Koi Pond - How to start one?

Question

I want to start a Koi pond but do not know how. What all do I need? What is the best filter to get ?

Answer 1

Pond fish are wonderful, but as was mentioned getting a book to help you figure out what you want as far as type of pond and what fits in with your life will save you headaches in the long run.

You will have to decide if you want a preformed pond, and what size. 120 gallon is standard for outdoor ponds, however they come in many sizes. You may wish to go at it by using a liner and digging your own pond. Again, knowing your land and where you wish to keep the pond is the best ammo you can have.

If you are in a colder weather climate, you may prefer to have a pond which is a bit deeper (3" or better for your fish to winterize.

You will first need either a preform or a liner and a plan

Once you have established a plan, if uner 700 gallons, a beckley 700 is a great pump. Allows for a fountain and a waterfall with equal pressure, adjustable and a great filter.

It really isn't as much or as hard as everyone makes it seem. A good pond can take less than two months-3 months to establish, even with just goldfish.

A couple of good sites to figure out what it is you want how you want it and how to get it. Your pond can be in full sun, shade (which has its flaws) and if ever you need help just email and I will help. Welcome!
www.watergarden.com/pages/build_wg.html
www.koifishponds.com/building.htm
www.happykoi.co.za/1.%20all%20about%20koi%20and%20koi%20keeping/index_how_to_build_a_koi_pond.htm

Answer 2

Well first you need a pond. That would be useful. You can get the body or the actual pond @ home depot, it is black. That is the lining of your pond. Next you basically just dig a large hold to fit this lining and put the lining in. You need a thermometer and filter. A filter is also @ home depot. I had a filter the circulated water while filtering, this adds a small fountain in the center. Of course add water and treat it with conditioners and dechlorinators. Add plants that aren't harmful to koi fish. Check out petsmart or petco for your very own koi after the pond has been running for at least two days. Only get the amount that fits your pond size, these fish do grow large. Continue maintenance and don't forget to feed your beautiful koi!!!!

Answer 3

Koi ponds are great!!! A good way to start is buy a kit! At Home Depot or Lowes in the garden section you can get a kit with everything you need to start a pond. Ask an employee at the store for help on picking the right pond kit. Okay now for the koi, First you should find someone who sells koi, like a breeder in your area. They will be able to help you pick out the proper koi, and how to care for them. One more thing, I'm not sure where you live, but you need to protect your pond, from hungry animals like raccoons, herons, cats...ect. After you get the fish you should put screen over you pond, like made of chicken wire, so raccons cant eat your fish. Ask your koi supplier for help. O one more thing! Your pond will soon become a home for more the koi, frogs and turtle will soon live at your pond birds will even stop by for a drink, put up a bird house and feeder close by you'll have tons of guests soon!

Answer 4

As others here have suggested, a bit of research and reading will go a long way.

The prefabricated ponds at home/garden stores might support one full-sized fish. Koi can get to be 30+ inches each and should have a pond at least 24" deep. Conservative stocking rates recommend 1 fish per 100 gallons of water.

Goldfish might be a better choice for a smaller pond - shubunkin varieties are as colorful as koi and will get to be around 18", but if the pond isn't at least 18" deep and you live where the water could freeze over, you should have plans to bring them inside over the winter.

As far as a filter, the bigger the better. This needs to be planned around the volume of your pond, and water features you might want (waterfalls, fountains, etc.) to include both the distance the water will need to be pumped horizontally and vertically.

Answer 5

Before you buy the first item for your pond you really need to pick up a pond book and do a little research into it. The most important single thing you can do for a successful pond is to place it correctly in it's surroundings. Proper "siting", depth and attention to water flow and pump placement are critical to avoiding costly problems later on and there are many factors you will want to consider from hours of direct sunlight to over hanging trees to the question of a water fall feature and how it will integrate into the surrounding area. Planning in advace is the best thing you can ever do for your pond and will significantly increase your success rate. A big part of my job is assisting people with pond planning set-up and running. If I can help any further please feel free to email me.

MM

Answer 6

http://www.fishpondinfo.com/koi.htm#set

the link above Helped me when I set up mine...