Frequently Asked Questions

🐟 Live koi ship Mon–Wed via UPS Overnight only. Orders containing live koi + other items may have separate shipping charges.

Koi Varieties

How do I pronounce koi variety names?

Japanese koi names follow consistent pronunciation rules: A = "ah," I = "ee," U = "oo," E = "eh," O = "oh." The Japanese R is a soft sound between an English R and L. Some common examples: Kohaku = koh-HAH-koo, Sanke = SAHN-keh, Showa = SHOH-wah, Yamabuki Ogon = yah-mah-BOO-kee oh-GOHN, Hariwake = hah-ree-WAH-keh. For a full guide, see our Koi Pronunciation Guide.

What is the difference between Kohaku, Sanke, and Showa?

These three are known as the Gosanke — the "Big Three" of koi. Kohaku is a white koi with red (hi) markings only. Sanke (Taisho Sanshoku) is a white koi with red and black markings — like a Kohaku with ink splattered on it. Showa (Showa Sanshoku) is a black koi with red and white markings — the black is the base color, not an accent.

What is a Doitsu koi?

Doitsu refers to koi with German-style scaling — either no scales at all, or a single row of large mirror scales along the dorsal fin and lateral line. Many varieties have a Doitsu form, including Doitsu Hi Utsuri, Kumonryu, and Shusui (which is the Doitsu version of Asagi).

What makes Kumonryu and Matsukawabake unique?

Both varieties are known for their color-shifting patterns. Kumonryu (the "dragon fish") is always Doitsu and displays large wavy blocks of black and white that change with water temperature and season. Matsukawabake can appear nearly all black in winter and nearly all white in summer — it's like having two koi in one. For more on these and other varieties, see our Koi Variety Guide.

What is a metallic koi?

Metallic koi (Hikari) have a reflective, lustrous sheen on their scales due to a layer of guanine crystals. Examples include Yamabuki Ogon (solid metallic yellow-gold), Platinum Ogon (solid metallic white), Kujaku (metallic with a Matsuba pattern), and Yamato Nishiki (metallic Sanke). Non-metallic varieties like Kohaku and Sanke are judged separately.

Ordering & Shipping

Do you ship live koi?

Yes! We ship live koi across the continental United States. All fish are carefully packaged with oxygen and insulation to ensure a safe arrival. We offer a live arrival guarantee on all koi orders.

How are live fish shipped?

Koi are shipped in sealed, oxygen-filled bags inside insulated boxes with heat or cold packs depending on the season. We ship Monday through Wednesday to avoid fish sitting in transit over weekends.

What is your live arrival guarantee?

If your fish arrive deceased, contact us within 2 hours of delivery with a photo and we will issue a replacement or store credit. We cannot guarantee fish that are not acclimated properly upon arrival.

How long does shipping take?

Live fish orders ship via overnight or 2-day express shipping. Pond supplies typically ship within 2–5 business days.

Koi Care

What water temperature do koi need?

Koi thrive in water temperatures between 59°F and 77°F (15°C–25°C). They can survive in colder temperatures but become less active. Avoid rapid temperature changes.

How many koi can I keep in my pond?

A general rule is 1 inch of fish per 10 gallons of water. For adult koi, we recommend at least 250–500 gallons per fish to allow for healthy growth.

What do koi eat?

Koi are omnivores and thrive on a high-quality pellet diet. We recommend feeding 2–3 times daily during warmer months and reducing feeding as temperatures drop below 50°F.

How do I acclimate new koi to my pond?

Float the sealed bag in your pond for 15–20 minutes to equalize temperature. Then slowly add pond water to the bag over 30–45 minutes before releasing the fish. Avoid adding bag water to your pond. For a full guide, see our Acclimating a New Koi to Your Pond page.

Quarantine & New Fish Health

What size tank do I need for quarantine?

We recommend a bare-bottom tank or stock tank of at least 100–300 gallons for most koi. Larger fish will need more space. A bare-bottom setup is preferred because it's easier to clean and monitor waste. Avoid gravel or decorations that can harbor bacteria.

How do I set up filtration for a quarantine tank?

A sponge filter or canister filter works well. Ideally, seed your quarantine filter with media or water from your established pond filter to introduce beneficial bacteria and jump-start the nitrogen cycle. Without an established cycle, ammonia can spike quickly and stress your fish. Test water daily and perform partial water changes as needed to keep ammonia below 0.25 ppm.

How much aeration does a quarantine tank need?

An air stone connected to an air pump is essential. Stressed or recovering fish have higher oxygen demands, and some medications can reduce dissolved oxygen levels. Keep aeration running at all times during quarantine.

How do I match the quarantine tank temperature to my pond?

Use a submersible heater to keep the quarantine tank within 2°F of your pond's water temperature. Sudden temperature swings suppress the immune system and increase stress. Always use a thermometer to monitor both the quarantine tank and pond before transferring fish.

Why is it important to keep quarantine equipment separate?

Sharing nets, buckets, or siphons between your quarantine tank and main pond can transfer pathogens directly to your healthy fish — defeating the purpose of quarantine entirely. Dedicate a separate set of tools exclusively to the quarantine tank. If equipment must be shared, disinfect thoroughly with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) and rinse completely before use.

How often should I do water changes during quarantine?

Test water daily. Perform 25–50% water changes whenever ammonia rises above 0.25 ppm or nitrite is detectable. New quarantine tanks are often not fully cycled, so water quality can deteriorate quickly. Always use dechlorinated water matched to the tank's temperature when doing water changes.

Should I use salt in my quarantine tank?

Many experienced koi keepers add non-iodized salt at 0.3% salinity (approximately 2.5 lbs per 100 gallons) to the quarantine tank. Salt helps reduce osmotic stress, supports the fish's slime coat, and can deter some external parasites. Do not use iodized table salt or any salt with additives. Always consult a koi health professional before adding medications.

Bio-Security & Fish Health

What bio-security protocols does Crystal Creek Koi Farm follow?

We maintain strict bio-security protocols to protect our fish — and yours. Once a fish leaves our facility, it is never allowed back, even if it wins a ribbon at a show. We do not import koi or goldfish, and we do not purchase from brokers. This gives us complete control over the health history of every fish we sell. For full details, see our Bio-Security Protocols blog post.

Are your koi SVCv-free?

Yes. It is paramount to us that all of our fish are SVCv-free (Spring Viremia of Carp virus) and pose no biological threat to any koi hobbyist's pond or retailer's fish stock. SVCv is a serious viral disease that can devastate a pond, and we take every precaution to ensure it never enters our facility.

Do you import koi or buy from brokers?

No. We do not import any koi or goldfish, and we do not purchase fish from brokers. Every fish we sell was raised here at Crystal Creek Koi Farm, which means we know the bloodlines, health history, and development trajectory of each fish.

Can I return a fish I bought to your farm?

No. Once a fish leaves our facility, it is never allowed back — this is a core part of our bio-security protocol. This rule applies to all fish, including those taken to shows. It protects the health of our entire stock and, by extension, your pond.

Products & Returns

Can I return pond supplies?

Yes, unused pond supplies in original packaging can be returned within 30 days of purchase. Live fish are non-returnable due to the nature of live animals.

Do you offer bulk or wholesale pricing?

Yes! Contact us directly for bulk koi orders or wholesale pond supply inquiries.

Subscriptions

What subscription options do you offer?

We offer two types of subscriptions: the Koi of the Month Club (monthly delivery of a hand-selected 10" live koi) and Koi Food Subscriptions (monthly auto-delivery of your choice of Blackwater Koi Food). Both save you 15% on every order. Learn more about our subscriptions.

How much do I save with a subscription?

All subscriptions save you 15% off the regular price, applied automatically on every order.

Can I cancel my subscription?

Yes — cancel anytime from your customer account portal with no fees or penalties. There are no contracts or minimum commitments.

When will I be billed?

You'll be billed on the same date each month, starting from the day you subscribe.

Can I change which food I receive?

Yes — log into your account and update your subscription product at any time before your next billing date.

Does the Koi of the Month Club include shipping?

Yes, free shipping is included on all Koi of the Month Club subscriptions.

What if my koi from the Koi of the Month Club arrives unhealthy?

All live koi are covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee. Contact us within 2 hours of delivery with a photo and we'll issue a replacement or store credit.

Still have questions?

Reach out to us via our Contact page and we'll get back to you within 1 business day.