How to Create a Koi Fish Pond in Your Garden
Would you like to havea water pond for koi fish? Having these magnificent decorative fishin your gardenis an interesting hobbyand it is not as hardas you might think. With the right caredecorative koi fishlive for several year and even decadesand get very big in size. Follow these tipsto plan your fish pond properly so your koiwill live long and happy life.
Koi don’t like shallow ponds
Depth of your fish pondis crucial. You pond should be at least 4 feet deep, however it is recommendedto provide foryour fish six or even 8 feet deep pond. This will ensure that your koi are protected from raccoons, household catsand other animals dangerous to fish. Deeper fish pond also helps to maintain water temperaturein hottest days
Larger pond – happier fish
Small ponds are not suitablefor koi. Remember, with time your fishwill multiply and growand they will need a lot of room. Also there are so many color variations of koi, that as time goesyou will probably want to buy additional fish. So it is better to create a large pondfrom the start than rebuild it later. About ten thousand gallons is considered decent spacefor a koi garden pond , bigger would be even better.
Heat the waterin December-February
Unlike tropical fish, koi don’t suffer much fromcold; however you should never let your pond freeze all the way. Installing a proper garden pond heaterwill always keep an opening in the ice. Also keep in mind, that koi fishonly grow when the water is warm, so with a heater your fish will grow faster
Plan some shade for your koi
When selecting a spot for your pond, make sure it is out of direct sun. Also keeping water plants like water lilies in your pond can be very beneficial- not only they add beauty to the overall look of your pond, but they also provide shade for the fish. However, you should avoid building your koi pond in aria with many trees. Cleaning a fish pond of fallen leaves is no fun.
Keep the birds away
There are many birds of prey that would love to stealyour koi. Don’t give them the opportunity; plan your pond location so it is possible to protect it with a net.
Insectocides can kill your beautiful fish
When designing your pond keep in mind that you should not use any insecticides or herbicides near the water. Even a small amount of common garden poison can kill your beautiful fish.
Get proper equipment for your pond
Several accessories are nessesary for good health of your fish. Ideally you will have to invest intoa water pump, filtration system, water aeratorand an ultraviolet sterilizer. If the water in your pond is not moving, your koi might feel unwell. Koi pond filtration systems cost a lot, so if money is an issueyou can make your own homemade filters.

February 24, 2012 

