Unlike goldfish, koi can grow to be quite large. It is recommended that these fish be kept in groups of at least 3-4, as they don't do as well as solitary creatures. For these two reasons, a koi pond should be much larger than those designed for goldfish. To properly house this species, a pond should be at least 4-5 feet deep, maybe deeper if you live in areas that are prone to harsher winters. Building a pond that is too small is a common mistake that should be avoided.
The location of a koi pond is an important consideration that should be addressed before anything else. These fish generally should not be kept in a pond that is in constant, direct sunlight, as this can be detrimental. Therefore, finding a location with adequate shading is important. If you plan on maintaining aquatic plants as well, this shading should be balanced with enough sunlight for the plants to survive.
When planning a location for a koi pond, eliminating water runoff into the pond is essential. Water runoff from the average backyard will often contain fertilizer chemicals that can do a great deal of damage to your fish. Designing a pond often requires that landscaping modifications be made in order to keep this runoff from affecting the life in your pond.
Maintaining a koi pond often requires pumps and a filtration system. These are designed to reduce common contaminates like algae and bacteria. They also help to aerate the water, ensuring that there is adequate oxygen for both plants and fish. In addition, these pumps are often used to create artificial waterfalls, which add a nice touch to the average pond.
Installing a koi pond in your yard is a great home improvement project that can be done relatively easily. However, it is important to do some research ahead of time to make sure that you have the time and resources to properly build and maintain your pond. Doing so will ensure a lifetime of peaceful serenity.
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