How to Enlarge a Koi Pond

As a novice Koi pond keeper, it's easy to make plenty of mistakes. Luckily, fish and plants are forgiving. One big mistake is in not allowing enough room for tiny friends (who aren't so tiny any more) to grow and thrive. After a while, you may realize that you've just got to have a bigger pond.

Things You'll Need

  • Shovel
  • Airstone
  • Container large enough for current Koi pond contents
  • Water
  • Larger liner
  • Larger filtration system
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Instructions

    • 1

      Draw up a plan for your current Koi pond. You may actually need to grade your yard in such a manner that you actually build up the area around your pond to reduce the amount of runoff you are getting, or install a drain to divert excess runoff.

    • 2

      Measure the pond to make sure it is deep enough. Go to the local koi pond supply store and buy a larger liner and a larger pump.

    • 3

      Dig around your current koi pond using the plan you drew up in Step 1. Dig enough to accommodate the new larger liner and larger pump.

    • 4

      Capture all of your koi fish and remove the plants. Place in a large cooler (or similar container) with your present pond water to keep them alive while you enlarge your koi pond.

    • 5

      Completely drain your koi pond.

    • 6

      Remove the old liner and filter system.

    • 7

      Place in your new liner and filter system. Refill pond with appropriate water levels and chemicals.

    • 8

      Allow enlarged koi pond to process and run the water through for 24 hours.

    • 9

      Return fish, water and plants that are in the cooler to your pond.