first “photo remodeling” idea
copyright image by https://123rf.com/
Available Space
Notes:
- You may be familiar with the gallon-per-inch rule, wherein the tank should hold a gallon of water for every inch of fish inside. While this rule does apply for certain species of fish, koi are an exception. Koi get large—8 to 36 inches—if not larger based on their breed.
- They are also busy scavenging fish, so while their activity makes them fantastic backyard fish, they also stir up a mess that impacts the number of fish you can have. Many hobbyists suggest no more than 4 koi per 1,000 gallons of water in a pond at least three feet deep.
-
So you want to build a pond for Koi fish (ideas for pond design): [ scroll back up ]
-
Decorative Rock Formation:
After you find available space for your pond, mark it off into a measured size that will be needed. Border the pond perimeter with decorative stones or rocks that will encase the pond.
-
Border Plantings:
Around the stone border, plant ferns, small decorative trees, ornamental grasses, decorative shrubs, and other plants that will survive the winter according to your regional growing zone.
-
Add Pond Stuff:
Build the pond as instructed (scroll below for resource information). There are certain pond items needed to keep your pond healthy, clear, and safe for Koi fish (more information below). This could be a DYI project or you can hire pond specialists for your pond build.
-
Pond Fountain or Waterfall:
A healthy pond will have moving and recycled, filtered water either through a waterfall or fountain. Either option will keep the pond water healthy and provide a soothing sound of water for your landscape area.
-
Pond Decor:
Finally comes the pond decor. It could be large objects as illustrated above or some decor pieces that make this area one of the favorite spots of your garden.
- view post: Looking to Install a Backyard Pond
- view sample ideas: backyard pond ideas
-
-
Quik scroll to next topic about how to know if your pond can support koi …
-
ideas to view and compare from the photo above
Supporting Resources (opens new win) | |
TELL ME: about koi pond fish | |
PINTEREST: koi fish in pond | |
INFO: history of nishikigoi | |
YOUTUBE: DIY 4,000 gallon koi pond | |
SHOP: water features (scroll) | |
second “photo remodeling” idea
copyright image by Unsplash
Temperature and climate
Notes:
- Koi are famously hardy fish built to handle the winter season. Ponds that remain between 60 and 75 degrees are ideal for koi, so long as they are adequately deep and aerated. Climates in which ponds freeze over can still house koi, though special attention will be needed for the pond’s layout and the koi’s seasonal feeding schedule.
-
How big should the pond be: [ scroll back up ]
-
Large or Small Pond:
If size permits, the pond should be big enough where your can add nice landscaping to surround the pond. Try to make the pond look naturally as possible by blending it in with the surrounding landscape.
-
Pond Landscaping Ideas:
So you are thinking of putting in a backyard pond. Let’s review some pond landscaping ideas that you might consider:
- view post: Some Interesting Pond Landscaping Ideas
-
-
Quik scroll to next topic about how to know if your pond can support koi …
-
ideas to view and compare from the photo above
Supporting Resources (opens new win) | |
HOW TO: maintain a pond | |
HOW TO: keep pond water clean | |
YOUTUBE: keep pond crystal clear | |
May We Suggest Other Photo Remodeling Ideas About
“Garden Pond Design”
third “photo remodeling” idea
copyright image by https://123rf.com/
Local wildlife
Notes:
- Though most starter koi are not expensive animals, losing one to local wildlife is always painful. Be wary of predators like cats, raccoons, or birds in the area that are likely to take notice of the pond and any small fish inside.
-
The patio is a great place to have a pond: [ scroll back up ]
-
Make The Pond Part of Your Hardscape Patio:
The image above is a great design idea where you can integrate the pond into your patio hardscape. You can enjoy the sound of a waterfall as you entertain your guests or as you relax in your patio area.
-
Rock Waterfall:
Note the rock formation on the backside that forms the elevated portion of the pond. They used ferns and junipers to give the rock formation a woodsy look. From there, they formed a interesting waterfall that is the key attraction of the pond.
- view post: Backyard Pond with a Simple Waterfall
-
-
Quik scroll to next topic about how to know if your pond can support koi …
-
ideas to view and compare from the photo above
Supporting Resources (opens new win) | |
HOW TO: build backyard pond | |
INFO: pond building essentials | |
YOUTUBE: how build backyard pond | |
————————- advertisement ————————-
—————- end —————-
fourth “photo remodeling” idea
copyright image by Pixabay
Water specifications
Notes:
- One of the most crucial elements of your pond that will help you know if your pond can support koi includes your water specifications. The pH balance, ammonia and nitrite levels, and oxygen levels of your pond will all need to be measured before you can put any fish in the water.
- Improper balances will severely inhibit growth if not kill your fish, but proper water aeration and filters, as well as frequent water testing, will help you set up your pond for koi.
-
Building something more elaborate: [ scroll back up ]
-
Creating a Mountain Water Creek:
If space is not the issue, how about allocating a portion of your backyard area and creating a tiered waterfall formation with water flowing down over multiple rocks into a creek. The creek can then flow down into a pond reservoir with your Koi fish.
- From the reservoir, the water recycles back up to the rock formation and repeats the flow similar to a creek formation that you would find when hiking into the woods or forest.
-
Make Your Pond Relaxing:
Water features are incredibly calming. You can walk peacefully along a meandering stream or dip your toes into a pond.
- view post: How to Plumb Your Garden with a Relaxing Pond Feature
-
For Small Yard Areas:
Building a small pond is a relatively easy project, one that you can complete in one weekend and have operational a few days later.
- view post: Small Backyard Pond Considerations and Tips
-
-
Quik scroll to next topic about how to know if your pond can support koi …
-
ideas to view and compare from the photo above
References (opens new win except noted) | |
SERVICES: pond landscaping (see below) | |
HOW TO: test pond water quality | |
HOW TO: use pond test kit | |
INFO: tips for koi pond maintenance | |
PLANNING: garden design (same win) | |
Find Yard n’ Garden Services Landscape Design Sprinkler Systems Metal Work Water Features Gazebos Play Equipment Outbuildings Fences top-rated, pre-screened local contractors FREE: download contractor selection enter zip code – powered by HomeAdvisor ™
Quick Contractor Guides selecting negotiating working with inspecting
fifth and last “photo remodeling” idea
copyright image by envato.com
Aquatic plant life
Notes:
- If your water has a problem with algae growth, you may think that big changes will need to be made for koi to thrive in your pond. However, properly controlled algae growth is great for koi!
- These fish snack on algae at the bottom and sides of the pond through the year and rely on other aquatic plant life for extra oxygen. However, be cautious about algae varieties that grow on top of the water, as they can harm the fish.
-
Watch out for frogs and turtles: [ scroll back up ]
-
Frogs and Ponds:
If you maintain a beautifully landscaped pond, you will likely attract frogs and turtles. Though these two pond lovers could become a nice addition, but they could also wreck havoc on your Koi fish – particularly the baby fish that frogs may eat.
- To maintain a healthy and safe space for Koi, you may need to keep both frogs and turtles away.
- view forum: Questions on adding turtles and frogs to my pond
-
-
Quik scroll to more topics on pond design and water features …
-
ideas to view and compare from the photo above
- What comments can you share about
your backyard pond and design
Supporting Resources (opens new win) | |
HOW TO: control pond algae | |
INFO: 10 popular pond plants | |
YOUTUBE: breathtaking backyard pond ideas | |
Cover image credit: how to know if your pond can support koi by Pixabay
end of post … please share it!
or simply search by entering garden water feature or other remodeling need
Nice pic idea? Leave us a quick comment below.
And please share this pic idea within your social networks.