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If you want to keep koi, you will need to build them their habitat. It will be harsh to keep your koi fish in an aquarium since they can grow large and need enough space and depth to swim about. You need to build a koi pond water garden. With a well-planned and carefully designed koi pond water garden, you will be providing your fish a great environment where they can thrive and grow more lovely as they grow older.

Designing Your Koi Pond

You will need to properly plan the specific features of your koi pond water garden. The most common mistake of newbie koi keepers is building their pond too small. If you do so, you will be limiting the number of fish as well as plants that you can add into the water garden. According to experts, the minimum volume capacity of a koi pond water garden should be at least a thousand gallons. The depth has to be at least 3 feet however 4 to 5 feet depth are more ideal.

Beyond the volume capacity and depth, however, you will also need to be worried about the surface area when finding out the stocking density of your pond. Koi are large and need plenty of dissolved oxygen in the water. And, dissolved oxygen is obtained normally from the atmosphere at the pond's surface. Insufficient supply of oxygen will strain the fish and increase their chances of getting sick.

If you can't give the required surface area, or if you want to increase your koi population in the same pond, you can make use of a biofiltration system. Incorporating waterfalls with small steps can also improve the oxygen levels in your koi pond water garden. More than just being useful, your waterfalls can also add visual and audible beauty to your pond.

If you wish to see more of your fish, stay away from a circular design with a deep center. The koi will usually stay near the center and often at the bottom so you will can't keep an eye on them properly. An irregular pond shape is better; keep the deepest areas of the pond within just a few feet of the edge so you can see more of the fish.

Where to Set Your Koi Pond Water Garden

You can enjoy your pond more if it is built close to your home. Choose a place where you can view the pond all year round. The pond should not be on the receiving end of runoff rainfall to avoid getting fertilizers, chemicals as well as biological debris straight into your pond water. See how you will have to alter the topography to separate the pond.

Outdoor ponds often draw in wildlife including predators like herons, kingfishers, cats, raccoons, foxes as well as badgers. They can quickly empty your pond of its fish. You will need to provide for overhangs over the water to stop mammals from getting in. The depth of your pond will stop herons from standing in your pool. Your shade trees can shield your koi from the aerial view of predatory birds. If necessary, you may have to place string nets or wires above the surface of your koi pond water garden.