How to Create a Koi Fish Backyard Pond

Did you consider installing a koi fish pond? Bringing these beautiful koi in your garden is an interesting hobby and it is not as difficult as most people imagine. If you do the right things decorative koi fish live very long and get very big in size. Follow these suggestions to build your pond properly so your koi fish will live and make you happy for a long time.

Make your pond deep

Depth of your fish pond is crucial. You pond should be at least 4 feet deep, however it is recommended to provide for your fish six or even 8 feet deep pond. This will ensure that your fish are protected from raccoons, pet kitties and other animals dangerous to fish. Deeper fish pond also helps to maintain water temperature in hot summer days

Larger pond - happier fish

Small ponds are no good for koi. Remember, with time your fish will multiply and grow and they will need some space. Also there are so many color variations of koi, that as time goes you will probably want to add more fish to your pond. So it is better to create a big koi pond from the start than rebuild it later. About ten thousand gallons is suitable for a koi fish pond , bigger would be even better.

Provide some heating in winter

Unlike tropical fish, koi don't suffer much from cold; however you should never let your pond freeze completely. Installing a proper garden pond heater will always keep an opening in the ice. Also keep in mind, that like most fish koi only grow when the water is warm, so with a heater your fish will grow faster

Provide your fish shade

When selecting a spot for your pond, make sure it is out of direct sun. Also keeping water plants like water lilies in your pond makes sence - not only they add beauty to the overall look of your pond, but they also provide shade for the fish. However, you should avoid building your koi pond in aria with many trees. Cleaning a fish pond of fallen leaves is no fun.

Protect your pond from preditary birds

There are many birds of prey that would love to steal your koi. Don't give them the opportunity; plan your pond location so it is possible to protect it with a net.

Insecticides can kill your koi

When designing your pond keep in mind that you should not use any insecticides or herbicides near the water. Even a small amount of common garden poison can make sick and possibly kill your beautiful fish.

Pumps, filtration systems and other fish pond accessories

Several accessories are requared for healthy garden fish pond. Ideally you will have to invest into a water pump, filtration system, water aerator and an ultraviolet sterilizer. If the water in your pond is still, your koi might get sick and eventually die. Koi pond filtration systems are not cheap, so if money is an issue you can make your own homemade filters.

Tanya Turner is an owner of Koi Fish Ponds.org where you can find information about garden koi fish ponds as well as tips for building backyard ponds.