How to Build Protective Koi Caverns

A koi pond is a great addition to a home or business. The colorful fish are attractive to customers and make great pets. But if you have predators in the area, or you want to shelter your koi from the elements, you may want to include cavern structures to give you koi a safe haven.

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose your material. Koi cavern structures can be wooden, stone or any other sturdy material that can give the necessary shelter. Choose beautiful rocks for a more decorative structure.

    • 2

      Draw out an overall shape plan. Decide how much of your pond you want to keep open for visitors to see the koi and how high you want your cavern walls. The cavern walls should be completely submerged by the water.

    • 3

      Account for predators. Make sure the openings of your koi shelters are small enough to prevent wily cats, raccoons or other fish feeders from getting in.

    • 4

      Give koi access to the open pond area. Design your caverns with ample room for the largest of your koi to swim in and out of protective shelters.

    • 5

      Allow your koi direct access to sunlit areas. Keep part of the pond open to get sunlight in, your koi will not fare too well in total darkness.

    • 6

      Transplant koi for the duration of the project. Get all of the fish and any other living things out of the pond while you assemble your cavern structures. The fish can be impacted by the construction.