1. Slope the bottom of your pond, 20 º is best and less steep slopes can also work. The slope needs to focus on ending at the bottom drain. Having two bottom drains can be helpful in the event that your system developes problems (the second drain can act as a backup). When the waterfall is at the shallow end and the bottom drain is at the deep end, a natural movement of the water will push the bottom debris to the bottom drain. Having no obstruction to this natural water flow (like plants on the inside of the pond) will better encourage this natural flow.

2. Make the sides of the pond straight down at least two feet. This allows for some predator control. Most heron and egret like to stand in the water to fish. Opossum and raccoon like to get into the water a little to fish. Shalow water makes getting into the water easy for these predators. For even more aggressive predator control it may be necessary to cover the pond when unattended.

3. A shade cloth over at least 1/3 to 1/2 of the pond will help prevent sunburn on the Koi. Shade also can contribute to a reduction of algae growth, and stabilization of temperature in shallow ponds.

4. Ponds three feet deep allow the Koi to winter better in climates that have light freezes in winter (28-32º). Deeper freezes need other measures for winter. Ponds three feet deep or deeper also give the Koi more exercise room (top to bottom movement) for better conformation.

5. Koi can grow to be very large even in these smaller ponds. They can be quite Messy. The aim in a Koi pond then is to have a combination of filters, pump, UV, etc. that will allow the pond owners to have light maintenance. The pond owner gains time to enjoy the peace and quiet of their backyard pond along with high water quality.

6. Water quality is the most important contributor to fish health.

7. Aim for a fish load of 280 gallons per 18" Koi.

8. Koi can grow very fast in the right setting. A 6" Koi might be 18" within 2-4 years even in a small pond setting. It is always best to add fish to your new pond slowly. Overloading a pond can contribute to algae overgrowth. Put only a few fish in your pond for the first year. Try your hand at growing the less expensive Koi, join a Koi club, ask questions, get to know your pond and add more fish as your experience increases.

9. If your pond still gets green water or ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate problems you may still need to increase your filtration.

10. Clear water does not mean healthy Koi water. Test for ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate to be sure especially after a filter cleaning and in a new pond.

11. Koi fish jump. If you do not want to lose your favorite fish, cover your pond - when you introduce a new fish, when the water quality seems poor, during spawning... or lower the pond level when introducing Koi.
~ Noreen Rancourt, Got Koi