How to Assemble a Koi Pond

Outdoor ponds can be a beautiful addition to any garden or backyard. Adding fish such as koi to that pond can provide hours of entertainment. Koi fish are hardy, social and can live up to 30 years if cared for properly. Most of the products needed to build a koi pond are available at garden stores and pet stores. Plan ahead to create the best outcome for your koi pond. It is important not to leave any elements out.

Things You'll Need

  • Mechanical filter
  • Biological filter
  • Pond pump
  • Koi pond liner
  • Shovel
  • Concrete
  • Aquatic plants
  • Water
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Dig a hole for the koi pond. If the pond liner is pre-shaped molded plastic, the hole will have to fit the liner. Otherwise, the hole can be any shape you desire. A depth of about 4 feet is recommended to allow the koi to survive the winter and avoid predators.

    • 2

      Place the liner into the hole. There should be enough liner that excess can remain on the land surrounding the pond.

    • 3

      Create a collar of concrete around the edges of the pond to secure the liner in place and provide support for rocks, statues or other heavy decorations added later.

    • 4

      Install the filtration and pond pump devices according to the directions on each individual package. The reason for needing both a mechanical and biological filter is that one will remove larger debris that falls into the pond while the other will remove organisms like algae. The pump is necessary to aerate the water and create movement.

    • 5

      Fill the pond with water, and arrange the plants along the bottom. It will be easier to maintain the pond if the bottom is free of dirt or rocks. Choose aquatic plants that don't need to be planted, such as water lilies, to create a low-maintenance pond. Now you are ready to acclimate your koi to their new home.