The In's And Out's Of Koi Ponds

For centuries, people have admired and been mesmerized by koi fish, also called "dragon fish" by some. While the colorful fish we know today as koi originated in Japan, koi are bred and kept by people all over the world. Koi are often kept in either natural or man-made koi ponds. These ponds must be maintained and cared for in order for the koi to thrive. However, the effort is well worth it when the result is a koi pond of magnificent beauty.

Should you Start with a Koi Pond?

When you start keeping your first few koi ponds, mishaps can and do happen. Koi get diseases, organic matter falls into the pond and messes up the chemical balance, the filter might break, you might get visited by fish-loving cats or eagles. Beginners should be prepared for this and be ready to do problem solving to fix whatever went wrong. All new hobbies require a learning process. Fortunately, koi are rather forgiving. Still, for your first fish in a pond, it might be better to purchase some cheap goldfish. Even feeder goldfish will do. These fish can test out and help establish your pond. And goldfish get along with koi (unless they are teeny-tiny and then they look like snacks to the koi).

Another good idea is to start with an aquarium first. It's great to have the goal of an outdoor fish pond, but an aquarium can get you started and help you to learn the principles necessary to successfully keep fish.

When you are ready to purchase your koi fish, you can purchase them from most pet stores, breeders or fish shows (Yes, they exist. Don’t wear good clothes). Since koi can live for 30 years on average, it is possible to really develop a relationship with the koi.

Learn, Learn, Learn

When you are ready for your pond, you may choose to have it professionally dug and constructed or you can purchase pre-formed koi ponds available from aquarium or gardening shops and online stores. You can sink these pre-formed koi ponds into the ground. If that's the case, you would then need to build up a strong base around the pond, such as with rocks or bricks, since the edges of ponds can get quite squishy. Alternatively, you may build your pond above ground if that better suits your property and your imagination.