How do i go about building a Koi pond???

Question

We have lots of koi fish, also a show room that needs some color and tranquility. Please if you have some guidelnes on how to go about it. Thanx yours truly Rina

Answer 1

There are many things to consider. One of the main ones being where the location of the pond is. An outdoor pond will need protection from predators and from strong sunlight, as well as from the cold in Winter. My recommendation would be some sheltering plants, such as lilly pads or water hyacinths, which would provide the fish somewhere to hide under when need be. With an indoor pond, you will still need to make sure your fish are properly protected so as they do not get too hot (or cold) so I would recommend a water thermometer in either case.

After finding a suitable location, the next step is to decide whether you want a raised, partially sunk or fully sunk pond. Each provide their own advantages and disadvantages. A raised pond, a pond that is built on top of the ground rather than being buried, is an excellent way to display fish. It also has the benefit of allowing you to have a raised wall to sit on, as well providing a barrier to prevent other pets or children from falling in. There is however the possibility of a heating problem in the pond, however this is unlikely as Koi tend to be quite hardy.

Partially raised ponds also provide the same benefits as fully raised ponds, but also need some degree of digging. Many keepers prefer them as they find it looks slightly more natural in the homes or gardens. Even though typically your outer walls would be lower with a partly raised pond, you can still extend them further with decorative rocks for extra protection and height.

Fully sunk ponds however do not provide a barrier in the same sense, so take some precaution if you have small children or inquisitive pets. They do have the benefits or not only looking more natural, but also providing natural warmth for the fish. You can still protect the pond with border plants or a small fence if you need to, but this type of pond will require considerable digging to construct.

The next step is deciding on whether you want a preformed plastic pond or to build your own using a pond liner. In any case, there are some steps to take to ensure a long pond life. Firstly, you must map out the area of the pond using string to go around the area (if you have a plastic tub, you can place this on the ground and remove it when you've plotted it). From here, you can excavate the area. You must make the area dug out 5cm wider than the pond and 5cm deeper than the pond depth. Most ponds have shelves for plants, so don't forget to include these dimensions when digging.

After you have done this, evenly layer in 5cm of damp sand along the bottom of the excavation as well as the shelves. Use a spirit level to make sure it is all level and correct. From here, you can place or lay the pond into the area.

You can now begin gradually adding water into the pond, while also filling in any gaps between the pond and the hole with top soil, while also keeping it level.

It is usually recommended that you wait 7 days before you add any slabs or rocks to the pond edge, as this allows the pond to settle in with the weight of the water.

You will also need a pump and filter to keep your water clean for your fish. It is also commonly recommended that you wait between 3-4 weeks before you add your fish to an installed pond, as it allows time for the filter to mature and for plants to get established. Also remember to introduce your fish gradually and to test your water regularly with a test kit.

I hope I've provided enough information to get you well on your way to having a beautiful new pond. If there's anything else you need to know, your local pond specialists should be able to help.

Answer 2

A big question. I guess my question, for clarification, is, do you want the pond in the room that needs some color?