Simple Advice
KPA unlike some Koi outlets, want you to be aware of some of the implications of keeping a Koi pond to a professional level. Our advice is free and simple and will save you time and money from the outset of your hobby.
Below you will find a simple guide of what you should be considering if you are thinking of constructing a Koi pond or altering an existing pond to cater for Koi. It is absolutely essential that prior to digging you have thoroughly planned or designed your Koi pond. If you have not, or are otherwise uncertain of some aspects to the design then we would encourage you to re-think and take note of important issues which need serious consideration before commencing your project.
If you apply these simple rules you will, without doubt, have a successful, fully operational Koi pond that will give you hours of satisfaction with limited maintenance - leading to healthy and happy Koi... Oh and a happy you!
A Practical Guide to Building and Maintaining a Koi Pond
If you are looking to build a Koi pond from scratch or alter an existing one and you are confused or uncertain of the facts then we suggest you read this fantastic little book called "A Practical Guide to Building and Maintaining a Koi Pond" written by Keith Holmes and Tony Pitham.(pictured above) This book has helped many of our customers gain a better understanding of some of the bewildering aspects to a Koi pond.
It contains all the facts needed for building a Koi Pond complemented by detailed colour photo’s and simple explanations breaking down every aspect from construction to filtration, maintenance and general health care - In fact everything you need to know to get you started!
We will supply this to you for Free with your first order over £50.00 or you can purchase it at £6.00 plus postage.
What is a Pond?
Basically a pond is a hole in the ground which is filled with water and various types of aquatic plants to encourage its beauty and enhance your garden. Alongside the various aquatic plants you can introduce goldfish and other hardy pond fish. These will survive throughout the seasons of the year being joined by various other native creatures like toads and frogs. If you are introducing a large number of fish you will need a filter of some description but largely the set up within in a garden pond is self-sustaining system.
What is a Koi Pond?
Similar to a garden pond it is basically a hole in the ground filled with water. However, this is the only similarity between the two. A Koi pond has one purpose and that is to provide an essential and suitable environment to keep Koi. Koi grow to very large sizes and with that consume much food, thus creating large volumes of waste. For the Koi to survive and live a healthy life it is most important to create an environment of clean, well oxygenated water. The benefits of this will mean that you will be able to enjoy the hobby to its full without any of the stress and aggravation!
Basic Design and Essential Elements
In order to keep Koi and enjoy your hobby to the full you will need consider the following elements to stand you in good stead for a successful Koi pond which in return will give you added benefits.(inc.briefly below)
Filtration - essential
 A typical multibay filter system
Filters are absolutely essential and play a key part in an any pond. A filter basically removes harmful pollutants excreted as ammonia from fish and other waste matter such as non digested food or debris such as leaves, from within your pond environment. You may be already be confused by the large range of filters available or about other advice you have already taken. Which one you choose is very important and this will depend on cost, personal preferences, your design and specifications of your system i.e. size of pond, stocking levels and flow rates.
Give us a call where we can discuss your ponds individual filtration requirements - this will save any further confusion and be based on the facts!
Bottom drain - essential
Bottom drain assembly
Also Essential -a bottom drain is a key element in enabling waste to be removed from the base of your pond and deposit it to your filtration system. Waste matter which generally settle at the bottom release pollutants that are toxic to fish (i.e. ammonia). For more information and a better understanding about bottom drains please click on Essential Bottom Drain
Air / Aeration - essential
 Kam Air - 40 litre air pump
With out this your fish will suffocate, without question! Air is the lifeline of any pond and sadly it also is commonly overlooked when keeping Koi. Introduction of air is essential and principally is there to maintain dissolved oxygen levels within a pond. You will need a plentiful supply of air supplied by a reliable air pump and will be introduced into your Koi pond via air stones, diffuser, or similar. Click here to learn more about the Importance of Air and related subjects.
Utilities and relevant Connections
Connections to the utilities such as water, electricity and gas if you choose to heat your pond using a boiler are important elements to consider when designing a pond to suit your site requirements.
Water Supply - essential
A Koi pond will need a supply to allow for topping up from time to time and in particular after filter maintenance. Fresh tap water must be run through a Granular Activated Carbon Filter which will remove harmful elements such as chlorine and chloramine and other heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, copper, and zincleading to contamination.
Granular Activated Carbon Filter
Chlorine is used by water utility company's in which they regularly introduce thousands of gallons into the main stream water supply network to kill bacteria within the pipelines. Perhaps next time you go to top up your Koi pond direct from a garden hose pipe, you may just think twice about what you could be introducing? Chlorine will burn your fish and cause stress and irritation which will lead to parasites & bacteria problems resulting in death.
Where possible but not essential, water supplies which are buried underground can have many advantages other than an unsightly hosepipe trailing across the garden. Relevant provisions can be applied within easy reach of the pond from this supply. One example of this is self filling systems which consist of a ball valve commonly found in the cistern of your toilet or water tanks in your loft. These can be permanently plumbed via your Carbon Filter and allow the Koi pond to self fill after evaporation or filter maintenance. Electronic top up systems are also available.
Electrical supply - essential
Your pond will not run without electricity. Electricity supply requires some consideration and we suggest that an extension from your existing consumer board (home supply) is added. This should have a fuse box and be fitted with an RCD (Residual Circuit Device) This will stop you and your fish from being electrocuted if anything electrical should enter your pond - water and electricity do not mix! Do not run your pond on an extension lead because this will result in voltage drop leading to pumps not running at their optimum level or could possibly lead to an overload on your existing supply resulting in a Fire!
Electrical armored cable can be run around fencing and laid across gardens etc however these are best buried out of site where ever possible.
Drainage - essential for ease of maintenance
 Prima XL - A typical submersible pump for pumping waste water
Maintaining your filter systems is important and is made easier when it is possible to flush the waste away. In our civilized society we as people just flush the toilet and our waste just disappears. The easier it is to flush the waste (pull the chain) from a filter bay when maintaining your filter systems the more you will enjoy this hobby. Where possible we advise to connect to the mainstream sewer with a minimum 3" waste pipe. If you cannot achieve this, make provisions for a sump and sump pump (shown above) within your filter bay. This will enable you to pump the waste through a relevant hose up and over obstacles, eventually dumping the waste to the main sewer or depositing it into a soak away or watering the garden - do this and the whole thing becomes easier and more enjoyable!
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