How to Assemble a Koi Fish Farm

Koi originated in Japan and spread across the globe; the fish's various colors and domesticated temperament make it an ideal candidate for backyard ponds. A large market for koi exists in the U.S., and to get the pick of the crop you should start your own farm. Assembling your own koi fish farm ensures that you will get prime fish for your pond that will provide a steady income for years to come.

Things You'll Need

  • Financing
  • Digging tool
  • Pond tarp
  • Water pump
  • Aeration system
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the best location for the koi farm; consider a large area because koi can grow quickly. Locate the koi farm in a place with easy access to tap water from an existing stream or riverbed, ground well or municipal source.

    • 2

      Obtain the necessary funding for the farm in the form of a loan or partnership if a savings account is not accessible. A bank is not a traditional financial backer of koi farms because of the monetary risk involved; other backing options include grants or corporate partnerships.

    • 3

      Using a digging tool, dredge the area that has been selected for the farm. Dig the pond no less than 3 feet deep and as large as the property area and water supply will allow. Line the bottom of the dredged area with pond tarp if the soil has a low clay content to prevent the water from absorbing into porous soil and creating a dry water bed. According to a BBC gardening guide, if you can easily roll soil into a ball, and it stays that way, the soil has a high clay content.

    • 4

      Establish an aeration system to pump oxygen into the pond. Koi farmers typically use an underwater oxygen pump, but a manufactured waterfall will also suffice, provided that bubbles form when the water from the waterfall hits the surface of the pond. Install either a waterfall or an underwater oxygen pump according to the manufacturer's instructions, as directions will vary greatly depending on the model and style of the aeration system.

    • 5

      Use a water pump or water tanker truck if necessary to transport water to the pond from the source that you selected. You may need to obtain the proper permits if you are using water from a stream or river, so secure these well in advance. After the pond is filled, treat the water depending on the original water source. For instance, if you are using municipal tap water, you must treat the water to remove traces of chlorine. After you have treated the water, use the appropriate kits to test the pH level and nitrates in the water. If these tests come back out of line, you will need to perform additional treatments to bring the pH and nitrates down to levels safe enough for fish to live.