If you want to keep koi, you will need to build them their habitat. It will be cruel to keep your koi fish in an aquarium because they can grow large and need ample space and depth to swim about. You need to build a koi pond water garden. With a well-planned and carefully designed koi pond water garden, you will be giving your fish a healthy environment where they can thrive and grow more beautiful as they grow older.

Designing Your Koi Pond

You will need to carefully plan the particular features of your koi pond water garden. The most common mistake of newbie koi keepers is making their pond way too small. If you do so, you will be limiting the number of fish and also plants that you can add into the water garden. According to professionals, the minimum volume capacity of a koi pond water garden has to be at the very least a thousand gallons. The depth has to be at least 3 feet however 4 to 5 feet depth are more ideal.

Beyond the volume capacity and depth, however, you will also have to be concerned about the surface area when finding out the stocking density of your pond. Koi are large and need a lot of dissolved oxygen within the water. And, dissolved oxygen is found normally from the atmosphere at the pond's surface. Insufficient supply of oxygen will stress the fish and increase their chances of being sick.

If you cannot provide the required surface area, or if you intend to increase your koi population in the same pond, you can use a biofiltration system. Making use of waterfalls with small steps can also increase the oxygen levels in your koi pond water garden. More than just being functional, your waterfalls can also add aesthetic and audible beauty to your pond.

If you want to see more of your fish, keep away from a circular layout with a deep center. The koi will have a tendency to stay around the center and frequently at the bottom so you will not be able to observe them properly. An irregular pond shape is more desirable; keep the deepest areas of the pond within a few feet of the edge so you can see more of your fish.

Where to Set Your Koi Pond Water Garden

You can enjoy your pond more if it is constructed close to your home. Choose a location where you can view the pond all through the year. The pond must not be on the receiving end of runoff rain to prevent getting fertilizers, chemicals as well as biological debris into your pond water. See how you will have to change the topography to separate the pond.

Outdoor ponds usually draw in wildlife including predators such as herons, kingfishers, cats, raccoons, foxes as well as badgers. They can swiftly eat your fish and empty your pond. You will need to provide for overhangs over the water to prevent mammals from getting in. The depth of your pond will stop herons from standing in your pool. Your shade trees can protect your koi from the aerial view of predatory birds. If required, you may have to place string nets or wires above the outside of your koi pond water garden.