Creating a Koi Pond: Everything You Need to Know
Koi carps are particularly noble pond inhabitants with very high demands and there are a number of things you need to consider when building your koi pond. Here is everything you need to know to make sure your fish are happy and healthy.
Koi carp: noble and demanding pond fish
Koi carps are considered a status symbol, especially in Japan. Four to five-digit purchase prices are not uncommon. These attractive animals have long since developed into popular pond fish in our country as well.
Through targeted breeding, Koi are now available in around 16 different main varieties with more than 100 subforms, which shine in countless shades of colour from red to black to gold and silver.
Under good living conditions, koi carp can reach a length of 80 to 100 centimetres and can live up to 60 years. In individual cases Nishikigoi even reach an age of more than 100 years.
Building a koi pond: in the beginning is the planning
Before you can start creating your koi pond, you should take some time to plan. After all, building a koi pond involves an effort that should not be underestimated, and especially when building a koi pond, it is important to consider all essential points from the very beginning.
Of particular importance in this context are the location where you want to build the koi pond and the required size of the pond basin.
The right place to create a koi pond
Choosing the right place is the first important decision you need to make before you build your koi pond. Koi carps feel most comfortable when they are not exposed to the sun all day long.
For this reason, you should plan your koi pond so that it is at least partly in shade. Keep in mind, however, that falling leaves from trees in the immediate vicinity of the pond can make cleaning more difficult and affect the water quality.
If local conditions allow, we therefore recommend that you place your koi pond near your home. In this way you will provide sufficient shade and always have a good view of your Koi carp. In addition, a location close to your house makes it easier for you to connect the necessary technology for your koi pond.
Koi carps need a lot of space
Koi carps are demanding and require a sufficiently large water basin. How big you have to build your koi pond depends mainly on the planned fish stocking.
As a minimum size you should calculate with a capacity of 5.000 litres for your koi pond and add 1.000 litres for each additional fish. The pond tank should also have a water depth of at least 1.5 metres, so that your Koi have enough freedom of movement and can hibernate in it without any problems.
In principle, of course, you should make your koi pond as large as possible. The more space your fish have, the more comfortable they will feel in their habitat. You can also increase the stocking in a sufficiently large tank at a later date.
The right tank for your koi pond
There are various options available for creating your koi pond. The most uncomplicated and cheapest option is the use of a simple pond liner.
Alternatively, you can also build your koi pond with a concrete basin covered with foil or use a plastic pond shell. This is more expensive, but it pays off in terms of stability and the life span of your newly built koi pond.
With regard to the shape, it is advisable to avoid corners and sharp edges. This is because corners are difficult to clean and edges carry the risk of your precious Koi carp being injured.
A round or oval basin is therefore ideal for building a koi pond that is as safe and easy to maintain as possible.
Pump and filter system for the koi pond
Pond fish spend their entire lives in the water basin provided for them. They not only eat in it, but also do their business there. To prevent the spread of diseases and parasites, it is therefore important to ensure good water quality.
This is especially true for Koi carp, which are very sensitive in this respect. A powerful filter system should therefore not be missing when building a koi pond. In order to ensure good water quality, a combination of a pond pump and mechanical and biological filters has proven to be a good solution.
If in doubt, we recommend that you install a somewhat stronger filter system when building your koi pond. This is because a possibly necessary upgrade of the filter system is very complex and expensive afterwards.
Water plants in the koi pond
Aquatic plants are a useful addition that will enhance the appearance of your koi pond and help to improve the quality of the water. In addition, your Koi carp can use the planting as a spawning aid and retreat into the shade of the aquatic plants if necessary.
Koi are omnivores and will not stop at the plants in their environment and you should therefore either choose particularly robust water plants, such as water lilies, or plan the planting in such a way that the fish cannot reach it.
High-quality koi food ensures a long life
Creating the koi pond and placing the fish in it is of course not enough. In order to give your Nishikigoi a long and healthy life, it is essential to ensure good living conditions and an optimal supply.
Apart from regular monitoring of the water quality, this also includes a need-based nutrition with high-quality products such as the Koi food from KI-JA-KO.
Whether special koi food for the autumn, for your youngsters or to support the immune system - in our range you will find everything you need to feed your precious and demanding koi carps.
With the easily digestible premium food from KI-JA-KO you support the healthy development of your Koi from an early age and at the same time avoid unnecessary pollution of the water in your self-created Koi pond.
Creating a koi pond: the most important things at a glance
As you can see, there are some things you need to consider when creating a koi pond. The better you succeed in meeting the needs of future pond inhabitants, the longer you will enjoy your noble Koi carp.
Pay particular attention to the following points when building your koi pond:
- The koi pond should be partly in the shade to protect the fish from too much sun.
- A minimum volume of 5,000 litres as well as 1,000 litres for each additional fish ensures sufficient space.
- A water depth of at least 1.5 metres allows the Koi carp to hibernate.
- A powerful filter system keeps the water in the koi pond clean.
- Robust water plants enhance the appearance of the pond and contribute to a good water quality.
Our conclusion about building a koi pond
Creating a koi pond is certainly not one of the easiest tasks in garden design. But the high effort is worth it. Because a well-planned koi pond enriches every garden and allows you to enjoy the sight of the beautiful fish every day.
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