In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.
John Muir
Thinking about joining the beautiful community of Koi Fish enthusiasts?
Consider the following before taking this exciting plunge;
How much sunlight does my chosen location get per day? You will want to find an area that gets at least four hours of sunshine but has plenty of shade during the sunnier months. Too much sun means lots of algae!
Are there trees or tree roots that will interfere with your liner? When planning the landscaping around your pond, keep this in mind so that roots don’t grow under the liner and cause problems down the line. Always plant new trees with this in mind.
What is the vibe you are going for? Natural? Modern? Sophisticated and manicured? For me, I always knew I wanted a natural look to my pond; as if nature itself created it and not a hired professional! This takes time and patience however, as the pond vegetation doesn’t grow over night!
What types of flowers and greenery would I like? Certain plants do well in a moist environment while others do not. Talk to your local nursery about suggestions and find a nursery that has a selection of plants specifically for ponds. A variety of grasses,, sedum and irises are popular choices while water Hyacinths are my favorite “in pond” plant. Because they multiply like crazy, you get a real bang for your buck. When they bloom, they boast of a beautiful purple blossom that will add color and charm to any pond. Water plants also allow for a shady environment for the fish as well as a place for them to hide from potential predators.
How will you keep them safe? Speaking of predators, always make sure there is a safe place for your fish to go (usually a ledge of some kind) so they can take cover from birds or animals that may find them appetizing.
How do I manage algae growth? Consider a filter with UV light. as this helps a lot with the growth of algae during the summer months. I have never added chemicals or solutions of any kind and my water is crystal clear.
What will you feed your little friends? Feed your koi good quality food and pay attention to the time of year you are feeding them. Koi fish do not eat at all during the winter months and need to eat a springtime/cold weather diet in the weeks leading up to the warmer weather and again leading up to the colder temperatures. I always use the Tetra brand, specifically Koi Vibrance with Color Enhancers (you get the added bonus of enhancing the vibrant colors on your fish).
What should I do during the cold months? If you live in a cold winter climate, It is vital to put an aerator in your pond when you shut down for the cold months. This will prevent the pond from freezing over and eliminating the oxygen in the water. There are all kinds of fancy aerators, but just use a simple Tetra Whisper Air Pump wrapped in a plastic bag and plugged into an outdoor cord. It has not failed me yet!
Should I use mulch around my pond? Mulch is fine to use as long as it is not dyed! Choose an all natural mulch that will not discolor your water or harm your fish.
Will my fish have personalities? YES! While some may disagree, I consider my koi fish the golden retrievers of the fish world. It took a while to gain their trust, but they now come right up to me and eat from my hands! it is my belief that they sense. my energy and know I mean them no harm- in fact, I consider them my cherished pets! Be patient and they will learn to trust you.
My koi pond is the best gift I have ever given myself.
There is not a day of the late Spring, Summer and Fall that I regret my little piece of heaven. While I am no expert and certainly have more to learn, I have gleaned some useful tips and information over the years that I am happy to share. While I would be lying if I said that there is no work involved in the maintenance of the pond, I can promise you that it is worth every ounce of effort. And if you are anything like me, time outside in nature is hardly tough to take. This is your sign to just do it!
Make it stand out.
Flowers and water plants can really make a visual impact in your koi pond! These water hyacinths multiply by the dozens so they make a great beautiful (and economical) choice! And the fish love to swim under and through them too, adding an extra layer of shade and protection.
Add lighting for dramatic effect
Lighting can open up a whole new dimension to your pond! I have had great luck with solar lighting, especially the solar torches I ordered from Amazon years ago. I have used them season after season and they are still going strong. They give the impression of actual fire and I have had several people ask how I keep them lit all night!
I have recently added a new lighting element to my pond and it is soooo magical and fun! Check out the fire fly lights I have aimed over and above our pond. Again, people have gawked at the number of “fireflies” I have in my yard and are shocked when I confess they come from this laser light! It has made my pond feel even more like a magical fairy land!
Instill Trust.
Gain the trust of your Koi fish by gently resting your hand on top of or in the water while you feed them. Don’t try to grab them or touch them. Eventually, hold the food in your hand and gently float your hand (with the food in it) in the water, palm up. Over time, they will learn they can trust you and eventually eat from your hand and maybe even allow you a quick pat! Be calm and patient …it is worth the wait!