So You Want To Dig A Koi Pond
You only need a strong back and a good shovel to dig a Koi pond. At least, that was what I believed when I began digging in my Oregon home backyard one fine spring day. Actually, it turned out okay, but I was lucky. Before you start digging, there are several things you need to consider.
Koi are beautiful fish that are great fun to watch. Having a Koi pond is one of the most popular backyard additions in the world. You can dig a “fish” or “garden” pond in your backyard, but if you want to dig a Koi pond, you will need to do some proper planning.
Koi Need A Big Pond
When it comes to koi pond size, big is better. Good quality koi fish can grow up to 36 inches long—a fish that big needs much more living space than your average pond goldfish. Not to knock pond goldfish. I stocked my pond with a few bright orange “pond comets,” and they added a lot to the fish population’s looks.
There are several “rules of thumb” for how much water a Koi needs. When they are small, you can safely have much more fish in your pond than you safely can when your Koi mature. And getting your Koi to the maximum size will soon become your goal.
To avoid getting out your slide rule (anyone still has one of those) and a protractor, I suggest just counting on needing 1,000 gallons for each mature Koi you plan to add. If you plan on three mature Koi, you will need a 3,000-gallon tank. This is the kind of math I can still do.
How Big Should You Dig A Koi Pond?
So how big is a 3,000-gallon pond? For the sake of argument, if we assume that your pond is square and will be 3 ft deep (probably the minimum it should be), you will need to dig a hole approximately 12 x 12 feet.
Of course, your pond will probably not be square and will likely vary in depth, so calculating how many gallons it will hold can be tricky. One suggestion, not to be taken too seriously, is to fill up a 5-gallon bucket 600 times and then stop digging.
The pond I built was only about 1,500 gallons capacity, but it was large enough for a few small Koi, and I was happy with how great it looked once it was finished.
Dig a Koi Pond: Where To Dig
Where you dig your property will dictate your Koi pond. Unless you have a vast estate or several acres, your backyard will probably have one or two possible sites that will work.
Choose a site you can see from inside your home if you can. Not many things can beat watching your Koi swim lazily about the pond while you are enjoying a nice hot cup of coffee at the breakfast table.
Your pond should get some sunlight because you want to grow some plants around and in your pond. Don’t dig too close to trees; you will constantly be scooping out leaves. The same goes for shrubs or any plant growth that sheds.
Test Your Soil
Test the ground before you start digging to see what kind of problems you might encounter. In some places, like my backyard in Austin, Texas, is a solid rock just about 2 feet down. I had a swimming pool built, and pounding through that rock took the contractor a long time and lifted many extra dollars from my wallet.
It depends on how much time you are willing to take and the condition of your back. If the ground is relatively soft with no big rocks to contend with, you can dig the pond with your own shovel. Hard work, to be sure, but hard work is good for you.
You can rent digging equipment, such as a backhoe, if you have wide enough access to your site. They are available from places such as Home Depot.
When you start digging up your backyard, you will need to find a place for the dirt you remove. I used it to build a small mound next to the pond and put it in a small waterfall. The sound of that waterfall was delightful and a great way to enjoy the backyard while cooking on the grill or just having a cool glass of beer.
How Much Does A Koi Pond Cost
A popular description of a boat is that it is a hole in the water in which you keep throwing money. And a hole in your backyard can cost money, too. Your cost will be reduced if you can do most of the work yourself. However, there are some things you will have to buy.
You will need a liner, pumps, filters, and cleaning tools. Maybe some landscaping supplies such as bricks, rocks, and cement. And after the pond is built, you will need fish and fish food. Yes, you will be throwing money into that hole in your backyard.
The cost to dig a koi pond, of course, will vary with the size of the pond and who does the building. Even if you do all the work, you will be hard-pressed to get by on less than several hundred dollars. It was for me! Is it worth the cost?
Conclusion
Building a koi fish pond can be costly, but it is worth the investment for those who enjoy the beauty of these fish. Building a koi fish pond can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the size and materials used.
When choosing a location to dig the pond, it is essential to consider factors such as sunlight, wind, and accessibility. Experts recommend choosing a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day, away from trees or other structures that may block the wind, and accessible for maintenance.
The materials needed for building a koi fish pond include a pond liner, pump and filter system, rocks, and plants. The pond liner is an essential component that prevents leaks and provides a suitable environment for the koi. A pump and filter system helps to maintain water quality by removing debris and providing oxygen to the fish. Rocks and plants add aesthetic value, serve as hiding places for the fish, and help maintain water quality.
Building a koi fish pond can be a rewarding experience for those willing to invest in the cost and materials needed. Careful consideration of the location and materials used ti dig a Koi pond can help to ensure a successful and enjoyable pond.
Originally posted 2020-09-23 06:43:14.
