Do It Yourself Koi Pond Construction
Having a koi pond in your home can be a real joy. Koi pond construction is relatively easy as long as you have the basic know how. Koi are beautiful colored fish that can grow quite large and enjoy longevity. They are fish originally from Asia and have long been associated with tranquility, peace and beauty.
Koi pond construction can be undertaken by any home owner. Of course, the size and depth of the koi pond construction might make the undertaking more difficult and longer than anticipated. You might like to start with a small pond that can house just less than ten fish to be able to get the hang of koi pond construction.
Options for Koi Pond Construction
Depending on what you prefer your koi pond construction can either be above ground or dug in the ground. There are merits and demerits for both kinds of koi ponds. Above ground koi pond construction entail putting a barrier (usually made from cement or wood and then lined with plastic) to form the basic structure of the koi pond. If you want a deeper pond, you will have to dig several feet under ground and take out the soil to make an effective koi pond. A liner is most likely still needed if you dig for a pond since most soil absorb water and cannot retain it.
An aerator, filter and pond pump is needed for an efficient koi pond. The area of the koi pond construction must be considered for space and sunlight. A larger koi pond is better for the fish and plant life that you will need to put into it. Plant life and vegetation are great for fish because it gives them shade and food at the same time. A pond that is too shallow will most likely heat up under the intense heat of the sun, causing your fish to die. Make sure that it is deep enough to sustain the right water temperatures.
Before embarking in your koi pond construction, make sure that you have correctly measured the area. The liner you will use to prevent the water from seeping out should also be measured correctly. It is better to have an excess of liner than a shortage. The edges of the liner should be fixed in place firmly to avoid it falling into the koi pond. You can cover the edges of the plastic liner to make the pond look more natural. Heavy rocks can be used to anchor the liner because tearing into it with pegs can cause these holes to become larger in time. Doing your own koi pond construction can be very fulfilling but make sure you allot enough time and money for it.
