It is common for Koi’s to be kept in koi fish ponds that
need to be well designed to reduce the risk of Koi Diseases and Koi Problems. So what are
the main requirements for a koi fish pond?
Koi fish pond depth
Koi fish ponds need to be at least 3 feet deep with at least
1000 gallons of water. It is advised that the bigger it is the better but this
will depend entirely on your budget. how many Koi’s you are going to keep, and if it for Koi Breeding.
The bottom of the pond should have a liner to stop the water from leaking, but
replenishment would be required from natural evaporation.
Koi fish ponds in the winter
The depth of the koi fish ponds should take into the frost
line as in the winter your pond will freeze and if the pond has not taken this
into account you would need to keep your koi indoors during the cold period.
Raised koi fish ponds
It is generally accepted that the height of koi fish ponds
should be at least 6 inches off the going prevent the risk of ground based
chemicals running into the pond and of Koi Diseases occurring.
Koi fish pond cleaning and water quality
Koi fish ponds need adequate filtration as it is important to
ensure pollutants are removed thereby keeping water quality to an optimum level
and reducing the risk of Koi Problems and Koi Diseases.
Depending on your budget it would also be a good idea to use
a UV light steriliser as this will kill microorganisms such as algae.
Keeping Koi fish indoors
What if you want or need to move your fish indoors for the
winter to avoid Koi Problems?
This would allow you to inspect your koi more closely for Koi Diseases and
you need to make sure the same factors are taken into consideration as when you
are keeping you koi outdoors in terms of water quality, filtration, and having
sufficient room. You may need to drain you pond to catch you koi and when
keeping them indoors have your tank covered as they maybe jumping.
It is usually advised to run the indoor filter in the pond 4
weeks prior to being them inside and use the pond water to fill the tank. When
catching your koi, and when you are having difficulty, you may need to drain
the pond at intervals to catch them with your bag. When placing the bag in the
tank hold it for a while to allow them to get acclimatised.
You will also need to test the water quality regularly as
filters take time to fully work as it is common for ammonia and nitrite to rise
that can be dangerous. Additionally, part of the water would need to be changed
periodically with which dechlorinator will need to be added. The volume and
regularity will depend on the amount of koi kept, as a rule of thumb 20% every
2 weeks is common.
Koi Pond Build
