So You Want to Build a Koi Pond…

If you want to keep koi as a hobby, you should also make plans to build a koi pond. Although you may initially keep your fish in an aquarium while they’re still small, you’ll soon find that they have outgrown the tank and you must move them to a pond. Besides, koi are meant to be enjoyed from the top; they are not as attractive when viewed from the side. So, how do you go about building a koi pond? There are a few questions you need to ask yourself.

First, determine how many koi fish you intend to keep. Remember, koi grow fast. The average full length of a mature koi is 30 to 32 inches. And they propagate. You’ll have to make your pond big enough to accommodate the adult koi and their young (unless you’re bent on keeping your numbers “as is” meaning, any offspring will have to go).

It is said that koi can grow only as much as the space will allow them to. However, limited space can stunt koi growth; your fish will grow short and fat, and way below the standard koi looks. Consider how much space is available for you to build a koi pond. Of course, the rule is “the bigger, the better.” Experts advise a minimum depth of 3 feet to 6 feet at the deepest area. A wide surface area is also recommended to get more oxygen into the water.

Next questions are:  Who will build your koi pond? Are you doing it yourself? Do you have the know-how? Can you easily follow the technical instructions assuming you buy a DIY koi pond building kit? If you are hiring professionals, then get people who know how to build koi ponds. Do not hire any landscape contractor or  swimming pool builder without knowledge of koi pond requirements. They might ignore the need to round the corners and contour the bottom of your pond. These are only two of the many details that the pond builder should be particular with, and which only an experienced professional would know.

To build a koi pond is a serious endeavor. You have to consider technical issues pertaining to infrastructure, water quality, density, etc. Do not forget the aesthetics. When built correctly, your koi pond will give you endless hours of pleasure watching your fish grow to be beautiful and healthy.