How to Build a Koi Fish Pond
Japanese Koi fish have become increasingly popular since being bred in Japan almost 200 years ago.
Koi come in a variety of colors and if properly looked after, they can live for up to 35 years.
Choosing and maintaining the right pond is one of the most important considerations for any koi owner.
The ideal koi fish pond should be located in an area of your garden that provides both sun and shade at different times of the day - koi will also thrive in a pond that is between four and six feet deep.
The deep water helps to put off predators, as well as prevent a total freeze during winter.
You may have to cover the pond with netting, to keep out animals or small children.
Plants such as water lilies in your koi pond have several important functions.
They can help to provide additional shade, can help to minimize evaporation of the water and even prevent the fish from being sunburned.
Koi tend to dig at the roots of water plants, so you should protect them with rocks.
You should also try to locate your pond in a spot where falling leaves from trees isn't a problem.
Of course, the size of your pond is important, too.
Many koi owners find that a pond measuring around 12 by 16 feet is just the right size, allowing them to add more koi at some point without overcrowding.
A pond this size won't cost too much in maintenance and upkeep either.
Expect to pay at least $1,000 to have a pond this size professionally excavated for you.
A good quality pond liner is important for your koi pond and you should expect to pay around $30 per square foot.
Liner made from PVC is less expensive, although more likely to deteriorate.
A liner made from thick rubber will almost certainly last longer.
You will also need to buy such essential items as a filtration system, a good water pump and an ultraviolet sanitizer.
A koi pond isn't cheap - installing the right pond will probably cost several thousand dollars.
And once the pond is in place, the work of looking after your fish has only just begun - koi can be a lifelong commitment.
Koi come in a variety of colors and if properly looked after, they can live for up to 35 years.
Choosing and maintaining the right pond is one of the most important considerations for any koi owner.
The ideal koi fish pond should be located in an area of your garden that provides both sun and shade at different times of the day - koi will also thrive in a pond that is between four and six feet deep.
The deep water helps to put off predators, as well as prevent a total freeze during winter.
You may have to cover the pond with netting, to keep out animals or small children.
Plants such as water lilies in your koi pond have several important functions.
They can help to provide additional shade, can help to minimize evaporation of the water and even prevent the fish from being sunburned.
Koi tend to dig at the roots of water plants, so you should protect them with rocks.
You should also try to locate your pond in a spot where falling leaves from trees isn't a problem.
Of course, the size of your pond is important, too.
Many koi owners find that a pond measuring around 12 by 16 feet is just the right size, allowing them to add more koi at some point without overcrowding.
A pond this size won't cost too much in maintenance and upkeep either.
Expect to pay at least $1,000 to have a pond this size professionally excavated for you.
A good quality pond liner is important for your koi pond and you should expect to pay around $30 per square foot.
Liner made from PVC is less expensive, although more likely to deteriorate.
A liner made from thick rubber will almost certainly last longer.
You will also need to buy such essential items as a filtration system, a good water pump and an ultraviolet sanitizer.
A koi pond isn't cheap - installing the right pond will probably cost several thousand dollars.
And once the pond is in place, the work of looking after your fish has only just begun - koi can be a lifelong commitment.
Source...