How to Install a Koi Pond

A Koi pond adds elements of tranquility, nature and beauty to your yard. Koi fish, also known as Nishkigoi, were introduced 2,500 years ago in Eastern Asia and China. Originally, Koi were black, but mutations created color variations which eventually resulted in selective breeding for a variety of colorful patterns. Koi fish grow large with an average lifespan of 25 to 30 years. Read on to learn how to install a Koi pond.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Liner
• Skimmer
• Pond Pump
• Filter
• UV sterilizer

Prepare for Pond Installation

1. Look at your yard to be sure that you have enough space for a Koi pond. You need a large area that is at least three feet deep and can hold 1,000 gallons volume. Also, put your Koi pond in an area that gets four full hours of sun per day. Finally, pick a location that is not too close to trees.

2. Select a shape for your pond. The easiest and most manageable shape is rectangular. This shape prevents water from stagnating, while encouraging water to flow smoothly.

3. Use a spray can to outline your pond.

4. Dig your hole to about one foot deep. This will bring you to your first level.

5. Mark your next level. This is done using a spray can too. If the shape of your pond is a rectangle, then you will draw the shape of another rectangle within the rectangle. This is your second level. Once you have marked out your next level, dig down again. If your pond has only two levels, then you will be finished. If your pond has three levels, then you will need to repeat this step.

Install Pond

6. Position your pond skimmer by digging a hole in the side wall of your pond on the first level of your pond. The opening of the skimmer should be placed at your determined water level. The pond pump should fit into your pond skimmer.

7. Place a waterfall at the opposite side of the pond from your skimmer. Many stores will sell a waterfall that incorporates a water filtration system. This is probably your best option.

8. Dig a ditch through the bottom of the pond. The ditch runs from the pond skimmer to the waterfall/water filtration system. Secure the plumbing (pvc pipe) by running the pipes from the skimmer, through the ditch and to the waterfall. Attach the pipe to the water filtration system. Cover the ditch with dirt.

9. Install the liner. There should be a minimum of an extra foot available to tuck in to the bank of your pond. A layer of sand or thin under layer may also be added prior to installing the liner. This prevents ripping or tearing.

10. Fill the pond with water. As the pond fills smooth out wrinkles in the liner and create folds where necessary. Also, check for leaks and allow the pond to settle. Make any minor corrections to the bank.

11. Add your gravel and rocks. River rock of various sizes works best.

12. Remove chlorine and additional heavy metals with dechlorinators, and run your pond for at least a week before adding your fish.

13. Add your Koi, a good bacteria starter, and enjoy the tranquility.

Tips & Warnings

• While three feet is the minimum depth, go deeper if possible. The deeper the pond, the more temperature stable the water will be. This also gives the Koi more room to exercise.
• Maintain your water quality by keeping the pH at 7.4. Also, minimize the nitrate levels and chlorine or chloramine levels. Finally, keep oxygen saturation high.
• Consult with your local government about regulations for ponds or water features. Some municipalities require a fence around a Koi pond.
• You need 50 to 60 gallons of water for each eight- to 10-inch Koi fish in your pond.
• Plan to have at least three Koi fish. Koi are communal and like company.
• Purchase a bird net for your pond. Great Blue Herons are predators to your Koi.
• Rinse your gravel and rocks before adding them to your pond.
• When adding large rocks to your pond you may place an additional layer of liner to prevent tearing.
• Don't install a pond before identifying the location of underground wires.
• Don't buy your liner until you have dug your pond so that you don't accidentally over dig.