For many homeowners around the world, the garden or the lawn is
their favourite spot in their property.
Several people use their garden to relax and enjoy a great time with the family members.
For kids it also serves a great purpose for recreational activities. For
elders, it is a nice place to unwind, chill your heels and enjoy the
sight of flowers, koi fish and the plants around and breathe a fresh air.
If you are lucky to have a nice indoor koi pond garden in your home, you can
enhance the beauty of your beloved spot by adding a fountain pond in the garden.
No doubt, the fountain pond makes the garden look more visually alluring.
Plus, the sight and the sound of flowing water can be therapeutic and relaxing too.
If you wish to get fountain pond in your garden, you can transform
the simple fountain into something more alluring and entertaining
by adding the right type of lighting.
The combination of the flowing water and the light reflection will
add a great theatrical value to your otherwise ordinary looking fountain.
Here are a few important tips to choose the right type of light to your fountain pond.
One of the most popular types of lights that most homeowners buy
for their fountain is the submersible light.As the name itself suggest, these lights are designed in a way that
they can be installed under the surface of the water, which means
that you need not worry about the wires hanging loosely around the
fountain, which would affect the beauty of the centerpiece of your garden.
The submersible lights not only creating a shimmering light but
also, make the fountain look quite magical.
Depending on the kind of feel you want to create around the koi pond fountain, you can use colored lenses that constantly change colors.Another significant advantage of these lights is that they are easy to
install and make the surface of the water glow from above.
The kind of blubs you use for the lights also play in important role
in making or breaking the beauty of the fountain. Typically, most people use the LED lights.These lights durable and they are also healthy for the pond; these
lights do not emit strong light and therefore do not impact the temperature of the water in the pond.
Not to mention, the LED lights are much cheaper than halogen lights.
If you have a large pond and a big fountain, a halogen light would
be a better choice illuminate the fountain area in an effective manner.
Another important factor to consider while choosing the best
lighting for the fountain is the surrounding area.
You need to decide the kind of mood you want to create around
the fountain pond; if you want to use the garden area for relaxation
, you certainly would not want the light to be too strong and
overpowering the other surrounding.
The best way to light up the fountain area is to create the right mood.
Apart from the design, the type of the bulb and the mood that you want to create, you also need to pick the right wattage.
The king of light you pick must be based on the overall size of the
fountain base, if you have a small pond, a 5 to 10 watts bulb will be
sufficient; for larger koi ponds, 20 to 40 watts bulb will create enough illumination.
Last, but certainly not the least, to create a unique look for your
fountain and highlight the beauty of the flowing water, it is best advised to play with angles of the light.
You can get fountain pond look to become the centerpiece of the
garden by placing the lights at different heights and make the water
flowing visibly from all directions.
What is the best pond fountain?
Danner 02088 Large Aqua Belle Pond Fountain… …
Smart Solar 24402R01 Aquatic Range Floating… …
Solar Fountain,HiJi 1.6W Solar Powered Bird Bath Fountain Pump for… …
Pond Boss PROFTN51003L PRO… …
Daonanba Decorative Pool Fountain Rectangular Waterfall Pool Fountain… …
FLF 1 HP Floating Fountain.
How does water fountains work?
The water forced from the pump is delivered to the fountain head
where it is sprayed into the air through a fine nozzle or where it is
allowed to flow down the outside of the structure of the fountain. The water that is sprayed into the air will fall back onto the fountain and drain back into the reservoir.
Presence of algae is one of the greatest potential problems you are likely to find in your koi pond.
There are various species of algae. In the light of pond
management, the types of algae are divided into suspended and filamentous.
Suspended algae is primitive minute single-celled species that
appears as an algal bloom in the pond to resemble pea soup.
On the other hand, filamentous algae come in kinds such as
Blanketweed, Silkweed, and Mermaid’s hair.
Read on to discover how to cope with algae in your garden koi pond.
Presence of algae in your pond does not mean that it’s unhealthy.
However, it comes with considerable distress and ruining of your pond’s visual appeal.
Suspended algae create a very unpleasant bloom during the spring.
It occurs mostly in temperate areas where the growth of higher
plant life in winter becomes non-existent.
The water in the pond becomes green as it warms up. Primitive
unicellular algae appear immediately and continue to wreck more
havoc until more developed plants take over.
Here’s the catch
As growth begins with the submerged plants utilizing the nutrients
in the water, they have to compete with more primitive algae.
The plants are more likely to decline to make the water become clear.
During the year when green algae bloom, it disturbs the natural balance of your pond.
If your pond is new, the aquatic plants will have less time to
establish because of troublesome suspended algae.
You have to be patient to give the plants time to get established. The pond will eventually clear if you strive to create a balance between the plants and fish.
How to handle algae in your pond
There is a high temptation to empty the water in your pond and refill it with fresh water.
This can alleviate the algae from your pond for some time. However, after a few days, you are likely to come face to face with more algae after a short while.
The fresh water from a tap has mineral salts than enrich the water for more algae growth.
Changing the water in your pond will not make lasting results
unless you properly balance the pond.
A wonderful idea is to buy fountain for pond with aeration ability
to protect your fish and manage the growth of algae in your pond.
Filamentous algae is very persistent and troublesome.
It forms huge floating mats where the lower parts might begin to decompose because of lack of light.
This creates an unpleasant smell and black mess in your pond. However, an aerator fountain helps to prevent accumulation of
algae debris and foul smell from happening in your pond.
The aerator regularly turns the water to allow free movement of oxygen from top to bottom.
There’s more
Installing a fountain in your pond is the ideal solution to keep algae at bay. It helps to mop up nutrients in the water and promotes the smooth flow of oxygen to sustain fish plus other aquatic life. Removal of excess nutrients from the water deprives algae of the opportunity of such plants from growing.
If you wanted to puchase koi fish paintings click here to my Etsy store.
how to remove algae from pond without harming fish
How do you keep pond water clear?
7 tips below to help keep your pond water clean!
Maintain a healthy fish population. …
Don’t over-feed your fish. …
Create a proper balance of plants. …
Choose the right size pump for your pond. …
Clean debris from pond before it has a chance to decay. …
Choose proper filtration for your pond.
Is algae bad for fish in a pond?
The Good: Algae is not harmful to your pond or water feature. Algae actually performs a necessary and important role, just like
any other plant in your pond -that is to absorb nitrates, which is
what’s left in the water after your pond’s beneficial bacteria are
finished degrading fish and plant waste.
No pond owner would like to see their pond lifeless. In the same way, a pond with a foul smell is not what anyone would look forward to.
Apart from treating weeds and algae, it pays to keep your pond healthy. A pond in a bad state is a result of excess nutrients, decayed leaves, and stagnant water.
Poor movement of water is a significant issue with insufficient oxygen. Therefore, it’s very important to understand how a floating
fountain promotes a livelier pond.
Image credit: fountainmountain.com
Having a fountain on your koi pond promotes water movement. A fountain significantly improves the health of your pond in various ways.
The most significant benefit is the ability to make your pond look livelier.
This is done in the following ways. Gaseous exchange A fountain in a pond helps in gas exchange.
Movement of water in the pond increases oxygen content in the pond.
This helps eliminate gas build up. It will help to lessen chances of a foul smell in your pond.
The movement of water ensures the absorption of oxygen once the water is exposed to free moving air.
Additionally, it also helps to release trapped gasses in the water. A
floating fountain is a great idea to promote breathability in your
pond to support aquatic life in the pond.
Improvement in water clarity
The best way to prevent surface scum on your pond water surface
is by installing water pond fountains.
The fountain continuously breaks up algae on the water surface preventing its growth.
Additionally, low oxygen in a pond promotes the presence of excess carbon dioxide.
This promotes the growth of algae, which is not good for your pond.
Installing a floating fountain will promote water flow and lower
nutrient build up to make the growth of algae harder.
Creating a beautiful centerpiece
A floating fountain adds interest and beauty to your pond. Installing a fountain in your water body will add beauty to your landscape.
Ensure to invest in a quality fountain with a pump and filter made
of high-quality stainless steel.
This guarantees durability for your fountain to last for years. You
can buy your fountain online from a reliable supplier for convenience and cost-effectiveness.
Sustaining aquatic life
In warm weather, the water also warms up and makes oxygen less in the pond.
Therefore, it’s very important to ensure that your fish have enough oxygen in the pond.
This prevents fish from suffocating which might cause a foul smell in your pond.
The best idea to promote aeration in the pond is by installing a floating fountain.
Final thought
Adding a fountain to your pond will significantly enhance the beauty and health of your pond.
The trick is to buy a quality fountain from a reliable company. This
should have the appropriate capacity to impel enough water per
hour to keep your pond in good condition.
Additionally, consider a fountain that might come with extra
features such as lighting and spray patterns to give a spectacular view of your water body.
Working with a reliable fountain supplier will ensure that you end
up with a fountain customized to meet your requirements.
“ Koi pond construction guide.This Koi pond construction guide
will cover the absolute essentials of setting up your first Koi pond
for a few hundred dollars and some honest elbow grease.
In the future, you may become a very successful Koi breeder,
but for now, let’s focus on setting up a functional pond that do well
enough to keep your koi fish healthy and happy.
After you get the pond in place, functioning, and stable enough to support the Koi you buy—then,
and only then, would you be ready to sink into the investment of purchasing the Koi fish themselves.
Video Below is Philippine most common raised koi pond used by Poor Man Koi keepers
Whatever your reason for wanting to start a Koi pond; you may find the range of options to be quite overwhelming.
It is workable to spend thousands and thousands of dollars on your
Koi pond before even purchasing any fish!
If you’re starting, but, you may want to start with something a little
more budget friendly to determine if Koi ponds are right for you.
Steps for Building a Koi Pond
how to build a koi pond (koi pond construction guide)
Below is my video building a cheap koi pond called trapal pond.
how to dig a pond and install fish pond liners
Thorough planning is the key to a successful result
when building a pond, whether using a preformed
pond unit or flexible liner.
Think through all aspects of the project before you start; draw up
detailed plans of the design and planting, and consider
practical matters, such as which materials and tools
will required, and even how to dispose of the large
volumes of excavated earth that will generate
Excavation of a pond site can be demanding.
Although small ponds can be excavating, it may be
worthwhile to rent a small excavator for more extensive
works. Or, some pond suppliers may build the pond
for you.
Soil conditions can have a considerable effect on the
ease of construction.
In sandy areas, for example, the soil is loose and easy to dig, but it
can be difficult to cut clean boundaries; clay soils, by contrast,
are shaping but present much more strenuous digging conditions.
how to build a koi pond using FLEXIBLE-LINER PONDS
Flexible liners are an versatile material for pond construction,
and are ideal for informal ponds and unusual shapes.
Detailed planning of the exact dimensions of the koi pond built is crucial,
to avoid costly miscalculations of the amount of liner and underlay required
how to build a koi pond using (PREFORMED POND UNITS)
Creating a pond using a preformed unit is straightforward.
For a successful and lasting result, but, make sure the site is
well prepared and free from stones or debris,and that the unit is level when installed
Photos from Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond fish D. Alderton
koi pond construction guide Koi pond Pumps and filters
Garden ponds are often stocked with many more fish than would found in a natural pond,
and so enjoy the addition of a filtration system to improve water quality.
This is especially true for koi ponds, where crystal-clear water is desirable
to give the best view of the colors and patterns of the fish.
Filtration systems are drive by electric pumps,
which powers pond waterfall, fountain and other water features.
Pond pumps fall into two main categories: submersible units that function underwater,
and powerful surface pumps for use only in a dry location.
Submersible pumps are generally smaller and often run on a low voltage,
so are most suitable for smaller koi ponds, while external pumps for larger koi ponds
and extensive water features usually run off household electricity.
To work , a pump must have enough capacity to cycle all the water in the pond in two hours,
so calculate the volume of water in the pond before choosing a pump.
Preformed pond units often have their volume marked on the base; or,
when filling the pond, measure the volume by attaching a flow meter to the hose.
The choice of pump also depends on its intended function.
For example, when operating a fountain, the water needs to pumped under high pressure but at a low output,
whereas for the operation of a waterfall— where the water needs to
pumped uphill—a high output from the pump required.
Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and get advice from reputable retailers
to be sure that the pump you choose is suitable for your intended use.
koi pond construction guide Maintaining water quality
Most filtration systems use separate pumps to draw water from the pond
and through the filter, although pumps with an integral filter are also available.
There are two main types of pond filter: internal units, which sit underwater in the pond,
and external filters, which sited outside the pond.
All filtration systems function in a similar manner (see box, opposite),
but the filtration media they house varies.
When installing an internal filter, locate the pump as close as
possible to the filter unit, to maintain the flow rate.
By contrast, if the system uses an external filter chamber,
locate the pump as far as possible from the filter outflow,
to ensure that clean water is not pumped straight back through the system.
Ultraviolet systems, located between the pump and filter,
are a further refinement that can used to achieve very high water quality.
Ultraviolet radiation emitted by the unit causes algae
in suspension to form into clumps,
which are then strained out of solution by the filter.
koi pond construction guide how to build a pond To begin, you will need the following five items:
koi pond kits
1.)koi pond liner – put, a koi pond liner will hold the water in your pond.
If you dig a hole in the ground and put water in it, it will absorb into the soil (unless you’re talking about a LOT of water).
Furthermore, you want to separate you Koi’s environment
from outside contaminants as much as possible.
Consider either uPVC or Butyl; both are available
from your local home improvement store.
If your hole has lots of sharp rocks in it, you may want to buy some extra layers or padding to protect the liner.
Since the padding will not come in contact with the Koi,
anything resistant to shredding will work, even an old rug.
2.)koi pond filter system – You cannot have a Koi pond without a filter.
Your filtration needs will depend on the volume of your pond,
which means that if you want to save you should start will a smaller pond.
Unless your skilled in fabricating your own diy pond filter,
you would be best served by purchasing a koi pond filter system in the store.
You need a koi pond filter system to remove debris, bacteria, and toxins from the water.
If you’re working on a budget, take a good look at the filter prices
and their recommended replacement intervals making sure to
factor that cost into your calculations.
diy pond filter watch my video below
3.)Pond Pump – This will work in conjunction with the filter to clean your pond water. Must to your Koi’s survival to have a working pump at all times.
If you can afford it, you should always keep a backup pump on hand in case of a failure. Make sure to check with your aquarium supply dealer on Pond pump efficiency.
A general rule of thumb is that your pump should be able to circulate the entire pond’s volume within a couple of hours.
4.)uv pond filter– This is a special piece of equipment that fits between the pump and the filter.
It uses UV rays to help the filter remove algae from the pond water.
Algae are a special concern in Koi ponds since it is often too small to caught by most filtration systems.
The UV rays will cause algae particles to bond together so that they are large enough to filtered out of the water.
It is workable to remove algae from the pond by chemical methods,
but this considered hazardous to the Koi.
5.)A Test Kit – Even experts need test kits. The quality of your Koi’s water must check.
One of the most dangerous chemicals to your Koi is ammonia, which can detect by neither sight nor smell.
You will need two different types of test kits, one for pH,
and one for nitrate (which will or show filter performance).
Ensuring the quality of your Koi’s water is a major factor in how long they will survive.
Further information about how to build a pond below
koi pond construction guide how to build a koi pond step by step
Photos courtesy of Koi Knowledge
If you had seen any water garden, ratios are, you had seen koi fish.
The debate is how to create the perfect biological system or
the ecosystem for your little friends.
Modern koi pond design made so that it might consider
the most appropriate living demand for koi fishes.
You might find them in the yard behind the house often;
whatever, they can also place in front yards if there is a lot of available space there.
to construct koi ponds, the water & oxygen are the greatest consideration. This will resolute by the size of the fishes.
Landscape gardening plays an important role in Koi ponds. There is an efficient amount of koi pond layouts out there for you to select from.
While you might already have some pre-imagine koi pond design ideas plan on how it might design,
you have to make certain that it set the whole water garden objects completely in a faultless way.
Some of the general points of how to construct a koi pond based on koi pond design and construction
the type of landscape that you have given below.
1. Particular Place.
During you might be an incitement to put your Koi pond at the far limit of your yard,
it is very significant to remember that you must have to uninterrupted check its demand.
You will have to make sure the fishes daily. As well as, you also have to see if the plants are still flourishing or if the fish have already sensual on them.
The position of the ponds should be suitable for the changing weather condition. It would not expose during the hot and cold seasons.
You could always add some more defense for the pond in case you
aren’t confident about how it would prosper in that location. Knowing your yard would help you find out where you could place your Koi pond.
2. Area
Trying to find out the size of a koi pond isn’t like figuring out any customary ponds. This is because of the fishes would get bigger over time.
You would get be astonishing at how much they could grow
especially if you are captivating adequate care of them.
The length of the pond is significant & would, of course, depend on the size of your yard,
backyard koi pond designs direction in your yard & overhanging
trees, which would lower down the amount of available space.
That is why I won’t recommend small koi pond ideas
the small koi pond only works on goldfish and other small fishes, not koi fish
3. Plan of revenue
You required having a budget set apart for explaining a pond for your koi. Take note that some of the fishes & other things for decorations for it don’t come cheap.
You may want to limit your expenses and make sure you are not overspending for it.
Other not-so-important parts and materials adding it later on
when you have supplementary resources.
Remember, room wasn’t built in a day, and neither should your pond.
4. Preliminary koi pond design plans
above ground koi pond design
backyard koi pond designs
There are several designs of koi ponds obtainable to seen online.
There should be a considerable range of fishes, styles & plants,
with many of them varying from the traditional to the unique & good, depending on the prior the right owner.
The biggest thing about constructing a koi pond is that you could
use a preliminary plan or design it so that act likes praise not only the rest of your yard but your home.
You could have a square, curving or round & as a part of the whole landscape garden.
When you have looked at these things, it would be the time to create your koi pond. You have your choice of doing it all by yourself if you have the capability for it.
If not, there are specialists koi pond builders near me out there that
might construct the pond as stated to your personal preferences & tastes.
Professionals pond contractor services recommended that koi ponds
should installed first before the rest of the landscape.
Problems would be hinder especially if the pond required be extending or expanding.
Once you finished, you would understand that the building,
planning, and expenses are worth it all. Your koi fish would agree.
how to build a koi pond above ground
Famous Trapal Koi pond in the Philippines
This is the easy and less work koi pond since you will no longer dig the earth to build it.
You build a frame right away, some made up of woods others are bricks and hollow blocks,
Add aquatic plants as soon as possible after constructing the pond or water garden.
Many aquatic plants are great at using up the nutrients that would otherwise feed the algae.
Some of the most effective plants include Anacharis, Water
Hyacinth, Parrot’s Feather, and Bacopa.
Water lilies and other plants with surface leaves can added to
provide shade to approximately 66% of the surface area if in full sun. If less than full sun then less coverage is acceptable
As well as enhancing the look of a pond, plants help to maintain
waterquality, providing a healthy environment for the fish.
The choice of plants will partly depend on the style of pond—a
naturalistic pond looks best when planted around the edges so that
it blends into its environment, while a contemporary look may be
best achieved with more minimalist planting
A well-balanced, healthy pond must contain two types of
plant: oxygenators which release oxygen into the water, and floating
plants which provide shelter from sunlight.
Without these, or an efficient filtration system, the water in the
pond can become overgrown with algae, which not only turns the
water green, but can also affect the health of some fish species,
such as Sterlets
Plants in the body of the pond also absorb nitrate—the product of
the breakdown of fish waste—which lessens the burden on the filtration system.
Incorporating plants into a koi pond is not straightforward,
partly because of the depth of water, and also because koi
have a habit of digging up plants and browsing on the growing
shoots.
Most koi ponds, so, incorporate a few tall marginals, and some
water lilies, whose leaves help to protect the fish from sunburn in the clear water.
Planting
In a new pond, wait several days after filling before putting
the plants in place, to allow the water temperature to rise
to that of the environment.
Pot plants as necessary having first inspected them for any signs of disease or pests.
In temperate areas, spring is the best time to introduce new plants
into an existing pond, because aquatic plants start to grow now.
If the pond is large, you may need waders to put plants in place,
and special pond gloves should always worn.
These reach up to your shoulders and provide protection against
waterborne diseases, such as Weil’s disease a serious condition,
spread by rodents, which causes jaundice.
Types of koi fish pond plants
Plants for the pond can divided into four categories, based
on their growing habits and where in the pond they are to found.
Oxygenating plants,water lilies, and floating plants are aquatic,
growing in or under the water.
Marginal plants are a useful addition to the pond, not only as a
decorative element, but also to provide an excellent habitat for insects.
Oxygenating plants
grow underwater, releasing oxygen during daylight hours.
Water lilies have
attractive flowers and large leaves, which provide shade and protection for the fish.
Floating plants
can spread across a pond, and their growth may need to restricted
Marginal plants can
be cultivated in shallow water or boggy conditions around a pond’s edge.
How deep does a koi pond need to be?
A pond for goldfish or water lilies need be only about 2 feet deep for zones 5 or greater.
Ponds built in colder areas may need more depth to keep the pond from freezing solid.
Ponds built for koi should be close to three feet or deeper to allow these larger fish enough space.
What size pond do you need for Koi?
Well, at three feet deep, a six foot by eight foot pond will yield 1077 gallons.
But these are merely the minimum recommended requirements. Also, the more fish you have, the larger your pond should be.
A pond of the aforementioned size will be enough for no more than five average sized Koi.
How deep does a pond need to be for fish to survive the winter?
Koi Pond. Koi ponds should be at least 3 feet deep. The ideal depth
of a pond that supports a population of koi is 48 to 60 inches, although koi can survive with a minimum depth of 36 inches.
Do koi grow to the size of the pond?
Jumbo sized Koi grow up to 34 to 36 inches long. Does the size of the pond hinder a Koi’s growth?
The size of a pond will not stop a Koi from growing.
The size of the pond, along with other factors like health, feeding,
water temperature and water quality affect the speed of their growth.
koi pond maintenance helps you to maintain the proper water quality for your koi.
It is vitally important for the sake of your koi that you keep the quality of the water as pristine as possible.
Water quality has to do with much more than keeping the water clear.
You will need to purchase a water testing kit so you can check the pond water for –
• pH
• Oxygen
• Ammonia
• Nitrates
• Nitrites
You will also want to make use of a pond skimmer to get the leaves, insects, and other organic debris out of your pond.
Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning of your pond is usually done twice a year, in the spring and fall.
There are pond maintenance services that you can hire to do this for you, or you can tackle the job yourself.
It really is not a difficult task. You will need to do the following –
• Remove any debris you can see in the water
• Fertilize and prune any plants that live in the pond
• Remove any algae from the pond
• Do a thorough inspection of your filtering system and your pump.
• Check the hose and connectors of your pond equipment
• Check out any pond lighting or pond vacuums you may have
• Drain the pond and add fresh water
• Check the water chemistry, and then take care of any irregularities that pop up.
Removing the Koi
It is understood that you will remove your fish before this deep cleaning takes place!
All sorts of debris and muck will be floating in the water, and you
do not want your fish to struggle for breath while trying to swim.
Koi quarantine tanks are available for purchase in many places.
What is in the Tap Water?
When first setting up your pond, you will probably use a garden hose to fill it with water.
This is fine, but you will also need to add a chlorine neutralizer to the water.
Chlorine is deadly to fish, and can kill them very quickly.
Chloramines are also in tap water, so make sure the neutralizer you use will take care of them as well.
Use your water testing kit each time you add fresh tap water to your
pond to make sure there is no kind of problem with the water.
About once a month is often enough to change out or add new water to the pond.
You can bump this up to every three weeks if the water looks especially needy.
Parasites, Keep Out!
Keep a close watch on your pond for any type of parasite. You can
purchase chemicals to add to the water that will kill any parasites
that may be there, and will also prevent any new parasites from entering the pond.
To Salt, or Not To Salt?
Many people who keep Koi insist on adding salt to their ponds. It can be a good idea in quarantine ponds, as it can help those fish that are suffering from stress. However, salt may cause more trouble than it is worth in a pond for breeders or young Koi.
When a sufficient quantity of salt is placed in the pond water, the skin of the Koi gets slightly irritated.
This causes them to have to produce an extra thick slime coat. That slime coat helps to protect them from parasites and bacteria, which sounds good.
The reality is that salt kept in a pond all year can cause the parasites
that plague your Koi to slowly but surely build up a resistance to the salt.
This will make it harder than ever to kill off the parasites and rid your fish of them once and for all.
A little salt is fine in the Spring to boost the immune system of
your breeders, but make sure to do your regular water changes in
order to clean all the salt out of your pond when this “spring tonic” is used.
Koi Pond Service
Spring pond cleanings are crucial for Fish & KOI ponds and Pondless waterfalls in the NY & CT Area.
Getting a spring pond cleaning is an important step in regaining
your pond’s beauty and functionality after the winter season.
The experts at BG Marine Services. located in Port Chester, NY will
take the necessary steps to ensure that your water feature is
maintained to the highest standards that you book koi pond service here
How much does it cost to maintain a koi pond?
Professionally installed koi ponds cost up to $50,000, depending on
the pond’s size, the experience of the contractor and the materials used. Koi fish can be bought at pet stores and at online koi retailers.
How do I keep algae out of my koi pond?
Keep the organic load down by keeping runoff out of the pond and the sludge to a minimum.
Don’t over feed or keep more fish than your pond will support.
Install a large biological filter and give it time to work, this could take several months.
Use enough, and the right type of, aquatic plants.
How do you clean a koi pond?
Clean the pond in the spring.
Scoop out debris on the surface of the pond.
Drain the pond.
Remove the koi if your pond is small.
Take out the pond pump and any water accessories.
Let the sun dry the empty pond for one hour.
How do you maintain a fish pond?
Remember to continue fertilizing your plants as detailed under “Spring”
Remove dead foliage from the pond.
Feed your fish well.
Continue cleaning filter as needed, making sure not to over-clean
Maximize your aeration.
Continue use of bacterial products like Microbe Lift.
Enjoy!
Does barley straw clear ponds?
In ponds that are frequently muddy or those that have a history of
heavy algae growth, two or three times this recommended dose
may be required for the initial treatment.
However, overdosing the pond with barley straw may cause fish
kills because the straw deoxygenates the water as it decays.
Photo from https://extension.psu.edu
The problem
Excessive algae growth is one of the most common problems
occurring in ponds in Pennsylvania.
Traditional mechanical and chemical control methods are not always efficient or economical.
In recent years, the use of barley straw has become more common
as an alternative method for controlling excessive algae growth.
This method has been extensively studied by Dr. Jonathan
Newman at the Centre for Aquatic Plant Management in Great Britain.
This page summarizes the use of barley straw based on Dr.
Newman’s work and our experiences in Pennsylvania.
When applied at the proper time and rate, barley straw has been a
very successful algae control technique in Pennsylvania ponds.
How does it work?
Barley straw does not kill existing algae, but it inhibits the new growth of algae.
The exact mechanism is poorly understood, but it seems that
barley straw, when exposed to sunlight and in the presence of
oxygen, produces a chemical that inhibits algae growth.
Barley straw does not reduce the growth of other aquatic plants. In
fact, in some cases aquatic plant growth has increased after barley
straw applications because algae are no longer present to compete
with the aquatic plants. learn more here
How do you kill algae in a pond?
Use a long handled brush to pull out the algae at depth. 2.
Treat Water and Kill Off Remaining Algae – Some sources suggest
using a pond algaecide to kill off the remaining algae but we never
recommend unnatural chemicals even if the labels state they are safe for fish and plants.
Can I put hydrogen peroxide in my pond?
Hydrogen peroxide can cause gill damage if applied directly to koi.
Pour peroxide into the pond away from the fish, so it is diluted by the time it reaches them.
Use of hydrogen peroxide to increase oxygen levels is only a temporary solution. Continual use can damage the koi’s gills.
koi pond needs oxygen since koi fish consumed all the disolve
oxygen in the koi pond also helps promote the health of your koi
pond read this article to understand aeration
Your Koi need oxygen to breathe, just like you. Aeration places oxygen in the water so that the fish can breathe it in through their gills.
If there is no aeration, there will be no oxygen, and the fish will die.
If you are keeping too many koi in a small pond, or if there is an
overgrowth of algae, oxygen levels are rapidly depleted.
Waterfalls
You have probably seen koi ponds that feature a beautiful waterfall. Pretty as it is to look at and to hear, that waterfall is not there for looks only.
The constantly moving water helps to aerate the pond. If a waterfall is not for you, plan to purchase an air pump.
This, along with one of the pond accessories that bubbles, can help you to get oxygen into your koi pond.
solar pond aerator
SOLAR POND AERATORS
Solar Pond Aerators are a great way to aerate in area’s where you don’t have access to power or wind.
The Solar Pond Aeration systems offered by Outdoor Water
Solutions are the best in the Industry.
We can provide more details on each unit and can even help you
design the best solar aeration system for your needs.
We offer a choice of two different solar pond aeration systems. A battery backup solar aeration system is designed to operate 24/7.
The Direct Drive solar pond aerators are a much lower cost and operate when you have sunlight.
Both solar aeration systems work great depending on your pond’s needs.
We have customers who use a combination of wind & solar
aeration or even wind and electricity using our innovative control
box to regulate the systems. learn more here
What is the purpose of a pond aerator?
Natural resource and environmental managers are often challenged
by problems caused by lake and pond stratification.
The main purpose of aeration is to increase and stabilize the
amount of dissolved oxygen in the entire water column and this has
a widespread effect on many different aspects of pond and lake health.
How do I get oxygen into my pond?
Add a Pond Air Pump. A very simple way to add oxygen to the pond is to add an air pump.
Turn on Your Fountain or Add One. A very easy way to add some oxygen into the water is to introduce a fountain or turning your existing one on.
Spray Water in With Your Hose.
Does a pond need aeration?
Aeration boosts dissolved oxygen levels. Oxygen is needed from
pond water aeration to sustain your fish, but it is also needed by your beneficial bacteria.
Aeration is important because without oxygen, your pond will go
into an anaerobic state.
How much does a pond aerator cost?
The average annual cost ranges from a low of $150.00 for a
windmill aerator to $775.00 for a high quality electric aerator taking
into consideration all annual costs + depreciation over a given products life expectancy.
Each of these options has a place depending on what the objectives are for a given body of water.
Why do fish gulp at the surface of pond?
If your koi are coming to the surface of the pond to gulp for air, they’re doing more than just saying hi. … Due to a lack of aeration
or poor water quality, your pond’s water probably does not have
enough dissolved oxygen in it for the fish to “breathe,” so they’re gasping for oxygen from the air.
Do plants oxygenate water?
Oxygen dissolves into water from two sources: the atmosphere and from plants in the water.
The primary source of oxygen for a pond is from microscopic
algae (phytoplankton) or submerged plants.
In the presence of sunlight, these produce oxygen through
photosynthesis and release this oxygen into the pond water.
koi pond filter is very important because without a filter is like living in a room full of shit
So this article will discuss the best practices in building a koi pond filter systems or a DIY koi pond filter
koi pond filter necessary if you want your koi to reach their full potential. You are probably thinking, “Wait a minute! I’m not sure I want to the amount of breeding that would require me to have to worry about all of this!”
Whether you just plan to sell off your excess koi in order to help to
offset some of the cost of keeping them, or you have grandiose
plans of developing a new variety of Koi right in your backyard
pond, you DO need to worry about aerating and filtering the water in that pond.
Treat Your Koi as Your Pet
The Koi you will be keeping in that pond should be considered as much of a pet as your dog or cat. As such, your fish deserve the best of care.
That includes water to swim in that has been filtered to remove any
harmful material and the waste products from the fish.
What would happen to your pond and to your koi if you decided to do without filtration?
• Your pond will very quickly turn a sickly shade of green due to algae build up in the water.
• Fish parasites enjoy murky, algae-filled water, as do other
creatures that may well harm your fish.
If just one fish in your pond is infected by a parasite or injured by
another creature in the water, the chances are good that all of your other koi will experience the same fate.
• Standing water that is full of algae and parasites really smells
horrible and looks pretty awful, too.
Do you really think your koi could live in all of that muck? Here is a hint – They cannot breathe or live in water like this.
Choose a Good Filtration System
You will definitely have to plan what kind of filtration you will use in your pond.
Do not try to save money by purchasing the cheaper filtration system.
You may well regret it if something goes wrong with the filter and causes you to lose all of your koi.
Most experts recommend that you choose a filter that is able to handle 33% of the total amount of water in the pond.
As an example, a pond that is capable of holding 3000 gallons of
water needs a filter that can circulate 1000 gallons of water.
If you must dip lower than this percentage in order to get a filter
you can better afford, you should not choose a filter that circulates less than 10% of the total water volume.
Your pond filtration system should consist of two types of filtration. These are –
Mechanical filtration
Biological filtration
How Filters Work
Mechanical filtration works by trapping debris and fish waste as
they flow through the water with the use of brushes, pads, sand, or small beads.
Biological filtration involves a natural method that changes the fish
waste into amalgams that will not hurt the fish.
All koi have ammonia in the excretions, and a build-up of ammonia can kill any fish.
Bacteria that are present in a biological filter change the ammonia
and nitrates in the pond water to nitrites, which are safe for koi.
Your filtration system will also need a pump. You have two choices of what type of pump to place in your koi pond.
The types of pumps available are –
Airlift pump
Subersible pump
Recirculating pump
The submersible pump is a good choice for a smaller pond. If your
pond will feature a waterfall, a submersible pump can be used to handle the volume of the waterfall alone.
A recirculating pump is usually what is used for good-sized ponds. They are sturdy and efficient, and most will serve you for a long time.
how to build a koi pond If you are planning to breed koi fish , then you must start out on the right foot.
You cannot simply find someone who is selling koi, bring a few
back home with you, then toss them into a five-gallons of water
bucket and expect them to thrive in this “new home”.
Koi are hardy, but this treatment would certainly not be good for any fish, much less the Koi.
These fish have the potential to be very time consuming, but you
can curtail this somewhat by doing your homework before even purchasing a few Koi.
A Pond for You
If you want to keep koi, then you need a pond. It is best to build the
Biggest gallon pond you can afford, because these fish can grow in length
to reach twenty-four inches or even more.
You will also want to make sure that you have plenty of room for spawning when the time comes to breed your koi.
You may want to design your own pond, and do all the work needed to build it yourself.
You may want to hire someone to design and building a pond for you. You may decide to purchase a pond liner, filter, and pump from a dealer who specializes in fish ponds.
Formal or Informal?
One of the best ways to decide exactly what kind of pond you want is to look at what others have done to create theirs.
Keep in mind that you must decide on how large it will be, and
what shape will fit best in the area of your yard that you have selected for a pond.
Ponds can be formal, or informal, and it is up to you to decide which one of these styles will work best for you.
Pond Size Counts
Pond size is everything when keeping koi carp. Large koi or small, your
choice of size is going to affect how many koi you will be able to
keep, what kind of biological filtration system you will need to keep the pond
water fresh and clear, and how much time, effort, and money it will
cost you to do daily upkeep and routine maintenance on your pond.
Koi experts agree that if you enjoy koi enough to want to breed
them, you need to build the largest outdoor pond you can afford.
You certainly do not want to go to the time and expense of building
a pond (or having it built) only to have to build another one because your fish are outgrowing the first one!
Water feature Pond Depth and Width
Keep in mind pond owners that you need to consider not only how wide and long your pond will be, but also how deep is your pond water.
Long time breeders insist on ponds that are at least four feet deep,
as they claim the fish grow larger and have better conformation when living at this depth.
Koi also need a pond that is at least twelve feet in length, and has at
least one hundred forty square feet of water surface.
Once you see the number of fry that come from the first spawning
in your pond, you will understand why lots of room is essential!
You can certainly have a smaller pond, and enjoy watching your koi
swim and frolic about, but you will not have much luck in breeding your koi. Pond size is crucial when it comes to breeding.
Where to Build Your Pond
You will want consider carefully the area on your property that you
choose for the location of your breeding pond.
You will want your koi pond to be accessible to you, so that you do not have to put forth an effort to get to it.
If you choose an area that is difficult to maneuver in during good
weather, it may be impossible to navigate come winter.
The same goes for a breeding pond that is built during the fall, after the leaves are gone.
If your pond is too close to shrubs or trees, things may get a bit crowded in the spring when they leaf out and/or bloom again.
You will also have to put up with leaves dropping into your pond.
It is best to place the breeding pond as close to your house as
possible, so you can see your fish from a window while inside.
This makes it much easier to check on them during bad weather.
It also makes it much easier to feed them if they are just a few steps away from your door.
Sun, Shade, and Tree Roots
You do not want to build a breeding pond that will be in the sunlight or in the shade all the time.
A little sunshine is good for koi. However, koi can sunburn unless they have a place to go in order to get out of the sun.
Too much shade can inhibit the growth of the fish. Watch out for the roots of any large trees that may be nearby.
They can snake out much further than you would think. Many an
area chosen for a koi breeding pond has been abandoned because
of the massive root systems of elderly trees.
You can either be sure to choose an area that is not around any
large trees, or choose the type of tree that you would like around the pond.
Many people choose palm trees, as the roots of this tree cannot hurt a pond. Palm trees are not messy like most trees are as they shed their leaves.
If too many leaves make it into your bottom of the pond before you have a
chance to use a net to get them out, the resultant decomposition is
going to make your filter system work much harder than it needs to.
Providing a breeding pond for your koi may mean a lot of work for you if you choose to design and build it yourself.
However, you will be rewarded tenfold by taking the time to do the job properly.
How much does it cost to build a koi pond?
A shallow 4′ x 6′ or 6′ x 8′ professionally-installed pond, including
excavation, liner, filtration system, and simple rock border might cost $2,000 to $3,500.
As a DIY project, the same pond might cost $500 to $1,000. Larger ponds, depending on features and equipment, can easily cost $5,000 to $15,000 or more.
What is the minimum size for a koi pond?
Well, at three feet deep, a six foot by eight foot pond will yield 1077 gallons. But these are merely the minimum recommended requirements.
Also, the more fish you have, the larger your pond should be. A pond of the aforementioned size will be enough for no more than five average sized Koi.
How big does a koi pond need to be?
A pond for goldfish or water lilies need be only about 2 feet deep for zones 5 or greater.
Ponds built in colder areas may need more depth to keep the pond from freezing solid.
Ponds built for koi should be close to three feet or deeper to allow these larger fish enough space.
How much does a pond cost to build?
The average price to install a pond ranges from $1,288 and $4,882, with most homeowners paying around $3,005.
The expense is usually $2.50 to $7.15 per square foot. For a larger-scale project, expect to pay $3,000 to $8,200 per acre, or more. Ponds can be surprisingly inexpensive to install.
How much does a small pond cost?
Landscapers can charge anywhere from $3,000 for a small, simple pond, to $10,000–$30,000 for a larger more complex pond.
These expenses include the costs of the design, materials and labor.
The area must be dug out, lined, and a filter and pump need to be installed.
How many koi can be in a 500 gallon pond?
Most pond experts say you can have one Koi per 500 gallons.
But this is NOT true, The number of koi is dependent on the pond
location, size of koi, quality of water and climate conditions.
Small, shallow ponds can heat and cool fast. Our quarantine tank is a 12 ft intex pool that holds 1800 gallons and is 32 inch deep.
How thick should a concrete pond be?
You should consider pouring concrete for the sides of the pond as well. If they are vertical, you will have to form them with wood first.
The reinforcement should extend from the floor into the wall. The thickness of the wall should probably be about 6 inches.
How do you build a fish pond?
Set up a space. …
See if the dirt is suitable by making a small hole and pouring some water in it. …
Dig a hole. …
If the ground is not suitable for the water, put some material such
as plastic, sand, a thin layer of concrete, etc. over the dirt after you dig the hole. …
Put in wet land plants. …
Add water.
How deep does a pond need to be to support fish?
A pond for goldfish or water lilies need be only about 2 feet deep for zones 5 or greater.
Ponds built in colder areas may need more depth to keep the pond from freezing solid.
Ponds built for koi should be close to three feet or deeper to allow these larger fish enough space.
How deep should a pond be for fish to survive?
Koi ponds should be at least 3 feet deep. The ideal depth of a pond
that supports a population of koi is 48 to 60 inches, although koi can survive with a minimum depth of 36 inches.
That depth offers the koi protection from wading birds and also
allows for a more uniform water temperature.
How much does it cost to build a pond?
Average Costs to Dig a Pond. The average backyard pond is between 200 and 300 square feet. Since the typical price per square foot is $2.50 to $7.15, most people pay between $500 and $2,145. The total average cost for this size is roughly $1,100.
How many koi are in a 4000 gallon pond?
Let’s do the math using our conservative rule of thumb suggesting
one Koi for every 250 gallons of well filtered & maintained pond water. A 2500-gallon pond translates to 10 full-grown Koi and you have 30! Obvious Solution – Get rid of 20 koi or build a bigger pond.
How big is the average pond?
So, a pond with a maximum depth of 12 feet would have an average depth of about 4.8 feet.
A more accurate method for calculating average depth is to make
many measurements and calculate an average.
How many koi are in a 1000 gallon pond?
Just because you have a 1000 gallon pond and you bought a filter
for 1000 gallon doesn’t mean you can put 20 Koi in there and expect great water quality.
As a general rule, cut the number of gallons the filter says it can
filter in half, and even then keep the stocking density low.
How do I calculate the size of my pond?
Square/ Rectangular (Gallons): Multiply length x width x average water depth (feet) x 7.5. …
Square/Rectangular (Acres): Multiply length x width, then divide by 43,560 (square feet per acre) …
Round (Gallons):
How many gallons of water are in a one acre pond?
Example: I have a 1.25 acre pond with a 6′ average depth. 1.25 x 6′ = 7.5 acre-feet. If you are trying to figure out GALLONS, multiply acre-feet by 325,829 (gallons in 1 acre-foot) = Gallons. Example: I have 7.5 acre-feet of water.
How many koi are in a pond?
Let’s do the math using our conservative rule of thumb suggesting
one Koi for every 250 gallons of well filtered & maintained pond water.
A 2500-gallon pond translates to 10 full-grown Koi and you have 30! Obvious Solution – Get rid of 20 koi or build a bigger pond
Koi fish can be a beautiful, colorful addition to a garden, which is
why many homeowners choose to incorporate them into their ponds.
If you are considering adding koi into your landscape, find out how
to create an eco-environment for your koi fish.
Introduce a Circulation System
A circulation system is simply the pumps and plumbing, which are
required to provide the appropriate oxygen levels to effectively care
for both the koi fish and plants.
It will also help you to maintain your pond’s aesthetic appeal, as it will create a cleaner environment.
Install an Effective Filtration System
A filtration system should include both a biological and a mechanical filter.
The biological filter will provide a surface area for the colonization
of bacteria, so that it can remove the water’s excess nutrients.
While the mechanical filter will not only feature the pond pump,
but it will prefilter the water and remove debris along the water’s
surface, and can, therefore, prevent the development of organic
materials on the pond’s floor. By doing so, it will create a healthier environment for all organisms within the pond.
Utilize Solar Power for Your Pond
Reduce your pond’s energy consumption and your household bills
by opting for solar power pumps and filters.
The systems will be powered by natural sunlight, so it won’t cost you a penny to run a clean and healthy pond for your fish.
If you are looking for high-quality, affordable circulation and
filtration systems, visit Water-garden.co.uk.
Add Fish for Natural Maintenance
Many people might believe that fish will create a maintenance
problem in a pond, but they can actually do the opposite.
Fish can actually reduce maintenance in a pond, as they are known
to graze on the string algae and bottom feed along the pond’s floor.
So, if you want to add a pond to your garden, you should ensure it’s bursting with life by adding plenty of fish.
Embark with Seasonal Maintenance
Of course, a pond will need a little bit of maintenance to create a
healthier environment for both your koi fish and the planet.
For example, seasonal maintenance will require you to drain your pond completely.
You will also need to scrub your substrate and rockwork with a
pond scraper, or you could use another algae removal device.
Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance can be a lot less laborious than seasonal maintenance.
It simply ensures the effective functioning of your filtration system,
and you’ll need to rinse both the biological and mechanical filter. You’ll also need to remove the pump for cleaning.
For example, you should remove each moving parts for cleaning,
and you should lubricate all gaskets.
As ponds are susceptible to limescale build-up, this can cause a
pump to stall or burn out, which can create unhealthy pond.
You must invest in a high-quality pond pump descaler, which
should be free from harmful acetic acid and chlorine additives. Also, don’t forget to check its pipes and tubing for cracks, leaks, and weak spots.
How much does it cost to build a koi pond?
A shallow 4′ x 6′ or 6′ x 8′ professionally-installed pond, including
excavation, liner, filtration system, and simple rock border might cost $2,000 to $3,500. As a DIY project, the same pond might cost $500 to $1,000. Larger ponds, depending on features and equipment, can easily cost $5,000 to $15,000 or more.
What is the minimum size for a koi pond?
A pond for goldfish or water lilies need be only about 2 feet deep for zones 5 or greater.
Ponds built in colder areas may need more depth to keep the pond from freezing solid.
Ponds built for koi should be close to three feet or deeper to allow these larger fish enough space.
How much space does a koi fish need?
Koi should be stocked based on a reasonable estimate of their full growth, not on their size at purchase.
Most well-maintained ponds will support 1″ of fish per ten gallons of water.
Though some koi in the largest ponds will grow to 36″, we recommend using an average of 21″.
