Tips for Koi Ponds

Goldfish and koi are especially popular for use in outdoor ponds because they do not require heated water like most tropical fish and they can grow to be very large if given adequate space. A koi pond can be as simple or extravagant as you want it to be, but keep in mind that the larger the pond, the more work you will have to put into its upkeep.

  1. Do it Yourself

    • Digging your own koi pond is the best way to create a custom pond that will blend with the landscaping of your yard and provide for your koi. Creating your own pond is not difficult as long as you research the proper way to do so. You can make custom ponds using pre-shaped pond molds or by laying down pond liner in a dug-out hole with an under-pond layer to keep it watertight. One of the benefits of creating your own pond is that you have complete control over the size, shape and placement.

    Location

    • Exercise caution in deciding the placement of a koi pond. Select a location near to the house for easy access to electricity in case you decide to use filters or heaters. Choosing a location that does not get too much direct sunlight will keep your pond from overheating and may also help keep the growth of algae down. Dig your pond into a patch of level ground, not at the bottom of a hill or slope on which a garden is planted. Pesticides and fertilizers from the garden may run downhill to the pond and harm your fish.

    Size

    • One of the major benefits of choosing an outdoor pond over an indoor aquarium is that there are fewer size limitations. When it comes to outdoor ponds, bigger is better because more space means that you will be able to comfortably keep more fish and those fish will have more room to swim. Goldfish and koi are very active swimmers and they thrive best in an environment that gives them adequate space to do so. Larger ponds also have the benefit of having a larger water volume, which helps to keep the water quality more stable.

    Filtration and Aeration

    • As with an indoor fish tank, filtration and aeration is important for outdoor koi ponds. Pond filters are required to keep the water flowing and to remove waste products from the water. The ideal pond filter will be large enough to turn the entire volume of pond water twice per hour. In addition to requiring a great deal of space, goldfish and koi also have high requirements for oxygen content in the water. Aerating and agitating the pond water with streams, fountains or aeration devices can help to replenish the oxygen in the water.

    Feeding

    • Proper feeding is not only important to the growth and wellness of your koi but it can also affect the pond itself. Uneaten food will decompose and can foul pond water if you do not have an adequate filtration system. It is important to feed your koi no more than they need and to feed them seasonally appropriate foods. Consult your local pet store or pond supply store to explore the different types of foods that are best for use during each season.