Did you concider installing a koi fish pond? Having these magnificent decorative fish in your backyourd pond can be great fun and it is not as hard as you might think. If you do the right things koi live for several year and even decades and some can become almost a meter long. Follow these simple rules to plan your garden pond for fish properly so your koi will live and multiply.
Koi don't like shallow ponds
Depth of your fish pond is very important. You pond should be at least 4 feet deep, however it is best to give your fish six or even 8 feet deep pond. This will ensure that your koi are protected from raccoons, pet kitties and other animals who love a fish dinner. Deeper fish pond also helps to keep water cool in hottest days
Koi really love a lot of room to swim
Small ponds are not appropriate for koi. Remember, with time will grow in size and numbers and they will need a big space. Also there are so many color variations of koi, that as time goes you will probably want to buy additional fish. So it is better to create a big pond from the start than rebuild it later. About ten thousand gallons is suitable for a koi backyard pond , bigger would be even better.
Heat the water in December-February
Unlike tropical fish, koi are resistant cold; however you should never let your pond freeze completely. Installing a proper pond heater will always keep an opening in the ice. Also keep in mind, that koi only grow when the water is warm, so with a heater your fish will grow faster
Give some shade for your koi
When selecting where to place your pond, make sure it is out of direct sun. Also keeping water plants like water lilies in your pond can be very beneficial - not only they add beauty to the overall design, but they also provide shade for the fish. However, you should avoid building your koi pond under trees. Cleaning a fish pond of fallen leaves is no fun.
Plan to install a bird net
There are many birds of prey that would eat your koi. Don't give them the opportunity; plan your pond location so it is possible to protect it with a net for garden ponds.
Insectocides can kill your fish
When designing your pond keep in mind that you should not use any insecticides or herbicides so they can get into the wate. 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 nessesary for healthy garden fish pond. Ideally you will have to invest into a water pump, filtration system, pond water aerator and an ultraviolet sterilizer. If the water in your pond is not moving, your fish 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.
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