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My DIY RM1,000 pond

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yeokhin
Koi Lover

Jun 23, 2002, 12:51 AM

Post #1 of 66 (9556 views)
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My DIY RM1,000 pond	Can't Post

I like to share with u guys my pond. It’s not as nice as some but I am happy with it. Just hope the fish are as happy as I am. (They jump up out of the water like the dolphins). The pond is 6 months old and the filter system (info got from this web site. Thanks) is up and running 2.5 months ago (not complete yet).

Pond size : 10 feet x 6 feet x 2 feet

Pump : Submersible, 300w, 0.6mc per hour

Filter system : Charcoal, Gravel, Sand & Plant.

Total cost : About RM1,000 (USD190)

Total Man-hour : 80 hours + countless hours of planning & searching the net for Info.

Note : The water is still crystal clear after 2.5 month with the pump running 5 hours per day. And thanks again for the tips. Sly

Attachments:

rm1k_2.jpg (50.9 KB)

dttk
Senior Member

Jun 23, 2002, 9:34 AM

Post #2 of 66 (9546 views)
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Re: [yeokhin] My DIY RM1,000 pond [In reply to]	Can't Post

Incredibly natural looking pond! ...and only for RM1k... Angelic

. Congratulations! This will be the envy of many beginner koi-keeper... Crazy

. Two and a half months old system is still new. Hopefully we don't see other problems creeping up later. Can't see your filter though. Is it made of liner or concrete? Is there a bottom drain? What kind of filtration system? Gravity-fed or pump-fed system? Directly under the sun? but lots of nice plants shading the koi. What are your water parameters like? Any chance for more pics of pond, filter and koi to be posted? Are the koi still jumping like dolphins... Wink

. You have a large garden...why not make the pond larger and deeper? Sorry for all the questions... Crazy

. Glad we could be of help... Smile

.
Always friendly :)

(This post was edited by dttk on Jun 23, 2002, 9:38 AM)

yeokhin
Koi Lover

Jun 23, 2002, 2:55 PM

Post #3 of 66 (9535 views)
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Re: [dttk] My DIY RM1,000 pond [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks ddtk. My pond is made of liner. So far no problem yet only the filter needs some modification and touches up. The filter is the box beside my son. The pond is directly under the sun. My wife & me trim the plant (Morning Glory) every 2 weeks.

The Koi (30 of them from 3” to 9”) are still jumping like dolphins and can almost hand feed them. More Pics soon. What are the water parameters? And how to get them? Tongue

Note: Wish I can make bigger pond but my sons like to play football in the garden.

Attachments:

rm1k_son.tif (50.1 KB)

newgen
Koi Lover

Jun 24, 2002, 12:09 AM

Post #4 of 66 (9513 views)
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Re: [yeokhin] My DIY RM1,000 pond [In reply to]	Can't Post

Sorry to interupt!

But, Yeo! you're picture can't be view! is there any problem with the server or the photo? Hope to take a look at it soon!

Regards,
John

KevKoi
Member

Jun 24, 2002, 7:54 AM

Post #5 of 66 (9506 views)
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Re: [yeokhin] My DIY RM1,000 pond [In reply to]	Can't Post

Photos uploaded on the web must be in .jpg or .gif format. Can't see .tif files.

dttk
Senior Member

Jun 24, 2002, 10:03 AM

Post #6 of 66 (9501 views)
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Re: [yeokhin] My DIY RM1,000 pond [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi yeokhin, water parameters like pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, KH, GH are used to determine the quality of the water in the pond. For example, we know that ammonia and nitrite must not be present in the water at all times as they will make the koi ill. pH should be between 7.4 to 8.4, nitrate below 50ppm, KH between 70-150ppm and GH between 90-180ppm. These are the water parameters suitable for koi to live in. The test kits for these are available in any aquarium shop. You need not get all at once, just for testing pH, ammonia and nitrite for the moment. The others may be obtained later after you have understood their importance later. Try to get reputable brands like Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, Tetra or Azoo. I hope you could post the pic again in jpg or gif format. Try to post more pics of your koi during feeding time... Smile

.
Always friendly :)

(This post was edited by dttk on Jun 24, 2002, 10:10 AM)

yeokhin
Koi Lover

Jun 24, 2002, 10:21 AM

Post #7 of 66 (9498 views)
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Re: My DIY RM1,000 pond [In reply to]	Can't Post

Oops! Sorry guys,

1. The water parameters are;
Temp = 30 C at 5:15 pm
PH = 7.5,
Amonia = 0 ppm
Nitrate = 0 ppm

2. Pump-fed filtration system, on/off by timer for 5 hour per day.

3. Did not test for Oxygen level, Should be O.K with the ‘Water Fall’ from the filter.

4. There is no bottom drain, just the submerable pump and 3 ‘DBKL’ fish to do the cleaning.

yours,
Yeo K H
(New Koi member)

Attachments:

rm1k_son.JPG (29.3 KB)

yeokhin
Koi Lover

Jun 24, 2002, 10:38 AM

Post #8 of 66 (9497 views)
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Re: [dttk] My DIY RM1,000 pond [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks dttk, took your advice and went out & bought the test kit yerterday. (hard to find in Kota Bharu, Kelantan). No digital camera so need to scan from print photo. This will take some time (money) Wink

but I will make the effort to post some pics of the Koi.

Thanks again for your advice. Sly

Regards,
Yeo H K

dttk
Senior Member

Jun 24, 2002, 11:09 AM

Post #9 of 66 (9493 views)
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Re: [yeokhin] My DIY RM1,000 pond [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks for the speedy reply. Nice picture with your son in it. Could you describe your filter setup? Is it possible to let the pump run 24hrs a day? This is necessary because as your koi grow and the algae/plants flourish, they need more oxygen. The good bacteria in the filter also need a continuous flow of water and oxygen to thrive well. Therefore please let the pump run for 24hrs if possible... Smile

. So far your pH, ammonia and nitrite is good. You make koi-keeping seem so easy by your simple setup! You gotta be very careful as time goes by because a whole lot of problems will appear if you neglect your pond and filter. Your kind of setup requires constant and alot of maintenance if you want your healthy koi. We sincerely hope that your water will remain this good in the months to come as your koi are growing.... Smile

. Will look forward to more pictures from you!
Always friendly :)

johnson lee
Koi Kichi

Jun 25, 2002, 12:03 PM

Post #10 of 66 (9450 views)
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Re: [yeokhin] My DIY RM1,000 pond [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Yeo

I tell ya, for one thousand bucks and you've got this nice pond built? Smile

Did you do it all by yourself?

I am not sure whether to feel happy for you when you said that the kois jumped! Normally, when this happens, it is due to poor water quality. I hope I am wrong and they are just happy!

You need to check for nitrites as well. Good to know that ammonia and nitrates are 0. Nitrites must be 0 too. As Dr Tan asked, can you tell us more about your filter system?

I like the natural look of your pond. Very nice, you have so much space, maybe you might want to expand it sometime! Wink

Johnson

yeokhin
Koi Lover

Jun 26, 2002, 1:22 PM

Post #11 of 66 (9419 views)
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Re: [DR Tan & johnson lee] My DIY RM1,000 pond [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi guys,

I got my idea Crazy

for the filter from www.kilk.com/pond/pondmain.html. This system refers as Bio filter or Vegi filter. It is suppose to be low maintenance system. Angelic

For the material I refer to www.koi.com.my Cool

. For the plant (Keladi Buncis), I read somewhere that it is one of the best Mother Nature filter systems by itself. I chose the ‘Waterfall’ design for oxygenating the water and Fung Sui.

These material are separate by nylon netting. The total cost for the system is less then RM250. This system is a trial unit only. After knowing the problem & its efficiency, only then I will rebuild it using bricks and cement which will cost even less. Tongue

This is a DIY project. I built the pond by myself with a lot of refreshment and muffin by my beloved wife. Sly

Yours,
Yeo K H

Attachments:

bio filter.JPG (37.3 KB)

wlcc
Koi Lover

Jun 26, 2002, 2:46 PM

Post #12 of 66 (9411 views)
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Re: [yeokhin] My DIY RM1,000 pond [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hello yeo,

Where to get pond liner in Malaysia?

Regards

William

dttk
Senior Member

Jun 26, 2002, 3:09 PM

Post #13 of 66 (9409 views)
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Re: [yeokhin] My DIY RM1,000 pond [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi yeokhin, thanks for the filter info. All the best for your maintenance free filtration system on trial... Smile

. Happy koi-keeping!
Always friendly :)

yeokhin
Koi Lover

Jun 26, 2002, 5:12 PM

Post #14 of 66 (9395 views)
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Re: [wlcc] My DIY RM1,000 pond [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi William,

Before this pond, I built a brick pond 20 years ago Blush

. It was my first pond and my first time using cement ( I learn by looking at construction workers mixing cement and laying bricks). The pond lasts about 15 years then it started to leak. Pirate

I spend a lot of time trying to fix the leak. Imagine all the troubles, ….catch the fishes….spare tank….drain the pond…..locate the leak…. Patch up the pond…..fill the pond…..wait a few days…..still leaking……drain the pond again…… that pond was history. Mad

Then I start to rebuild it, but fist I need to knock down the old pond and clear the site. At that moment, I told myself, the next pond should last at least 50 years or I need not break my back Crazy

rebuilding it. So it is either reinforces concrete or liner. Unimpressed

So since I am not sure how big and how successful my low maintenance filtration system, I opt for using linear. Now I am glad I made the right choice Angelic

because after seeing the pond and reading the Koi forum, I think I can design a good koi pond system and the next pond I will be using reinforces concrete. Cool

Sorry for the history lesson William Tongue

, ok back to your question. So far I was told there was supplier for pond liner but it was very expensive and have a short shelf life so no dealer was interested. So I use 2 pieces of rubber coated nylon canvas ( the green colour canvas used by lorries). Laugh

Can it last?, Well, if it can last for years on lorry without tear so it should be Ok for pond. With liner, it only took me only 1 day to build the pond! Cool

The down side of using this liner is that it is not as durable as reinforces concrete and it cost more. (RM280 for liner Vs RM180 for reinforces concrete……if man hours are free)

Note to Dr Tan : Will post my Koi soon and thanks.

Yours,
Yeo K H

wlcc
Koi Lover

Jun 26, 2002, 10:54 PM

Post #15 of 66 (9383 views)
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Re: [yeokhin] My DIY RM1,000 pond [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yeo,
Thank you for sharing your experience. I keep 15 kois in a 8ft X 4ft x 2ft fiber tank. Now my kois are getting larger, my tank overcrowded and I am thinking of upgrading to a pond. I believe it will cost a lot of money to construct a concrete pond. Your idea of using the lorry canvas is very good and the price is affordable. Nice to hear that it does not leak.

I am thinking of a pond of size 10ft X 6 ft X 3 ft deep. Is it sufficient for 15 kois with average size of 40cm? Are there any canvas available with this size?

Regards

William

johnson lee
Koi Kichi

Jun 27, 2002, 12:13 AM

Post #16 of 66 (9379 views)
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Re: [yeokhin] My DIY RM1,000 pond [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Yeo

Using rubber coated canvas as a substitute liner is a very novel idea and cheap too! Smile

It would be good to get regular reports from you whether you will continue to have a problem-free pond! Let us know, OK? Who knows, if it really works, I might consider doing it your way as well!

Your filter is a simple one and it works! Great! Post some more pics!

Rgds

Johnson Smile

yeokhin
Koi Lover

Jun 30, 2002, 6:37 PM

Post #17 of 66 (9344 views)
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Re: [wlcc] My DIY RM1,000 pond [In reply to]	Can't Post

William,

Sorry for the late reply, just came back from outstation Crazy

.

I think for the size of 10ft X 6 ft X 3 ft deep. Is it sufficient for 15 kois up to the size of 50 to 60 cm. Angelic

As for the canvas, you need 3 pieces of 5m (the width is standard of 6 feet, pls check). Using heat seal (ask the shop owner if they have this) joint the three pieces to form a piece of 5m x 6m. Wink

My calculation is base on the sketch attached. Hope this help. Tongue

Yours truly,

Yeo K H

Attachments:

pond.jpg (22.7 KB)

yeokhin
Koi Lover

Jun 30, 2002, 7:37 PM

Post #18 of 66 (9341 views)
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Re: [johnson lee] My DIY RM1,000 pond [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks Johnson,

Sorry for the late reply Crazy

. Test the water today and the result are;

Ph = 7.4 to 7.6 Sly

Ammonia = 0.0 ppm Sly

Nitrite = 0.0 ppm Sly

Attached are pictures of the pond taken a few days ago. Sorry, the koi picture is not clear so will post next time. Angelic

Yours,

Yeo K H

Attachments:

Son Dog pond.JPG (20.9 KB)

From top.JPG (16.4 KB)

wlcc
Koi Lover

Jun 30, 2002, 10:01 PM

Post #19 of 66 (9331 views)
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Re: [yeokhin] My DIY RM1,000 pond [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hello Yeo,

Thank you for your feedback. Your pond look great. With this option, I shall have the budget to upgrade my present fiber tank to a pond.

Regards

William

yeokhin
Koi Lover

Jul 8, 2002, 1:20 AM

Post #20 of 66 (9285 views)
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Re: [dttk] My DIY RM1,000 pond [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Dr Tan and Mr. Johnson, sorry it took me some time to post my kois pictures, anyway better late than never. I will try to get a few clearer pictures so that you can help me name their types.

The water parameters for today are;

Ph = 7.4

Ammonia = 0.0 ppm

Nitrite = 0.0 ppm

Yours truly,

Yeo K H

Note : add 0.1% of salt today.

Attachments:

koi36.JPG (20.7 KB)

koi13.JPG (36.8 KB)

koi15.JPG (16.3 KB)

dttk
Senior Member

Jul 8, 2002, 10:26 AM

Post #21 of 66 (9276 views)
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Re: [yeokhin] My DIY RM1,000 pond [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Yeokhin Smile

, great photographs! Thanks alot for sharing with us these nice pictures. We are very proud of you for creating this very natural looking pond for the sum mentioned but your efforts are definitely worth more than that! I'm sure your family and you are very proud of this creation too. The water quality at present is good too. Now, the challenge lies in maintenance of the pond as it matures and ensuring the constant well being of it's inhabitants, the koi and the plants. It's a great way to start a hobby. Sly

Always friendly :)

yeokhin
Koi Lover

Jul 8, 2002, 4:09 PM

Post #22 of 66 (9258 views)
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Re: [dttk] My DIY RM1,000 pond [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks Dr Tan, good to have guy like you in this forum.

yours,

Yeo K H

yeokhin
Koi Lover

Jul 8, 2002, 4:48 PM

Post #23 of 66 (9250 views)
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Re: My DIY RM1,000 pond [In reply to]	Can't Post

Can anybody guess what is the price I pay for the big ones, ± 9 inches or 25cm (body only). I bought 7 of them. Don’t mind if your guesses are below my buying price. I just want to know the market price because intend to buy another 5 to 10 fishes.

Here are a few more pictures! (Just bought a cheap digital camera)

Yours,

Yeo K H

Attachments:

koi_7.JPG (29.8 KB)

koi_29.JPG (33.1 KB)

koi_30.JPG (31.7 KB)

koi_36.JPG (30.2 KB)

koi_31.JPG (29.5 KB)

KevKoi
Member

Jul 8, 2002, 8:59 PM

Post #24 of 66 (9238 views)
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Re: [yeokhin] My DIY RM1,000 pond [In reply to]	Can't Post

The price of koi vary from place to place, even between the prices of local kois. U could get very cheap kois from fish farms in Ipoh or u might pay more if it has to be transported great distances to where u get the fish from.

Around KL I'd guess the price to be somewhere between RM15-25 for a 10inch local koi. Am I way off the mark?

For a 10inch Jap koi of some quality the price could vary from RM150-200 to RM1000+.

As long as there's a willing buyer and a willing seller, that's how the price of the fish is determined.

raganwald
Koi Lover

Jul 9, 2002, 3:10 AM

Post #25 of 66 (9220 views)
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Re: [yeokhin] My DIY RM1,000 pond [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

2. Pump-fed filtration system, on/off by timer for 5 hour per day.

Hello, I am a novice. Why are you only running the pump 5 hours per day? Why not continuously?

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