Building a Koi Fish Pond

One of the first steps in how to build a koi pond is to select the proper location. You will be able to enjoy the pond more if you install it close to the house. Select a location where you can see the pond year round. Keep in mind that ponds are great attracters of welcome wild life such as birds and butterflies and may also attract some unwelcome fish-eating visitors. Avoid locating the pond too close to trees as the falling leaves and other debris will create extra work in keeping the pond clean.

Shade only is fine if you only plan to keep fish, however if you would like to grow water lilies or other aquatic plants you will want to place your pond where it will receive at least four to six hours of direct sun. Do keep in mind that koi will limit the amount of plant life you will be able to grow as koi like to eat plants!

A Koi pond should be built up above ground, with the pond edge extending up at least six inches and you will be safer if the sides extend at least 18 inches above ground to keep the fish in the water as Koi can enjoy jumping for fun. It is very disheartening to come home and find a dry, stiff fish lying on the ground.

Your koi pond will need to be at least three feet deep and four to five feet would be even better. It is recommended that your pond be no less than 1000 gallons in capacity; the bigger the better. You may want to include a fountain or waterfall for added beauty as well as increased oxygenation of the water.

When you are planning how to build a Koi Pond. you should plan to spend as much as you can afford on water filtration equipment. Ideally you will want to get a bead filter system, however they can be expensive so a good quality bio-filter will work. Make sure you get one that will work best with the size of your pond.

Unless you have considerable landscaping experience, you might want to consider hiring a professional to build your pond. If you choose to build the pond yourself, you will probably want to get a pond kit. Make sure you set aside enough time to research the project and work carefully. If your pond is not properly built, you will end up spending a lot more money fixing the problems that arise along the way. And worse, you pond may not even be able to sustain your koi fish.

To learn more visit my website at How to build a Koi Pond.