Koi and other types of goldfish can be very large, sometimes up to 1 meter in length! Koi are best kept in large ponds with LOTS of filters, with the water changed weekly. With the right size pond, filter, and other equipment, raising koi and goldfish can be a lot of fun.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Ready-made Pool
Step 1. Purchase all the equipment needed
The list is below, under "Things You'll Need." It's a good idea to buy koi once the pond is ready for use, especially if it's been a long time digging your pond and can't finish it in the same day.
Step 2. Measure the plastic pool as accurately as possible with a tape measure
Step 3. Dig a hole according to the size of the pond
Use the size you have created. Choose a flat area of land.
Step 4. Place the pool into the hole
Fit the pool with holes and dig up additional space if the pool can't fit. Make sure the entire outside of the pool is covered, out of sight.
Step 5. Spray the inside of the pool with protective paint
Wait about 5 hours for the coating to dry and stick.
Step 6. Fill the pool with clean water or spring water until it is about 80% full
If there is no spring, after the pool is 80% filled with tap water, well water, or PAM water, add a few drops of dechlorinator and mix with the pool net.
Step 7. Spread the small rocks evenly on the bottom of the pond
Step 8. Add about 30 grams of probiotic bacteria to the pool water
Wait an hour for the bacteria to settle and spread.
Step 9. Add plants in your desired location
Step 10. Install the filter
Wait about half an hour for the pool water to adapt to its new contents.
Step 11. Move the koi to a new pond
Sit back and enjoy the results!
Step 12. Koi accumulate a lot of dirt in the pond
To keep the pool water clean and clear, you need to add a filtration system that uses a pump and filter. For larger pools, you may need an ozone generator system.
Step 13. Silica sand filters commonly used for swimming pools are not the right choice for koi ponds because the amount of dirt present will cause blockages
Sediment filters or biofilters are a more appropriate choice for koi ponds.
Step 14. Ozone is a chemical free oxidizing agent and cleaner for pools
Although waterfalls increase oxygen levels in the water, a large capacity ozone system will keep the pool water clean and clear.
Step 15. Be sure to separate the drain system suction holes
Using multiple suction holes for the water pump will prevent the Koi from being sucked in and trapped.
Step 16. In the "Things You Need" section, it is recommended to use a floating filter to clean the pool
Even though they are cheap, floating filters are quite effective at keeping the pool clean for a short period of time. The suggestions above are the best options.
Step 17. Golf ball-sized snails and fish that feed on food at the bottom of the pond can help remove algae on hard-to-clean surfaces, such as pond rocks
Conch reproduction is very fast. So, pay attention to the population so as not to overdo it.
Step 18. Ready-to-use pools are made of thin black plastic and thicker acrylic resin
While both can be used, it's a good idea to buy one made of thick acrylic, if you have one, as the much thicker base side reduces the risk of damage or leakage.
Method 2 of 2: Making a Dug Pond
Step 1. If you can't find a suitable ready-to-use pool or you don't like the shape of it, there are alternative methods
Step 2. Choose a suitable garden area
Determine exactly the shape of the pool you want, draw it with chalk.
Step 3. Dig the soil according to the shape
Ask for help if the pool is large. Dig gently, from the edge of the surface to the center of the pond.
Step 4. Cover the excavated area with sand and paper
Newsprint can also be used.
Step 5. Cover a layer of newspaper and sand with a tarp
Make sure the tarp is wider than the size of the pool, so that it extends beyond the edge. If it's windy, cover the tarp with a rock or something heavy.
Step 6. Fill the pool with water
Follow the steps above for the recommended use of water.
Step 7. Finish the edges
Arrange the rocks on the edge of the pool to enhance the appearance while holding the edge of the tarp.
Step 8. Put the koi into the pond
Sit back and enjoy the results.
Tips
- Try to keep as few fish as possible in your pond.
- Birds of prey can disturb koi ponds. If you have this problem, spread a net or chicken wire over the pond to keep your fish safe. If that's not possible, hang a piece of foil directly over the pond to keep birds away.
- You can also plant lotus to make the pond more lively.
- Your pond doesn't have to be filled with koi. You can raise goldfish, tetras or turtles! If you keep turtles, just make sure there is land in the pond area.
- If you want a different pool color, you can paint the interior of the pool with spray paint before coating it with protective paint!!
Warning
- Koi and goldfish excrete a lot of feces. So, keep an eye on the condition of the water carefully.
- Do not put large stones at the bottom of the pool. Feed and dirt will accumulate between them so that what you get is a septic tank, not a pond.
- Put a net over the pond if an animal tries to prey on your fish.
- Keep the pool away from the scorching rays of the sun.
- When it rains, cover the pool with a porous tent, so that there is air access.
