You have always dreamed of having an"oasis" in your back yard. A beautiful koi pond can be that "oasis", and the envy of the neighborhood. Building a koi pond seems like a large undertaking, which can be intimidating. Here are 12 Tips you should know before starting your project.
1. Koi Pond Location
Choose a location that gets both sunlight and shade. Sunlight encourages plant growth, but encourages algae growth. Shade also gives your koi a cool, dark area to hide. If you must build in full sun, consider building some type of arbor.
2. Koi Pond Visibility
Once you've chosen a location, outline a 6'x8' area with a garden hose to define your pond. Stand back and examine the location from different vantage points. Will it be visible from your back deck, kitchen window or wherever you plan on admiring your pond?
3. Koi Pond Size
Your pond size is aesthetic as well as a maintenance issue. The larger the pond the more maintenance. The minimum size pond is a 1000 gallon ( 5'x6'x4'D) A 1500 gallon ( 7'x9'x4'D) allows for fish growth. A 2500 gallon ( 12'x7'x4'D) is an optimum size for a growing enthusiast.
4. Koi Pond Safety
The minimum depth should be no less than 3 feet. This should keep you koi from predators. Raccoons and larger birds should not cause a trouble at this depth.
5. Koi Pond Population
These beautiful small koi you stock your pond with will grow. Koi usually grow to 6" to 8" in one year, and 24" to 36" in 7 to 10 years. The average life expectancy is 20 years. Depending on water quality and pond maintenance, they have been known to live 40 years. Don't overpopulate your pond and allow room for growth.
6. Pond Climate Zones
The depth of your pond depends on your climate the frost line in your area. The frost line is usually between 3' to 5'.Your pond needs to be 18" to 24" below the frost line. Your local nursery will have this information.
7. Koi Pond Design
A pond with a flat bottom will require more maintenance as well as not provide a place for your fish to hide. A good design would be like a watermelon cut in half lengthwise. The bottoms slow curvature will lend to debris funneling to filtration. An advantageous design the aforementioned design with a convex center area with a deeper area on either side. This design looks good and would help ensure a healthy environment and aiding in debris reaching your drains.
8. Koi Pond Plant
Plants add beauty and aid in a healthy eco-system for your koi. Plants absorb nitrates that will build up in your pond without them. Plants should be placed on small 1'x 1'sheves at either end of you pond. The shelf should be 2' to 2 1/2' deep to discourage predators.
9. Koi Pond Maintenance
A well designed pond will require about an hour of maintenance a week. You will need to test the water, feed the fish, and change filters etc. You would need to make time and set up your routine.
10. Koi Pond Aeration
You would need to provide aeration for a healthy environment for your koi. One way is to buy a beautiful fountain, which will add oxygen to the pond. Another idea would be to build a tiered waterfall out of stone. Both these ideas will provide healthy eco-system for your koi, and add beauty to your pond.
11. Koi Pond Water Quality
Your koi pond's design and water quality are the two most important factors in a successful koi pond. Remember that koi are 90% water. Water quality is dependent on filtration. Your systems turnover rate should be set at two hours. Turnover rate is the amount of time it takes for your pond volume to travel through the system. Your turnover rate will also determine the residence time in the filter chamber. Two minutes is best for the bio filter to strip out contaminants.
12. Koi Pond Construction and Cost
The two main construction methods are concrete and rubber liner.
Concrete is a more permanent option which add to your property value. The advantages are smooth walls which aid in maintenance and durability. The disadvantages are a ph that is higher than normal and cost factors. Cost estimates for a small pond can range between 00 to 00 depending on your market. It is best to get estimates from professionals in the pool industry.
Rubber liner construction is not as permanent but less costly. The advantages are that you can change your design if you need to and it's easier to work with. It's the choice of the do it yourself builders. The disadvantages are it's less permanent and the liner may leak after a few years. Cost estimates for a small pond can range between 0 to 00.
Water quality and the proper design are the key elements to building a successful koi pond. You now know the 12 most important tips in planning your project. Using this information will take the fear out of your endeavor. You can now tackle the project yourself , or be able to talk confidently to any professional you hire.
