Koi Pond Building
Where are you going to place your pond? You want your pond to be close to electricity to run your pumps and for heat in the winter. You don’t want your pond in direct sunlight because it will heat the water too much and your fish don’t like hot water. Shade is an issue because trees shed their leaves and contaminate the pond. The roots from the trees can also grow into your pond.
Now you need to decide what type of fish you want. Koi are very popular, but they can grow to 3 feet long. You would need a pretty large pond. Goldfish are smaller and they are just as hardy as koi.
The depth of the pond also needs to be planned. It should be deep enough to protect them from freezing and protect them from predators. It also need to allow plenty of room for your fish to swim.
You also need some type of ledges and or plants to help provide your fish shelter. Do a little research to figure out what type of plants are best for your area.
Ponds can be built with several types of materials. Concrete can be expensive and you have to test the water because of the lime in concrete. Premolded liners are fast and easy to set up, but are usually too small for koi. Flexible liners are great for different pond designs. It can be a lot of work and it will tear. Rubber liner comes in sheets and is made specifically for pond use. It can also last up to 20 years.
Get your hole dug before you go to get your liner. This way you can be sure that you get enough liner. It wouldn’t hurt to buy a little extra, you can always take it back.
Decorating your pond is the most fun. You can do almost anything. You can have islands, terraces, waterfalls, fountains, different plants, and neat lights.
Plants are important for maintaining a healthy environment. There is several different kinds of plants, floating shallow and submerged. Mix and match them to create a stunning look.