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Here are some tips if you are planning on building your own pond!
 
Pond construction/designs basically fall into 4 categories:
  • Preformed rigid ponds (small, easy to install and maintain)  
  • Liner ponds/water gardens with rocks and gravel (natural-looking)  
  • Traditional bottom-drain koi ponds (can support dense fish populations, for the serious koi enthusiast)    
  • Combinations and hybrids
 
You can build your own liner pond!  Components or kits are available at Harper’s Garden Center.  For how-to information, you may want to check out this video on Aquascape’s website.
 


 

Here are some Do's and Dont's of pond ownership:
 
Do!
  1. Clean your pond in the spring and shut it down properly in the fall.
  2. Feed your fish once or twice a day. Preferably always at the same time. 
  3. Keep your pond aerated and filtered 24 hours a day. 
  4. Keep your pond clean of debris on the bottom. 
  5. Periodically test your pond water (pH, Ammonia etc.) especially after adding fresh water. 
  6. Watch carefully for anchor worms or other parasites. 
  7. Use a chlorine remover whenever adding fresh tap water. 
  8. It is a good idea to have on hand a spare tank to use to treat sick or injured koi. Remember to aerate and filter your "hospital tank". 
  9. Periodically clean the pond filter. Most filters should be cleaned at least twice a year even though the water looks clear. There is no such thing as a filter that never need cleaning! 
  10. Change approx 1/4 of your pond water monthly to introduce fresh un-chlorinated water for your Koi's good health. 
  11. Construct your pond so that the water level is at least 2' deep for Koi. 
  12. Shade your pond (80% is ideal) to inhibit algae growth, promote and maintain vibrant colour of your Koi and keep water temperatures cool. 
  13. Keep a spare air pump or water pump on hand for emergencies. If the pump stops, do not feed the Koi. 
 
Don't! 
  1. Overfeed! Avoid those "feed me" Koi eyes and do not give into feeding your Koi constantly. They receive plenty of nutrients on the plants and algae in the pond. 
  2. Do not change all the water in the pond at once. Sudden water temperature changes and ph levels can adversely affect your Koi. 
  3. Avoid the temptation of overcrowding! Remember your Koi require more oxygen and more room as they grow larger. 
  4. Do not keep the water level too close to the top edge of your pond as your fish may jump out or predators may have an easy time catching them. Allow at least 6" of clearance.       
 


 
Also check out our other pond help pages for tips how to: