How to Build a Koi Fish Pond
The first step for building a Koi fish pond is planning. You have a few decisions to make about size.
With proper filtration and aeration, a 2000 gallon pond can support as many as 20 full grown Koi. If you want less, you can build a smaller pond, but you might want to think about the future. Koi do not breed as quickly or as easily as goldfish but they do breed.Expanding a pond is not cost effective. You would end up spending more than you would if you built a whole new one. So look at the space you have and decide how big you can go.
The minimum depth is four feet. Most critters except for herons will stay out of a pond that is four feet deep. If you expect herons or other wading birds to be a problem (herons can eat a lot of koi), you could go as deep as eight feet but maintenance and repair will be more difficult.
A good alternative to using a deeper pond to deter wading birds is to design the pond so that a bird net can be used. There are other gadgets that are supposed to keep the birds away but their effectiveness varies.
If you have yet to select a location, there are a few things to consider. If at all possible, you should choose a shady location but not one that is shaded by trees. Keeping out leaves or needles is a chore.
A sunny location can be used as long as you use plants like water lilies to provide shade for the fish. Since it takes time for water lilies to grow, a shady location is preferable. Koi do best when they are kept out of direct sunlight.
Once you have decided on the size and dug the hole, you need to decide what type of pond liner to use. You have probably seen some of the options online. The best advice is to choose one that is durable. EPDM pond Liner for example might be a good choice.
You will also need a water pump, filtration system and UV sterilizer in sizes appropriate for the size of your pond. Unless you live in a tropical climate, you will need a heater to keep the pond from freezing solid in the winter. Koi stop eating when the water temperature falls below 50 degrees.Most people enjoy their koi ponds. Those who start out with a good plan are the happiest of all.
