Ins and outs of koi pond setup?

Question

My dad is on a "let's make the yard pretty" kick, and a koi pond has weedled it's way into the picture. Problem is that we have NO idea of even where to start.

Should we get one f those plastic ponds or a pond liner? How big would it need to be to support half a dozen koi?

What do we need to know before we really get started?

And, a big important question, where do quality koi come from? I don't THINK the petstore would have them, and if hey did I deffinantly don't think they'd be very healthy.

Answer 1

Go with a pond liner. They are easier to use and last longer, especially if you live in a climate with temperature extremes (the UV rays and freezing, etc., can damage the rigid plastic over time - EPDM liners rarely have that problem).

You will need to use an underlayment to keep the liner from getting punctured by tree roots and rocks and things. You can buy it, or use a thick (4"+) layer of sand, or, my personal favorite, carpet pad.

I personally think free-form shapes look better than perfect circles or rectangles, but that's up to you. You can experiment with the shape by laying your garden hose out in the approximate dimensions of your pond. You will probably err on the side of too small - I read something somewhere once that said most pond owners wish they would have made their pond larger within a year or two of putting one in (happened to me - we started with 500 gallons for our first one, then went up to 3,000 a year later!).

Once you're satisfied with the size and shape, dig your hole, put down your underlayment, and put the liner down on top. It helps to let it warm up in the sun first - the warmth makes it more pliable. Start filling it up with water (use culinary water - irrigation water has all kinds of bugs and critters in it that can ultimately cause sickness and injury to your fish). Smooth out the liner as it fills, trying to avoid as many folds, wrinkles, etc., as possible.

DO NOT USE A SUMP PUMP. They have the power to move water OK, but they are filled with oil. If you have a pump go out, or a seal crack, or whatever, your pond will be filled with oil, too, and it will kill everything - plants, fish, beneficial bacteria, etc. - you have. Splurge on a good filter system and a pump made for ponds. When in doubt as to size, type, etc., over-filtration is always best. Maintaining good water quality is the secret to maintaining healthy fish.

You can order koi over the internet - just "google" koi and you will find dozens of suppliers, of all sizes and colors. They can be expensive, however. Lots of garden centers and nurseries now carry koi, as well, and they can be higher quality than what you would find in a pet store but not exorbitantly priced like show koi via the internet. It's a good "medium" place to start.

I hope you guys enjoy your new koi pond. I love mine! Koi have so much more personality than goldfish, and are so much smarter - I would never go back to keeping goldfish after keeping koi for the last five years.

One last thing - check out www.koivet.com. It's the best resource I have found for answering questions about the general care of koi.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

You need to do alot of research. HGTV.com is good. I watched "Weekend Wariors" for a long time before doing mine and read everything I could. Pre-formed may seem easier but actually can be more difficult because you need to dig the hole exactly the size of the pond. I recommend the best quality pond liner you can find. My pond was dug free form and is 4' deep and about 8' around. They say Koi need at least 4' deep but alot depends on where you are and how cold it gets in Winter and if you are going to use a heater in Winter.
Mine has 3 waterfalls and a meandering stream going into the pond. The stream and waterfalls aerate the pond. You also need plants for the fish to have shade.
You wouldn't belive the wildlife it attracts right outside my door!
Do alot of research so you do not wast time and money.

Answer 3

pick a spot that you want the pond located.in the center off to one side where ever.then plan the rest of your yard pretty around it. a pond liner will be more cost efficient, you can design your pond how ever you want. just keep in mind that you want it at least 36 inches in the middle.my pond is 12 by 10 and about 39 in the middle, I have about 40 fish in mine, goldfish, koi, and shabonkins. you can get good quality koi from Earl May or a store of that sort. Or if you live near a koi farm go there. You will pay a good price for your koi but they are worth it. Goldfish I get from Walmart or any pet store. Keep in mind to have a good filter ration system as well as a good pump. I have found that sump pumps are the best pump for water gardens, they last longer and take the abuse of running 24/7. Have fun and Good luck !!!!!!!!!

Answer 4

Mandy, Here is a very good link with basic info and also in this link, is another one to a koi club that has good info. Building and maintaining a koi pond is a time consuming proposition. Your dad may get discouraged when he finds out just what is needed to do this project.. Hope this helps.
http://www.koifishponds.com/building.htm
http://www.pskoi.com/koi_ponds_101.htm

Billy Ray