A Koi Pond Paradise

A beautiful koi pond can make any yard complete.  But you don’t want to start digging your pond until you know exactly where you want to put it and why.  Once a koi pond is built it is a LOT harder to move than it is to put it in the correct place to begin with.  We have come up with five things to consider when building a koi pond:

Terrain

You can’t always change what is already there.  For example, a koi pond dug out of rocks may not be the best option.  A lot of people think they want the pond in one place but when they take a good look around, they realize another space is better.  It is better to work with the environment than against it.  It may even work to put a pond in the front yard or side year instead of the back yard.  Don’t be nervous to change your plans due to your surroundings.  And remember, natural steep inclines are beautiful places for a waterfall.

Sun vs. shade

This can be a tricky one, as there are advantages to both.  Think about your yard in the summer.  Is it heavily shaded or full sun?  Or some of both?  A shaded koi pond is beautiful but can add extra leaf debris.

A water feature in full sun may be less susceptible to leaf debris, but algae can thrive in these conditions even with adequate filtration. Adding a string algae elimination system and/or an auto doser can help.

Remember, too, that your fish will want a break from the summer sun’s heat. Incorporate aquatic plants to cover some of the surface or install a fish cave to provide respite from the sun. A balance of sun and shade is a good thing, and you probably want to create your feature where it will get at least a little bit of both.  Another way to deal with a lot of sun is to have the right balance of plants in the pond.  A nice amount of plants will help keep the pond and fish cool all summer long.

Koi Pond Budget

As you plan your budget, don’t forget everything in the koi pond that you may need.  Especially if you are building the pond yourself, there is a lot to consider. Not just water and tools, but your filtration system, rock, liner, pump and more. And don’t forget to budget in money for landscaping around the pond.  A pond looks best when it works with its surroundings, not when it stands out on its own.

Koi Pond Filtration

A healthy pond needs filtration! Mechanical and biological filtration components remove suspended debris and excess algae that cause toxic gases like ammonia.

A skimmer will protect the pond pump, which helps keep the water circulating. Beneficial bacteria will cultivate in areas of your filtration like in the media mats.

Rocks and gravel in the pond provide places for beneficial bacteria to live, too. In turn, these bacteria help keep the water clear of fish waste and organic debris. Finally, aquatic plants will absorb nutrients that algae feed on and will release oxygen into the water. This keeps the fish in your koi pond happy.

Here to help!

Regardless of what you decide to do with your ecosystem pond, AquaLife Ponds can help.  We can help you design, build and maintain whatever water feature you decide is best for you. Contact us for more information.