish itself and outdoor ponds, plus a few necessary pond supplies.

First, you need to have a filter that'll maintain the quality of the water in your pond. There are two classes of filters, the mechanical and the biological. The filter's function is to remove the unwanted pollutants, decreasing the illnesses and diseases that may affect your fish.

Now, the only way for the filtration system to work in processing the water is when the water will move, that's why there's a need for you to install a pump, which is another important factor that will promote the health of your pond. Even though you have a fountain or waterfall in the pond to aid the movement of your pond's water, they shouldn't completely replace the pump, as they don't have the necessary strength to help with the filtration of your pond.

The advantage of having a fountain in your pond is that it will give you feeling of tranquility, which will drown those unwanted noise, stir the water, and provide oxygen to the pond.

Other pond supplies, although they're not needed on a daily basis, should still be kept available when the need for it arises. The dechlorinator is used to replenish the water level of your outdoor pond with tap water (but you need to eliminate and remove the harmful chemicals of the tap water first).

With the use of test kits available in local pet stores, the pH and nitrate levels of the water should be checked weekly. Pond salt and baking soda can be added to the water in regulating the nitrate and pH levels of the water when the test will show that the levels of chemicals are off.

Food is perhaps the most important supply for your pets. Although they eat a variety of natural foods, it's still important to keep a basic source of food ready all the time. The fish can eat out of their owner's hand, so treats and snacks can also be offered to your pets.

Also, look out for those predators. These are the herons, kingfishers, cats, foxes, badgers and raccoons. A good pond design can keep them in safety. Ponds should be deep enough in order to prevent attacks from herons. You can also make overhangs on the side of your pond to prevent these predators from reaching the pond's water.

You can also place the pond under the shade of a tree, in order for it to be covered from the aerial view of the birds. Nets can also be placed entirely over the pond, and this will work two-fold: protection from predators and prevention for debris like leaves from falling into the water (which will really mess up your pond if left to fall).

Your fish requires a little bit of effort from your part as the owner as you take care of them when you set up your own pond and taking into consideration all of the things you'll need for it. But these are truly elegant creatures that are really worth your effort!