Constructing a koi pond in your garden and home is a big step. Becoming a koi keeper is a rewarding hobby, but a responsibility as well. We have outlined the 10 things you should know before building a koi pond.
10 Things You Should Know Before Building a Koi Pond
What size should my koi pond be?
The size of your koi pond is determined by the amount of fish you plan on having in it. Its length, width, and depth depend on your fish count, but also on the space you can utilize in the pond. With a good water filtration system, you can have one koi per 100 to 200 gallons, which allows them to mature and reach their proper size.
Another factor you should take into consideration is your budget. Whether you need a quote for pond construction services, repair, consultation or just want to ask a simple pond related question, please let us know.
What do I feed my koi fish with?
Koi fish food needs to be nutritionally balanced to help their growth and health and to enhance their appearance. It also needs to be easily digestible so that it leaves minimal waste. The koi diet is highly demandable on proteins, amino acids, lipids, vegetables, and grains. A substandard koi food will put them at risk. Their diet also varies in different seasons and temperatures, as climate changes have a huge impact. You can read more about koi food here: What Do I Feed My Koi?
What is the best pH level for the koi pond?
The pH of a koi pond’s water is very important. It should be measured regularly using pH measurement kits. The pH scale goes from 1 to 14, where if the reading is below 7 the water is acidic and above 7 it is alkaline. The best reading for the water of your koi pond is 7.5 or more, as they thrive in alkaline pond water.
What is a good oxygen level for a koi pond?
Oxygen is more than important for fish. Like any other living creature, they cannot survive without enough oxygen. Aerating a koi pond is crucial if your fish is to live and thrive. Aeration pumps, diffuser stones, and waterfalls are beneficial for the oxygenation of the koi pond. The oxygen level you should aim at is from 7mg/L to 9 mg/L.
How do I achieve a balanced koi pond?
The balanced water conditions of the koi pond depend on several different factors, and you should control all of them in order to prevent the algae from polluting your pond’s water and endangering your fish. To control algae you must limit the nutrients and sunlight in your pond. For that reason, we equip koi ponds with custom designed biological filtration systems that will help you keep a natural and balanced koi pond.
What are the water filtration basics of the koi pond?
There are two types of pond filtration systems–mechanical and biological, but ponds aren’t limited to these alone. Since it’s a man-made water feature, its filtration does require human input. The filtration systems and regular maintenance are of utmost importance for all aquatic life in your pond. The biological filtration system dissolves the nutrients and other similar organic waste, while the mechanical filtration system is made of the following several parts:
Pond bottom drains – Remove or filter the organic matter, thus reducing the count of maintenance chores.
Pond skimmers – Remove all floating debris and reduce the risk of decaying matter in the pond.
Pond pumps and valves – Create the water circulation of the pond. They are what controls the water levels, flow, and isolation.
Pond fine filtration – The fine filtration and solid particles filters are what keeps the water clear and serve as a pump clogging prevention.
Pond UV filtration and sterilization – Simply put, they control the algae and bacteria growth and accumulation. They prevent your water from turning green and ammonia levels from endangering your fish.
What is the best water temperature for my koi pond?
Water temperature obviously has a huge impact on the overall health of your pond. The temperature plays a big role in the dissolved oxygen and ammonia levels. Koi are by nature a cold water fish and can handle living in temperatures from 35°F to 85°F. However, the best temperature for Koi is 65°F to 75°F and it’s highly advisable to avoid any temperature swings.
What aquatic plants can I put in the koi pond?
Although there are koi enthusiasts and hobbyists who would not put any plants in their ponds, for various arguments, many choose to decorate them with some aquatic plants. There are three types of aquatic plants that include floating, potted and drifting varieties. Most plant their ponds with water lilies, hyacinths, arrowheads, and cannas. Plants are a good way to oxygenate a pond, and they also feed on the same nutrients as fish, helping you minimize waste. Some plants will also provide protection from predators and a shady place for the fish to rest.
Which fish can live in the koi pond?
Not everyone will put other fish in their koi pond, yet the fact is that there are some fish that will live harmoniously with your koi. Some of them will even help you keep the water clean by eating off the algae. The Japanese trapdoor snail is an aquatic creature meant to live with the koi carp and is a unique little helper. Some types of plecos or catfish will also dwell on the bottom of the koi pond and eat algae and waste. The koi can coexist in harmony with the goldfish and some other community type fishes. You may want to check out this list of fish that can live in a koi pond.
How to protect my koi fish from predators?
You can protect your koi from predators in several ways. The most important aspect for your koi’s protection is the way the pond is built. We always design and construct a koi pond with places for the fish to hide from predators. However, you should always check which are the free walking predators in your area. Among the more common ones are cats, raccoons, and herons. In which cases, ponds are protected with nets and scarecrows. The depth of the pond and the plants can also provide protection from predators.
