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Step 1
Make the pond as big as you can. Koi fish start off small (roughly 6 inches), but in a few years they can grow up to 24 inches. The general consensus is that a koi pond should contain at least 1500 gallons of water (approximately 7 ft. wide, 8ft. long, 4 ft. deep). If it is less than 1,500 gallons there is a good chance that your koi fish will be eaten by predators such as cats, raccoons, ducks, turtles,
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Step 2
Choose a location which is out of direct sunlight. Koi fish enjoy shaded areas and this will also insure the water doesn’t become too hot during summer. A shaded area will also help slow algae growth. Make sure the pond is situated in an area you would like to view it from, such as a back deck.
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Step 3
Select a water pump that will move the largest amount of water for the least amount of money. The pump will be running for 24 hours a day and will be sending the pond water through a filter every 2 to 3 hours, so choose an efficient one.
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Step 4
Purchase a big pond filter. Filters are one of the most important aspects of koi fish ponds. Filters keep the water healthy for koi pond fish and removes their waste.
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Step 5
Install ultraviolet lights in order to avoid algae blooms. Ultraviolet lights will kill algae that float on the surface of the water, which will save your pond from turning green.
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Step 6
Get a heater for the pond if it gets cold where you live. Koi fish don’t eat when the water gets colder than 50 degrees. When koi don’t eat, they don’t grow.
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Step 7
Add a protein skimmer to the list of your pond supplies. Skimmers collect leaves and other unwanted articles from koi ponds. They also skim off organic compounds that leave film and bubbles on the surface of the pond.
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Step 8
Decide whether you want a concrete pond or a rubber liner pond. Concrete ponds are more permanent, but because of the concrete they maintain high pH levels for several years. Rubber liner ponds are not as permanent, but maintain a neutral pH balance. The rubber also creates a softer surface for the koi fish.
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Step 9
Do not put any plants inside your koi pond. If you do include plants you may not be able to use jets in your pond. Plants also attract parasites which are harmful to koi fish. Koi love to eat plants, so they won’t last long anyway. Since koi love to hide inside plants, it will be harder for you to catch your koi if the need ever arises.
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Step 10
Consider installing a drain in your pond. Drains maintain proper water quality and help in getting rid of waste.
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Step 11
Include jets in you koi fish pond. They direct leaves and debris towards the skimmer, provide exercise for the fish, and increase the overall oxygen level inside the koi pond.
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Step 12
Think about how many fish you want to put inside your pond. A 1,500 gallon pond can hold around 30 (6 inch) koi fish. However, these fish will grow quite a bit in a few years, so consider cutting this amount by half. Around 10 to 15 koi fish will decrease the chances of an overcrowded pond.
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Step 13
Choose which type of koi fish you want to have in your pond. There are a variety of koi in different shapes and colors, so pick the ones you like best.
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Step 14
Check to see if any of the pet shops in your neighborhood carry koi food. Any commercial koi food will do. Koi pond fish also love to eat spirulina.
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Step 15
If you are not going to build the pond yourself, then find a builder who will do it for you. Interview the builder and pay close attention to their workmanship and experience level. Make sure the builder understands the design and any other specifics you would like to include in your pond. If possible, try to find a builder who specializes in koi fish ponds. Don’t leave the building of the pond entirely up to the contractor. Remain active in the whole process and make sure it is built to your exact specifications.
