Above Ground Koi Pond

Cover of Keeping Koi


Building an above ground koi pond could be fairly expensive and it requires commitment and time. The initial step is to check your local zoning laws to discover if you will be permitted to build an above ground koi pond in your property. If you are starting your above ground koi pond over completely from scratch be prepared to make a considerable financial investment. However, should you already have a pond you may simply want to stock with koi.

Ideal Koi Habitat

Koi are long living fish and will grow to some great size, therefore they require adequate space in which to swim, thrive and grow. Ideally, an above ground koi pond must have a capacity of 1000 gallons, and be at least one yard deep. If the pond is a lot smaller than this, then you should consider comets or goldfish in lieu of koi. The depth of the pond is important when keeping koi if you cannot supply a pond at least three feet deep then, again, you should think about stocking it having a different type of fish.

The depth with the water is essential in both summer and winter. If you are living in an area where the pond will probably freeze in winter the depth in the water might help your koi to survive the winter freeze. Similarly, in summer the depth from the water allows the koi to find cooler water within the lower levels with the pond.

Pond Filtration

All ponds, including above ground koi ponds, require a filtration system. Filtration keeps the chemical balance of the pond on the right level to guide your fish and in addition it stops the water from stagnating which results in algal growth and mosquitoes. It is necessary that the water chemistry remains stable so the koi don't become stressed. The filtration system will run on electricity to ensure is something to be considered when you are designing your pond.

Defense against Predators

Protecting the koi from predators is essential for the survival with the fish. Even in an urban situation domestic cats will likely be attracted to the koi pond and may even attempt to scoop out fish nearby the surface of the pond. Birds of prey and raccoons may also consider your koi an attractive dinner option so a scarecrow could possibly be helpful in protecting them. The depth in the pond can be important for protecting your fish from predators. If the pond is being attacked the fish can retreat on the deepest area of the pond.

A light-weight wire mesh covering may be used on the koi pond to maintain out predators but this can hamper pond maintenance unless it may be easily removed. Adding aquatic plants towards the pond also provide protection to the fish and add beauty to the pond. Including aquatic plants and decorative elements like rocks will likely provide hiding places for baby fish whenever your koi breed.

Building an above ground koi pond can be worth on a regular basis and effort involved and definately will give you years of pleasure because you watch your koi grow to maturity and swim lazily about your pond.