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Login to post Forums » Off-topic discussion » SWMBO has indicated the desire for a Koi Pond.....

June 1, 2011 9:38 a.m. z31maniac SuperDork

So I've been doing some research, but I wanted to check with the GRM faithful, as I'm sure at least a few of have built one or something similar.

Particularly looking for input from those who are as far south as I am or farther (Northeastern Oklahoma). I'm not too concerned about freezing, since it's not THAT cold here that often, but more about in the summer.

Our backyard has NO SHADE and in July/August, it's not uncommon to have weeks straight of high temps over 100.

Is there any worry about the water getting too warm? I've read with Koi/Goldfish, you need a deep section for them to hide and shade cover.

So, tips/tricks/suggestions? Favorite place to buy supplies from?
June 1, 2011 10:12 a.m. T.J. SuperDork

I'll be watching this thread. I have nothing to contribute, but am interested in learning about this as well. I went to a local garden center/nursery and there is a pond/fish store next door. After looking through there I've been toying with the idea of a pond for the backyard.
June 1, 2011 10:40 a.m. midknight Reader

On quick read I thought it said Kia Pond. Hmm..don't know that model. Then I read it again.
June 1, 2011 10:47 a.m. Cole_Trickle Reader

I have help build a couple of them here in NC. They were all in the shade for some of the day, and I dont know how the fish did. I was just landscaping labor for a while. Might want to put in some shrubs on one side to partially shade the pond. I would be verrryy careful when lining the pond, making sure that nothing would puncture it. Throw in a water feature for looks and to keep the water circulating. I would also make the pond atleast 18 inches deep. (If the surface area is bigger, then dig a little deeper.)
June 1, 2011 10:51 a.m. z31maniac SuperDork

^I've read if you want fish, 3' is the MINIMUM and really 4-5' is best.
June 1, 2011 10:56 a.m. Cole_Trickle Reader

z31maniac wrote:

^I've read if you want fish, 3' is the MINIMUM and really 4-5' is best.

Wow, thats a substantial difference. I think that the deepest we ever went was near 3' for a pond that was 6' wide and around 7' long. Hey, go deep!
June 1, 2011 10:57 a.m. 1988RedT2 Dork

Take her to the aquarium. It's a lot less trouble.
June 1, 2011 11:05 a.m. Jerry From LA HalfDork

Wait two weeks and see if the subject comes up again.
June 1, 2011 11:08 a.m. carguy123 SuperDork

My Koi hang out under the shade during hot times of the day/year. Yes the water can get too hot so you'll need to use a pump to aereate and cool it.

Watch out for egrets and other water birds, they will eat all your fish within minutes.

I have 2 regular sized ponds with Koi in them to help keep down the moss and algae so I can't help with a small pond.

My Koi are big, along the lines of 24" and maybe 3-5 lbs. I don't know why I bother to estimate size and weight since I'm always wrong, but they are big. Big enough my daughter won't swim in our ponds anymore.
June 1, 2011 11:16 a.m. mad_machine SuperDork

I would definatly go deep if you get those kinds of temps.

When I helped my uncle build the one my Grandmother has.. it was chest deep (4 foot) in the shady corner beneath a rock waterfall we made. We also planted a Japanese Maple that gives the pond a LOT of shade.

Shade not only helps the fish.. it makes it nicer to sit out there and play with the fish.. and yes.. you can play with koi, they are quite friendly.

airborne preditors are not your only issue. My Grandmother had problems with a racoon that made off with a couple of her biggest fish.. and gods know how many of the smaller ones
June 1, 2011 11:31 a.m. fromeast2west New Reader

You'll definitely want to plant something pond side that can provide shade. A decent pump with a fountain attachment can also help cool and aerate the water on really hot days.

There is netting you can use to cover ponds that's pretty cheap and fairly effective.

You should be OK with a pond about five feet deep (to keep things cool in the summer, and to make sure you have an area that won't freeze in the winter.

Assume you'll have to dig a foot deeper than your intended depth so you can lay down clay/sand/liner for the pond. (unless you're planning on pouring concrete, and that's another story entirely). You should also plan your power and water lines to the pond when you're considering your layout. I prefer designs where they're easily hidden by decking or other features.

Does SWMBO also want some type of water feature? I think one of the reasons waterfalls and falling streams are so popular is because it makes use of the big pile of dirt you have left over after digging out the pond.. so that's something to consider as well.
June 1, 2011 11:50 a.m. oldsaw SuperDork

A good friend built a koi pond in his Atlanta yard. It was 2'-3' deep with aeration and a pump feeding a small waterfall feature. The pond was partially excavated, partially raised and located under a small shade tree; the stacked stone wall ranged from 1'-2' high. He also had aquatic plants in the pond that added to the partial shade cover in summer.

The residents tripled in size and were pretty active in both the summer heat and winter cold; not all of them lived, though.

I'd say finding a good balance to avoid heat and cold is essential, along with keeping the water aerated and moving. That might be difficult and/or expensive endeavour if you're you're starting with a bare landscape.
June 1, 2011 11:52 a.m. z31maniac SuperDork

Hmmm, some of that is a bit discouraging, as I've read having a big deep area can help against predators as well. But when the fish come up to the surface, the depth below them doesn't really matter.

Yes, I want to put in a waterfall. But instead of using the dirt, I was actually thinking of building a small "pumphouse" out of brick or something.

Then house pumps/aerators/power supply/etc, all in it. With a waterproof membrane around the outside. And it gives you something to build a waterfall on.

But this is just spitballing so far.

Keep the info coming!

Jerry From LA wrote:

Wait two weeks and see if the subject comes up again.

Well, I actually want one to otherwise I would smile/nod and not bring it up again.

When it comes to other projects like painting/tile/etc, I DO NOT help her AT ALL. Because she so frequently changes her mind on what she wants, we haven't been in our house 2 years, and I think the living room is on it's 3rd or 4th color.
June 1, 2011 11:55 a.m. WilberM3 Dork

just dont fall in
June 1, 2011 12:06 p.m. N Sperlo HalfDork

In reply to WilberM3:

He probably wouldn't have if the guy on the right wasn't trying to hump him.

I know someone with a koi pond just outside of Saint Louis. Its only three feet deep, but I'd suggest the 5-6 just in case. Otherwise our weather seems to be rather similar, so I'd think more on the lines of what predator birds are in the area.
June 1, 2011 12:15 p.m. 1988RedT2 Dork

My friend has had a pretty nice pond for a few years now and had good luck keeping fish alive in it over the winter. He recently found it empty. A great blue heron is the likely culprit, although there are other suspects. The pond was just off his enclosed back porch, so proximity to the house did little to discourage the thief.
June 1, 2011 12:25 p.m. WilberM3 Dork

In reply to N Sperlo:

that's from a scene from The Office where michael falls into a client's koi pond and jim is leaning away as he's falling, sounds like you havent' seen that one
June 1, 2011 1:02 p.m. N Sperlo HalfDork

In reply to WilberM3:

Hadn't seen that one, love the show though. The hot chick is from Saint Louis. Dated a lot of girls from her old high school. Not her though.

This should take care of the birds though.
June 1, 2011 1:15 p.m. integraguy Dork

Having been to Japan and seen one "up close"....these ponds are always in a shady corner of your "garden". They also require LOTS of plant life for the fish to hide under. And like any fish tank, they should have a means for re-circulating the water.

The one I saw in Japan....couldn't say how deep it was, but I would guess a few feet. And the fish, well, there were so many in that pond that it almost looked like you could have walked on fish and not gotten too wet.
June 1, 2011 1:32 p.m. ZOO SuperDork

Herons are your enemy. My friend lost all her koi to the "pretty heron" she noticed in the backyard one day

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