Koi Pond Builders Near Me? The 48 Correct Answer

Seasonal Maintenance

If you live in a climate that varies greatly from season to season, your koi pond care will also change drastically throughout the year.

Summer

In summer, a koi pond is at its peak. Koi fish are active and so are bacteria. This is prime time for algae growth so make sure you clean your filters and water valves every week. Your koi fish will likely eat more, swim more and produce more waste, so keeping track of cleaning is important, especially in the summer. Consider adding some shade to the pond to reduce bacterial growth. Continue to do a 10 percent water change every week.

autumn

Fall is all about removing dirt. You will get a lot of use out of your hand held net when leaves are blowing in the pond. If your pond is directly under a tree or other foliage, consider putting netting over it. Continue to do a 10 percent water change while the weather is still above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If your pond has running water, such as B. a fountain or waterfall, turn them off as soon as the temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Stop feeding once temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue cleaning the filter and skimmer. This is also the time to diagnose and treat a koi fish disease, which will get worse if left untreated throughout the winter. Cut back any leaves hanging in the pond; These can wither and add to the debris.

winter

Winterizing your koi pond is a must for cold climates. There are various options such as B. heating your pond, which can get very expensive, or bringing your koi inside if your home has the space. If you leave your koi outside you will want an ice porthole to release the gases in the water. Koi are much less active during this time and their metabolism slows down. Throughout the winter you will need to keep cleaning the filter and checking the water quality with your test kit every month.

spring

Creating a koi pond will take time, labor and money, but it can be very rewarding. Here’s what to consider before you start.

As with any backyard pond, a pond dedicated to keeping colorful koi can be a great way to keep fish. Ponds not only provide great habitats for your fish, but they are also a pretty and relaxing place for you in your garden. However, ponds are very different from aquariums and therefore require very different care and maintenance. Additionally, while hardy and easy to keep, koi fish require some unique considerations. Before you create a koi pond, you should know what you are getting yourself into.

How Much Water Should You Change Each Month?

There is a lot of discussion on this topic. First, we suggest you consider what you want to achieve with your water changes. Andrew with Andrews Koi in Anaheim, California has been conducting a koi breeding competition with its customers every year for over a decade. His main reason for water changes when he started was to see how big they could grow koi in a single season. Andrew started ten years ago and recommended rotating 10% every week. After studying the results of growing competitions each year, he now prefers a 10% daily water change.

At Sacramento Koi we tried something different. Rather than just breeding large koi, we looked more into the primary health benefits of regular water changes. We have installed a drip system in half of our tanks that automatically changes 10% of the water every week. In our other pools we have not carried out any water changes apart from the regular backwashing of the filters. We ran this test for a year. While the koi did actually grow faster in the tanks that received a 10% water change, the main benefit we noticed was that the koi were much healthier. Also, the water looked noticeably clearer.

It turned out that regular water changes are not only important for the growth, but also for the health of the koi. You have to decide what you want to achieve with your koi. If you want to raise your koi and keep them healthy, you should do at least a 10% to 20% water change every week if possible. If your goal is to grow your koi to their fullest potential, both in terms of color and size, you may want to consider doing even larger water changes. There seems to be a direct correlation between koi health and growth and weekly water changes.

How much should you change at once?

Many people do occasional large water changes, up to 70% at a time. The logic is that the more water you change at once, the more old water you’re replacing. If you regularly change smaller amounts, you end up swapping out some of the new water that you recently added along with the old water. Large water changes can be a more efficient way to replace old pond water, but they can stress the koi more than necessary. Koi don’t like significant changes in their environment, such as water temperature, pH, alkalinity, or salinity.

Regularly changing small amounts of water limits the stress for the koi. The new Advantage GROW system offers the best of both worlds. It allows you to perform routine water changes at a speed that won’t stress the koi, while also allowing you to perform those water changes without wasting a drop of water.

How expensive is the installation and operation of a water feature? Construction Costs Water features range from small, self-contained resin elements that may cost a few hundred pounds to install, to large complex pool elements costing tens of thousands of pounds, with a spectrum in between. In general, the more work required around the pool edge (paved areas or carefully placed rock samples) and the more soil that needs to be moved, the more the feature will cost. Simple wildlife ponds with no fish may require little or no pumps and filters, while large, specialized koi pools may have complicated filtration and plumbing systems that cost the same as the rest of the pool. Maintenance When it comes to running a pool, any pond area will likely require as much attention as a similarly planted backyard area. It will benefit from tidying up and trimming the plants a few times a year, weeding with a spot in between, topping up with water in the summer and maybe doing a major clean/tidy every five to ten years. Keep fall leaves away with a cover net to greatly reduce future maintenance. Fish Running Costs Feeding a few dozen adult goldfish in an outdoor pond with a good quality pond pellet food can cost around twenty to thirty pence a day – pond fish don’t need to be fed in the winter. (see When and how should I feed my fish?) www.watergardensolutions.co.uk Running costs for pumps Pond pumps have become much more efficient over the last twenty years but it always takes a significant amount of energy to move large volumes out Water. As a guide the cost of electricity for: A small splashing frog ornament (9W) — 4p per day

The very smallest filter/UV system in the pond (18W) — 8p per day

A 55 watt UV lamp — 26 pence a day

A medium sized, 30cm wide, 1m high waterfall (60W) — 27p per day

A powerful (20,000lt/hr) general ‘sump pump’ (950w) — £4.33 per day*

A Powerful Pond Cascade Pump (20,000LPH) (350W) — £1.60 per day*

A powerful (20,000lph) pond cascade pump, ‘Eco’ model (200W) — 91p per day*

As a general rule ….

Per 100 watts of electricity consumed — 46p per day (£166 per year) This is based on the pump running 24 hours per day at a typical energy price of 19p per unit (including base charge and VAT – UK Government Statistics as of 21st December 2018). June). Note that prices will increase significantly in 2022. Some providers may charge less or more than this number. *The three pump examples shown at 20,000 l/h really show how important it is to choose the right pump for the job. The newer, high-efficiency pumps on the market can significantly reduce running costs, although these pumps can be more expensive to buy initially and may not always have the ‘oomp’ of power-hungry models. The high-tech UV units also reduce power consumption by automatically turning off when not in use. © Save Electricity Although filtration systems generally need to run 24 hours a day, year-round, savings can be made by running other water features and lights on an appropriate timer. For example, running a fountain from 7am to 9am and 5pm to 11pm five days a week and from 8am to 11pm on weekends would and could provide a savings of nearly 60% over running the pump full time also prolongs the life of the pump. When existing halogen garden lighting units need to be replaced, using LED equivalents can significantly reduce running costs. Some of the high tech pumps can be set to reduce flow (and power consumption) during cold winter weather when a higher flow may not be required. Small solar panels can currently only power the smallest fountain/trickle pumps and cannot always run reliably for a 24 hour period even with battery storage. Water Costs For most small ponds and features, the cost of filling is insignificant and will not cost you more on your bill if you have an unmetered supply. However, if you are at a water meter, larger ponds can incur significant filling and refilling costs. If you have a very large pond or a permanent refill line, the water supply usually requires that you have a metered water supply. We strongly recommend and use rainwater top-up on most of our larger new build pond projects. Metered water accounts have a charge for the water delivered, and there is usually an additional charge if your home’s wastewater is deemed to enter the sewer. In the Severn Trent region these combined charges equate to approximately £2.72 for each cubic meter (220 gallons / 1000 litres) of water delivered to residential buildings. (Slightly less (£2.48) in the Thames Water region). Prices are an estimate only, based on 2022-23 rates and exclude base fees and additional surface water drainage fees. If operating costs or environmental impact are particularly important to you, we can custom design your pool system – contact us to discuss your requirements.

Familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of swimming in a garden pond with koi fish

A pond loaded with koi fish in your backyard adds to the beauty of your yard

Imagine creating a koi pond that you can swim in. You could step into a pool and share it with beautiful Japanese koi fish.

On the other hand, you might be a little disgusted at the idea of ​​swimming along and coming across koi waste. Or maybe the idea of ​​swimming with fish in an enclosed space sounds unappealing.

Let’s examine the pros and cons of creating a koi pond swimming pool.

A photo of a swimming pool in a backyard

Pro #1: Interact with water features and pretty fish

A regular swimming pool doesn’t often have fancy water features (unless you have a grotto), and most importantly, you can’t share that space with pretty fish.

Children can enjoy the opportunity to step into a natural swimming pond and swim or snorkel alongside some fish. There’s even something magical and nostalgic about swimming in your garden pond.

Koi pond pools also work year-round, so you don’t have to cover or empty them in the winter. They are not naturally heated, so we do not recommend treating them like a hot tub.

Children will enjoy watching the koi fish swimming in a pond

Pro #2: Low maintenance and eco-friendly

Regular swimming pools require frequent draining, filtering and cleaning, while swimming ponds do not require thorough maintenance. You don’t have to empty them as often, so you use less water in the long run.

You also don’t have to cover it (some swimming ponds can get pretty big) and you don’t have to drain it for the winter. However, you should cover the surface to prevent gravel or debris from settling on the bottom of the pond.

To keep your koi happy and healthy, keep your pool eco-friendly

If you don’t like the smell of chlorine on your skin after a swim, a koi pond swimming pool might be worth trying. You don’t have to wash off the chlorine smell, although it might be a good idea to rinse off bacteria when you exit.

Keeping plants in and around the pond provides natural filtration and you don’t need to add chemicals to the water. Installing a small pump or waterfall somewhere in the pond can help keep the water moving and prevent algae growth. You can consider adding plants like peachgrass, water lilies, or flag irises.

That doesn’t mean you should never clean your pond. You can call in a professional cleaning service every one to three years to make sure it’s going well.

Pro #3: You will attract natural wildlife

Any natural pond with natural water will attract some semblance of wildlife. Dragonflies or birds, for example, not only help the pond look nicer, but also help control pests around the water. Frogs or turtles can even hang around the edges.

The koi pond pool helps reconnect with nature

In a way, a koi pond swimming pool allows you to reconnect with nature. You can enjoy natural plants and animals and bring a little bit of natural beauty to your garden.

Pro #4: Natural and pretty filter systems

Many koi pond pools have a “one pot” design; H. a single body of water that includes a swimming area and a regeneration area. The regeneration zone, which can be around, to one side or halfway across the pool, acts as a wetland filter for the pond water.

The plants grown in the regeneration zone develop over a filter substrate, which together cleans the water. Such a filtration system consequently destroys many forms of bacteria and anything that can produce algae.

Make sure you have a swim area and a recovery area

You can choose to keep the regeneration area separate from the pool, connecting the two only with piping and heavy-duty pumps.

In any case, you determine the regeneration area. It acts as a natural looking and simple filtration system for your water without the need for large amounts of chlorine.

Cons #1: You could be exposing yourself to dangerous bacteria

As magical as the idea of ​​swimming in a natural pond is, we need to remember something important. Humans chemically treat swimming pools to make the water safe for humans by wiping out all dangerous bacteria in the water.

There are several documented cases of people swimming in untreated water with dangerous bacteria that have nearly killed them.

A photo of a child happily playing with the koi in a swimming pool

For example, a girl named Aimee Copeland cut herself on some rocks, and a flesh-eating disease began to destroy her skin, resulting in most of her limbs having to be amputated. If the doctors hadn’t acted quickly, she could have died.

Remember that this happened because the bacteria entered Aimee’s body through the cut. Also, people swim in untreated natural water all the time. Still, it’s important to pay attention to where you swim and to make sure to wash off in the water after swimming.

Disadvantage #2: Electrocution hazard

Many koi pond pools are safely equipped for fish and humans to enjoy. However, these devices are mainly electrical and pose a risk of electrocuting fish or humans.

A woman enjoying the well equipped pond swimming pool

Things like lights, pools, and pumps need proper grounding and bonding to be safe around water. The problem is that pool equipment and swim pond equipment are not rated the same as pond equipment is not made for human contact.

Disadvantage #3: Stress for your koi

Don’t touch your koi fish or encroach on their habitat while you’re swimming. You should only handle your koi with a bucket or net when transporting them. If your kids are swimming in your pool, make sure they know that koi are live animals that deserve space.

Verdict

The idea of ​​a koi pond pool is beautiful and magical, but some hard truths come with pool maintenance.

If you swim in a koi pond pool, you must be careful not to cut yourself if there are bacteria in the water. You really need to do your research and sit down with a real swimming pond developer to get your safety bases covered.

Maintain a beautiful koi pond swimming pool

You can also sit down with a pool developer, although you should ask if they have specific pool experience. Some teams may not know the difference between the two.

As long as you’ve done your research, you should be aware of creating one of your own. Mentioning the beauty of a natural pond is worth all the work that goes into a pond.

Choosing the right liner for your pond can seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be…

Every pond needs a liner to prevent water from leaking through the bottom of the pond. There are natural pond floors made of clay and there are artificial pond liners. Both effective in their own way and each with their own benefits.

Removing pond algae is no fun, so save yourself some time later and choose the right liner for your specific habitat. Keep this in mind when opening your pond for spring.

A good liner not only keeps water in your pond, but also helps keep sediment and other debris out for easier maintenance. Today’s modern materials are designed to withstand the elements and last for years, but thinner materials can become brittle.

Consider your expected residents for the life of your pond, you may not want just goldfish and a few ferns all the time. Koi fish have different needs than a simple backyard water garden, and the cheaper alternatives could lead to major algae growth in the future.

Popular materials for pond liners are PVC and rubber

Examples of different thicknesses from 0.5mm to 1mm, choose based on the size of your pond and weather conditions.

Not sure how big your pond is? Here’s a handy calculator: Pond Size Calculator Pond Size and Dosage Calculator with Prices NOT SURE WHAT SIZE TO BUY? Use our calculator to determine the recommended weekly dosage for your pond. Shape of the pond square / rectangle circle / oval

Length of longest side (number of feet)

Length of shortest side (number of feet)

Diameter of Pond (number of feet) Measure the distance across the pond. If your pond is not a regular circle, take measurements at multiple locations and average them together.

Average Pond Depth (number of feet) Measure the depth in at least 3 locations. For deeper ponds, try using a weighted plumb line to take readings from a boat.

Circular pond volume in gallons

Rectangular pond volume in gallons

Recommended dosage of Nualgi Ponds in milliliters

Recommended volume of water for dilution (in liters)

Recommended volume of water for dilution (in ounces)

Do you email yourself with this information? Enter your email address to have your dosage instructions sent to your inbox.

Less than 4ml per week Cost per week If less than 4ml per week we recommend the 60ml.

Less than 8ml per week cost per week. If you use less than 8 ml per week, we recommend the 125 ml.

8ml – 16ml per week costs at 8ml – 16ml per week we recommend the 250ml.

Greater than 16ml < 32ml per week cost 16ml -32ml per week we recommend the 500ml. More than 32 ml per week Cost per week For more than - 32 ml per week we recommend the 1000 ml. 125ml 125mL Variation ID 250ml 250mL Variation ID 500ml 500mL Variant ID 60ml 60mL Variant ID 1L Variant ID 1L Name This field is for validation purposes and should remain unchanged. Δ It's generally a good idea to order a liner that's slightly larger than expected. This allows you to have a little more wiggle room during construction. If you are unsure of the correct size a good aquarium dealer such as Swell UK can help you determine the correct size and fit for your artificial pond liner. 0.5mm/PVC liner The cheapest lining is 0.5 mm thick PVC. Great for those on a budget and easy to repair with a patch should it tear. However, it has its downsides. In colder weather below 8⁰C it can become very brittle and crack when handled so try to avoid maintenance in the pond during the winter season. This type of liner is great if you have a very small feature or pond and is more malleable in warmer weather. 0.75mm/Greenseal pond liner This rubber pond liner is thicker at approximately 0.75mm and is more durable and flexible than PVC. It's more expensive than PVC, but less likely to tear or tear during installation or maintenance. It can withstand temperatures of around -40⁰C during the winter months, allowing it to endure the coldest weather. 1mm/Firestone liner This thick rubber liner is excellent for large ponds and is at its densest at around 1mm thick. Only the sharpest objects can pierce it, so it's unlikely to tear. In addition, it has a long service life and a 20-year guarantee. Despite being the most expensive, you get fantastic value for money. Because the liner is very thick, it can withstand freezing temperatures of around -49°C, so you can be sure it will hold up even in the coldest weather. Most pond liners can also be used to create artificial streams running through your yard. Why use a pond underlay? To add an extra layer of protection to your pond liner, a pad is a great idea. It forms a "cushion" between the liner and the pond floor. The materials tend to be durable and don't rot or degrade easily, so they can be used for years. Many are sturdy enough to prevent tree roots and other sharp objects from piercing the pond liner. If the soil in your garden is particularly rocky, then using rootstock is an essential geotextile material to include in your pond construction process. It is advisable to choose liners that are UV treated. Clay, mud and natural pond bottoms for koi fish Of course, the keyword in this sentence is. Koi fish thrive in an environment with a natural soil like clay. It can often appear cloudy with the fish constantly stirring up the mud, but the health benefits of this material make it a beneficial solution for anyone serious about breeding and raising koi fish. Top koi farms breed their koi in mud ponds to produce healthier, larger, more lively fish. Mud ponds are usually at least 5 feet deep and provide the perfect source of healing and food for Koi. When koi live in ion-charged, mineral-rich mud ponds, they will: Get bigger and faster stay strong better resist disease Develop a more brilliant dark coloring Observing koi in the wild tells us that muddy water is what they seek out most. Especially when the koi fish are wounded or have parasitic nuisances, they will seek out clay and mud environments. By creating a habitat in which the koi feel comfortable, they show their playful behavior. The fish receive the mineral nutrients they need to develop deep and vibrant colors as they mature. Use a pond additive with liners for healthier koi fish Overall, mud ponds are the best choice for keeping and breeding healthy koi, with the main disadvantage being that you cannot always see the koi as they love to play in the mud. If you decide to use a pond liner, do the koi a favor by regularly adding calcium montmorillonite clay to the pond. Whatever your choice for the pond floor, make sure you plan ahead for the necessary maintenance routines and the costs involved. Using a mud pond can reduce the need for additional pond additives or bacteria to keep your habitat healthy. Nualgi Ponds contains 12 essential elements that are similarly found in clay and mud pond bottoms Balance the food chain and reduce pesky algae for a crystal clear pond with this simple addition. Replicate the water quality of a Koi breeder without making the full investment in your pond features. Common algae growth such as thread algae is prominent on plastic liners but cannot be removed with an algaecide when fish are present. As an alternative, use Nualgi to clean your pond while protecting all residents from harmful chemicals. It's also an important benefit against New Pond Syndrome - try Nualgi today! Nualgi case studies

Beware of the dangerous rules of thumb surrounding this question.

How many koi can you have in your pond?

This is certainly one of the first questions we inevitably get from new pond owners. Rules of thumb are great for getting you into the stadium, but they really shouldn’t be taken as a final decision. I occasionally hear this DANGEROUS old rule of thumb from aquaristics applied to the pond world. “You can have 1″ fish for every gallon of water.”

Well, that’s great if you have a 10 gallon aquarium with 10 neon tetras, and that’s great if you have a 10 gallon pond with ten mosquito fish. Not a good rule of thumb when you have a 60 gallon aquarium with two 30 inch koi! Or in the pond world, which means 33 30-inch koi in a 1000-gallon pond. Even a new pond enthusiast knows it’s ridiculously crowded and disaster is brewing.

So let’s get down to a rule of thumb that you can use to fill your pond, and then we’ll review a few things to help you stay grounded when using a rule of thumb.

If you go to a top quality koi keeper you will hear rules like one female koi for every 1000 gallons of water in your pond or one male koi for every 500 gallons of pond water. For those of you who are new to the hobby, the female koi grows to be much larger than the male fish and has much more body mass. This may seem radically conservative to the person who is only going to spend a lot of money to install a 3000 gallon pond in their backyard. That means 3 female koi or 6 male koi for this 3000 gallon pond.

For most people, it’s still conservative to limit yourself to one koi per 250 gallons of pond water, provided you have a quality pond life support system and you are not averse to routine maintenance. Cleaning skimmers, pre-filters and water changes would be standard practice. That means twelve LARGE koi in a 3000 gallon pond, and since I don’t recommend even numbers in a koi pond, your goal would be eleven koi in 3000 gallon pond water.

Buying koi, especially if you are new to the hobby, is a lot of fun and can be incredibly addictive! Considering the average family of mom, dad and a pack of three if there are kids. Everyone wants to pick a few of their favorites. Before you know it, you have 25 or 30 small koi in your 2000 gallon pond.

This should be fine for a few years when the koi are young, but then suddenly you’re overcrowded with too many fish. Algae is growing like crazy, the pre-filters need to be cleaned every day or they’ll stop working and the filters just can’t keep up with the amount of fish poo! Let’s do the math using our conservative rule of thumb which suggests one koi for every 250 gallons of well filtered and cared for pond water. A 2500 gallon pond equals 10 adult Koi and you have 30! Obvious solution – get rid of 20 koi or build a bigger pond. Try telling the kids you’re getting rid of their favorite koi.

If you start with small koi, remember that they will grow up and it really doesn’t take that long. In just two or three years you will have a vigorous herd of koi mobbing around your pond. In my travels I have encountered many overcrowded ponds with unhappy koi. One of the worst I saw was a 350 gallon pond with 13 very large adult koi. It’s not nice! In fact, it was a rescue mission. Do not put yourself or your koi in this position.

Here’s a fun fact to help you cater to the needs of large koi. A 13 inch koi weighs about 1 pound. Guess what a 26 inch koi tips the scales. About 13 pounds! When koi double in size you will see a tenfold increase in body mass! That’s an incredible strain on a pond’s life support system!

I can give you a rule of thumb to get you into the ballpark, but I can’t tell you enough about the importance of a solid life support system for your pond. Now calculate your pond and tell me how your koi herd fulfills this rule of thumb. One koi per 250 gallons of well filtered and cared for pond water.

Eric Triplet

The Pond Digger

How fast do koi grow?

Given the right conditions, the average koi will be between 6 and 8 inches by the end of their first year, and by the age of 3 they will have reached their full adult size.

koi growth

An average koi can grow to between 24 and 36 inches long, although some “jumbo” varieties of koi can grow up to 52 inches long. However, impressive sizes can only be achieved if the pond conditions are optimal and the pond itself is large enough. In any case, getting your Koi to grow to this impressive size will not be an easy task.

When it comes to the size of the fish, especially when trying to breed the larger types of koi carp, there are several factors to consider. These include:

genetics

Age

water quality

pond temperature & size

nutritional blockages

Koi Genetics

The genetics of the koi play a large part in determining how large the fish will grow and if a particular koi does not possess the required predetermined characteristics, it simply will not grow into a large specimen – no matter how ideal the pond environment is can be.

Due to genetics, most koi will reach a size of 20 inches with proper care and the right environment.

Given the right conditions, the average koi will be between 6 and 8 inches by the end of their first year, and by the age of 3 they will have reached their full adult size.

Breeding of large koi carp

If you want to breed larger koi, you should start with a young female. Try to pick one with a large head and backbone. Of course, if you can find out something about the lineage of the fish (did it come from large parents) then that will also give you a head start.

Diet has a major impact on koi carp growth potential and should be carefully considered. Two of the most important things to remember are the fact that fish are grazers and if they are overfed much of it is simply wasted. High protein foods such as Saki-Hikari should be given in relatively small amounts 5 or 6 times a day.

Another thing to be aware of is the hormones released into the water by the koi carp. When these hormones reach a sufficiently high concentration, the koi simply stop growing (egg production also stops). In this way, they maintain a natural balance in the wild and prevent overpopulation.

Then you should note two things here:

Low fish population in your pond

Good water quality

These two steps alone go a long way in promoting the growth of your koi carp. 250 gallons per koi is ideal in terms of water volume. Maintaining this ratio and maintaining good water quality will increase your chances of impressive growth.

Most keepers use outdoor ponds for their koi, which is preferable to indoor aquariums for a number of reasons including the natural day/night cycles and also the feeding opportunities provided by insects.

A pond with a pump or other electrical equipment requires electricity and therefore increases your monthly electricity bills. Some pumps cost less to run than other pumps. Reduce the cost of pump operation by using a pump that moves the required amount of pond water while using the lowest amount of watts. A watt is a measure of power consumption. Calculate the cost of running a pump using this formula: divide the watts by 1,000, then multiply that number by 24 hours, the number of days per run, and the cost of electricity. An example is: 300 watts/1000 x 24 hours x 30 days x 0.08 for electricity cost = $17.28 as the cost of running the pump for 30 days.

When visitors first see my water garden—and some of the 25-year-old koi swimming in its sparkling waters—they inevitably ask themselves the same question: what do they do in winter?

The answer, of course, is that they hibernate. With their fins folded and their metabolism slowed down, they crawl to the bottom where the water temperature is warmest. (I know cold water sinks, but the bottom under the pond stays warm enough to keep the water close to about 40 degrees.)

To ensure a healthy hibernation, here are a few things you need to do in November and early December:

CLEAN THE DIRT

Clean up decaying lily pads and dying border plants, trim them to stubble and dunk the pots at the bottom. Also remove any tree leaves that fall or are blown into the pond. The leaves eventually sink to the bottom, break down and release gases that can pollute the water and kill your fish.

Some pond owners cover their ponds with netting to prevent leaves from falling. But that only works for a short time. As soon as snow arrives, you should remove the net, otherwise it can be weighed down by slushy snow and get stuck in the ice.

Without a net, there’s nothing to stop leaves from blowing around and contaminating the pond, even in the dead of winter (unless the pond is frozen over). I run a skimmer throughout the fall to collect floating leaves. And I use a landing net to scoop out any leaves that sink to the bottom.

A HOLE IN THE ICE

In most parts of Massachusetts, koi survive the harshest winters in ponds that are at least 2 feet deep. But they need a small space with open water that allows harmful gases to escape. (Remember the decaying leaves and toxic fumes? You probably didn’t get them all.)

One way to keep an opening in the ice is to run an air pump throughout the winter. I spent $100 on a small Pondmaster air pump seven years ago and it hasn’t stopped running (summer or winter) since. In the summer, the pump adds oxygen to the warm water. And in winter, the bubbles form a pie-sized circle of open water.

= = =

Another option is to use a small fountain pump with the fountain attachment removed. Set it low enough so that it forms a small water dome that rises a few inches above the surface.

For colder conditions, use a pond heater. These floating deicers look like floating saucers and are equipped with a thermostat that turns on the heater when temperatures approach freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit). It’s just enough heat to sustain a small circle of open water.

FEED THE KOI FOR THE WINTER

Koi will continue to eat when the water temperature drops, but the bacteria and digestive enzymes stop working when the water drops below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is 40-50 degrees, feed your koi a spring/autumn diet containing easily digestible wheat germ and vegetable proteins. Another option: Cheerios, specifically Honey-Nut Cheerios. My koi love them.

When the water temperature gets close to 40 Fahrenheit, you’ll find that the koi don’t even respond to the feeding. Or they move very sluggishly and only eat a few grains before lazily going back down. That means it’s time to stop feeding altogether.

Wish them a nice winter and get started with your Christmas shopping.

Lisa Gauthier Mitchison

Angie’s list

Few luxury home accessories can match the tranquility and beauty of a man-made pond in your backyard. The average cost of building an artificial pond is $3,100. Most jobs are between $1,200 and $9,000.

The cost of homemade ponds varies depending on the type. For example, koi ponds and swimming lakes require different materials to function properly. The cheapest is the small garden pond for upwards of 50 euros, while bodies of water with practical functions such as fishing cost significantly more.

Garden ponds are the cheapest and easiest to make yourself. Most only cost $50 to $500. Homeowners can purchase a small piece of plastic sheeting at a hardware or garden store, or they can dig a hole and line it themselves. Some factors that affect the price are size, depth and whether there are fish.

The cost of constructing a pond is typically $2.50 to $7.15 per square foot. For a larger project like a lake, expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $8,200 per acre or more. The total price depends on various factors. Some people want to include a liner, which can be a plastic wrap or even a sheet that goes along the bottom and sides of the pond. Plastic is the cheapest option, while stronger materials like concrete and fiberglass increase the price. Other important factors are the location of the pond and the soil type of the property.

Koi ponds are special bodies of water intended for housing koi. The fish must live in an area that is at least 3 feet deep. The cost of installing a koi pond ranges from $450 to $5,500. Depending on the weather in your area, the pond may also need a heating system to keep the fish alive during the winter.

Artificial lakes are not standard size or shape, so they range in price from $100 to $5,000 for smaller projects. Key cost factors include the type of liner used, the amount of labor, and the overall size of the lake. A home improvement job costs less than hiring a professional, but comes with risks. If a liner is not properly installed or the bottom is not dug properly, the lake can be destroyed.

Farm ponds or lakes have many uses and cost around $2,000 to $10,000. Many homeowners install one because it provides water for irrigation, livestock, and fish. They need to be well maintained and cared for, and large enough to provide enough fluid to operate. Key cost factors include the size of the lake, the type of liner, and the labor required to create it.

Fishing ponds have the greatest variety as different species of fish require different environments. A standard pond costs between $1,500 and $9,000. The factors that affect the overall cost the most are the size, shape and depth of the pond and what type of fish the owner wants. Fish have different needs and types of water they need to live, so there are additional costs involved in choosing the right liner, possibly a heating system and chemicals to maintain the pond.

Koi fish are some of the most interesting fish that everyone has heard of. While most fish are kept indoors, most koi fish are kept outdoors in elaborate, expensive ponds.

Owning koi fish is often associated with wealth and success, not only because these fish are so beautiful, but also because koi fish can be expensive to buy and care for!

But how much does a koi fish actually cost? Are these creatures actually that expensive, or are they an affordable pet for most people?

How much does a koi fish cost?

Koi fish typically cost around $20-$50 for a healthy koi around 5 inches in length. However, prices can range from $5 to well over $10,000 depending on the species and size of the koi fish.

Additionally, the cost of koi ponds can add several thousand dollars to that price.

So, koi fish can be cheap if you want a more budget-friendly option, but they can also break the bank if you’re a true enthusiast or a fan of luxury.

Below we will cover the cost of owning koi fish in more detail. This includes the purchase price of the koi fish themselves, as well as the enclosure and supplies you’ll need to keep them happy and healthy.

Koi Fish Cost Breakdown

Product Initial Cost Annual Cost Koi Carp $5-$10,000+ Koi Pond $1,000-$30,000+ Pond Decorations $100-$1,000+ Koi Fish Feed $50-$150+ $20-$150+ Water Care $25-$100+ $25-$100+

Cost of the koi fish itself

There is no one-size-fits-all price for koi fish. While there are certainly price trends, there are numerous factors that contribute to how much a particular koi fish will sell.

To better understand the fluctuations in koi fish prices, simply look at the fish for sale from various reputable sellers. NextDayKoi, for example, has koi fish ranging in value from $17.50 to $500.

What exactly are the factors that contribute to the cost of a koi fish?

kind of koi

There is not a single type of koi fish. Instead, there are over 100 officially recognized strains, all with different characteristics that affect their cost.

While the individual type of koi does have an impact on the cost, it is more the characteristics that these species can have that make them expensive.

For example, there may be two koi of a certain type, but if one is a better color or size than the other, it will usually be sold at a higher price.

There are also koi called “butterfly koi” and these are koi that have been bred with longfin carp to produce a fish with flowing fins. The status of these koi is debatable, but they usually fetch a higher price than their standard counterpart.

domestic or import

Koi fish are farmed all over the world. Depending on where you live, these fish can have different costs depending on whether they are farmed locally or abroad.

While imported koi don’t always cost more, they often do because of the excitement and foreign aspect to them.

genetic ancestry

While everyday koi owners don’t pay much attention to this aspect, the fish’s genetic lineage can determine its price.

On average, koi live about 40 years. However, they have been known to live for over 200 years! So it makes sense that you want a healthy fish that will survive as long as possible.

Koi that come from a strong, desirable line usually come at a premium. Decades and decades of selective breeding are often behind a particular Koi – countless hours of work.

Breeders especially want these fish because they mean better offspring and higher profits.

attractiveness

Koi are actually divided into “grades” which are “pond quality” and “show quality”. Pond quality koi are the most commonly found, and the vast majority of owners see little difference between the two.

However, show quality koi have very desirable coloring and markings that make them sell for a lot more money.

Colors and patterns absolutely dominate.

Of all the Koi species, the Kohaku, Sanke, and Showa are dominant and tend to have the most desirable color and pattern combinations.

size

The size usually correlates directly with the cost. A particular koi may cost $100 if it’s 5″ long, but could sell for $300 if it’s 12″ long.

As the koi matures and grows, it often brings about slight changes in color and pattern – factors that add to the cost.

Cost of Owning Koi Fish

If you want to buy a koi fish, $5 for a standard koi is not all the money you will spend.

You have to keep in mind that these fish live for decades and can grow to anywhere from 12 to 36 inches in length. Housing an ancient monstrosity like this doesn’t come cheap!

You need to make sure you not only have the means to house one or more koi, but also the money.

Koi pond costs

The main expense you incur is in the koi pond itself. This pond must be large enough for the koi, filter/channel the water effectively, and keep working without hiccups.

There are two ways to do this, and both ways cost different amounts.

First off, you can pay to have a koi pond installed. Ponds suitable for koi range in price from $5,000 for a simple 15′ x 20′ pond to over $30,000 for a massive, beautiful piece of engineering.

When you pay for a pond, you’re not only paying for all the materials, you’re also paying for the labor. If you’re not handy, this is the option to go for. However, there are much cheaper ways to keep koi.

The alternative is DIY – build a koi pond yourself.

Fortunately, there are many kits online that you can use to do this yourself. This particular kit builds a 15′ x 20′ 2,100 gallon pond for well under $1,000.

Simply Ponds 2100 Gallon Pond Kit A DIY kit for building your own koi pond including liner, skimmer, pump, hoses, lights and more.

While the DIY approach requires some technical know-how, it is extremely inexpensive and can get you building your own beautiful koi pond for around $1,000.

Cost of pond decorations

Without decoration, your koi pond is just a hole in the ground. To compliment these beautiful fish, you need to do a bit of landscaping, which will cost some money.

The two main decorative items you need to buy are rocks (to line the pond) and plants (to liven up the whole scene).

You can either find stones for free in nature or near demolition sites, or you can buy them. Unfortunately, beautiful stones always seem to cost a fortune.

You can expect to pay about $150 or more for about 70 linear feet of rock to line your pond. However, prices can vary widely depending on the type/size of stone you are using.

Plants are optional, but they really liven up a koi pond. Some popular koi pond plants include water hyacinth, water lilies, umbrella plants, horsetail, and fan herbs.

If you want your pond to look very lively and natural, expect to spend around $200 on plants.

Cost of Koi Fish consumables

Because fish are living creatures, they need care and maintenance—both things that cost money.

The cost of these consumables can vary depending on how many koi you have and the size of your pond.

For very small koi ponds, this shouldn’t be a huge expense.

Koi feed costs

Koi fish, believe it or not, need to eat to survive. So food will be a recurring expense throughout your koi’s lifespan.

Most owners feed their koi differently depending on the time of year and the life stage of their fish.

In the spring and fall, it’s best to buy a feed that will replenish the koi and prepare them for the winter – especially if it’s harsh where you live.

In the warmer months, growth feeds or color enhancing feeds tend to be the best choices.

Tetra Pond Koi Vibrance Food A nutritious maintenance food for koi fish that is easy to eat and digest, promotes health and helps improve koi colors.

This food might be expensive to buy at first, but it comes in such large quantities that you don’t have to buy it very often.

A single koi can cost you maybe $50 a year in feed, and that cost increases with each new fish you add.

water maintenance costs

There are several aspects to maintaining a koi pond and keeping it clean and healthy for all the koi in it. Luckily, much of this maintenance is free and just takes your time.

There are two main products that you need to buy for your koi pond.

First and foremost, you need a dechlorinator/conditioner. Pond water evaporates over time, leaving a higher concentration of minerals and debris that reduce water quality. Because of this, you need to replace some of the pond water with clean water on a weekly basis.

Chemicals are added to tap water to make it drinkable. So if you add a dechlorinator to the water, your koi can safely swim in it.

Because koi ponds are quite large, you’ll need a healthy amount of this water conditioner, which can cost a decent sum upfront but lasts a long time. This API Pond Stress Coat Conditioner is a popular choice.

Algae can also ruin a pond by depriving the koi in it of oxygen, so an algaecide is an essential addition. API’s Pond Algaefix seems to work best for this.

Are Koi Fish Cheap to Own?

Koi fish are definitely not the cheapest pets. While it is possible to purchase koi fish for as little as $5, housing and feeding these creatures certainly costs a lot more.

Add this cost over the 40+ year lifespan of a koi fish and the cost is in the thousands upon thousands of dollars.

So if you are thinking of buying koi fish, think about whether you have the means to properly house them and the money to meet all of their needs.

There’s a reason these fish are often associated with wealth!