A pond can transform your yard into an oasis. It can be the center of attention with other supporting features surrounding it or it can play a supporting role in the overall landscaping.  The key is to take the time to plan and design the pond so that the finished product compliments its surroundings.

 

 A few questions should be considered when planning and designing your pond:

​

1) What do you want from your pond?

​

2) Would you like fish in the pond?

​

3) Will there be plants in the pond? A water garden. 

​

4) Are you okay if animals, frogs and turtles, live in your pond? This will determine the chemicals to be used in the water

​

5) would like additional features in your pond?  This includes fountains, a flowing stream feeding or leaving the pond, waterfalls, etc…

Ponds can be constructed with the future in mind. Additional features may be added in the future when taken into consideration during the planning stage.

 

6) How will you get electricity to your pond - and how much electricity will you need? Pond filters and pumps, waterfalls and fountains, and low voltage lighting all require   

    electricity.  So, depending on the components involved in your overall design, you may need multiple circuits.  We recommend discussing the project with a qualified 

    electrician during the planning stage to confirm the electrical requirements

 

A Koi Pond Can Transform Your yard into Your Hobby

Let's Go Fishing!

​

A koi pond is a different sort of backyard water feature.  Fish require feeding as well as a carefully controlled aquatic environment.  Unlike most backyard projects, this one requires on going effort after the installation is complete.  But the extra effort can be quite rewarding.  While not quite like a new puppy, taking care of koi and the pond they live in is a great hobby for many people.  The pond and the fish are great additions to nearly any backyard.  A koi pond is always beautiful, as are the fish.  They are fun to watch and the care is not overwhelming by any means.  Just be aware that this is not a "build it and forget it" sort of a project.

​

A water garden is a pond that emphasizes plants, although goldfish are often added.  A koi pond emphasizes the fish.  Koi are brightly colored fish that reach two feet or more in length.  The most common varieties are white and reddish orange but there are black, yellow and even green varieties.  Koi were originally bred in Japan.

​

Careful planning is especially important if you are considering a koi pond.  You need to design it to blend into and beautify your backyard, but you also have to keep in mind that you are designing a biological ecosystem.  Your fish will thrive if the pond is designed and installed correctly.  If it isn't...well, adios fishy.

 

 

Planning Your Koi Pond:

​

Large fish need room to swim.  So plan the size of your koi pond accordingly.  Determine how much of your yard you can dedicate to a pond, and determine how much money you can budget to the project (including filtration, pumps, fish, plants, etc.).  Then build the largest pond you can build within those parameters.  A minimum should be 1000 gallons with a minimum surface area of about 140 square feet.  Some portion of the pond needs to be at least 3 feet deep, although 4 to 6 feet deep is better.  It is recommended that a minimum length of 12 feet be used.  You may be able to make a slightly smaller size work, but it is not ideal.  Koi growth is not limited by the size of the pond.  They will still get big, even in a small container.  If they don't have adequate room, their health will suffer.

​

What about plants?  

 

Koi eat plants, so be careful with your choices.  Floating plants as well as underwater grasses are likely to become fish food.  Still, plants are important for the overall health of your pond, and they make the area much more appealing aesthetically as well.  You will have better luck with certain plants in locations that are not as easily accessible by the fish.  That's one of the reasons that a shallow shelf around the edge of the pond is a good idea.  The use of gravel weighted aquatic plant baskets may also make it harder for the koi to eat your plants.  You can also have an area of heavy foliage in a part of your pond that is separate from the fish area if you have room.  (TIP: Be sure you can reach the entire surface of your pond with a net - for cleaning leaves off the surface)

​

A koi pond should be located in partial shade.  Note the partial part. Your pond will need some sun and some shade.  However, avoid placing your pond too close to trees, especially hardwoods.  You'll have to contend with falling leaves in autumn.  Also, large trees have large roots and those large roots can cause large problems with your pond.  If necessary, you can create some of your own shade with an arbor or a trellis.  If you can't avoid falling leaves, a leaf net over your koi pond will help in the fall.  You'll need a net to remove any leaves or other debris that falls into the pond at least daily during that time of the year, in addition to keeping the skimmer filters cleaned off.  Leaves that decay in the water will adversely affect the nitrogen balance in the water, potentially harming your fish.