Prepare and verify the receiving water before the koi leaves the seller. Conditioned water, operating equipment, and demonstrated biological capacity are separate checks. New arrivals belong in a prepared quarantine arrangement, not directly in the established pond.
Assess the Water Source
Check the actual supply for disinfectants and relevant chemistry. Follow a suitable product's instructions where treatment is needed; do not assume every conditioner handles all contaminants. Well water is not automatically ready simply because it lacks municipal disinfection. Review temperature, pH, alkalinity, oxygen, and relevant source risks.
Operate the Complete Receiving System
- Suitable space, smooth surfaces, and secure containment.
- Reliable aeration and correctly operating filtration.
- Measured working volume and practical waste removal.
- Appropriate backup and safe service access.
- Dedicated quarantine equipment and drainage.
Verify Biological Readiness
A week of circulation in clean water is not a cycling test. Zero ammonia and nitrite can reflect an absence of waste input. Use a defined fishless protocol and its capacity endpoint, then resolve residual chemistry before arrival. A bottle of bacteria or detectable nitrate alone does not prove readiness. See cycling verification.
Compare with the Transport Plan
Tell the seller the receiving temperature and chemistry and confirm instructions for the actual journey. A short collection and overnight sealed shipment need different considerations. Do not prescribe routine prolonged water mixing in an opened shipping bag; gas and pH changes can increase ammonia risk. Use the arrival decision guide.
Complete the Final Check
- Recheck tests, temperature, actual flow, and air output.
- Have suitable transfer equipment and disposal for transport water.
- Be present for delivery and keep supplier/professional contacts available.
- Record arrival condition and begin daily quarantine monitoring.
Release Later, after Review
The arrival checklist is not a quarantine release certificate. Keep source and exposure records, investigate developing signs, and complete the appropriate follow-up. Read quarantine equipment, the protocol, and new-arrival monitoring.