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Home: KOI Talk: Pond Construction & Water Filtering System:
First Timer Need Advise on Building New Pond

 





 


akira01
Koi Lover

May 13, 2008, 8:27 PM

Post #1 of 7 (860 views)
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First Timer Need Advise on Building New Pond Can't Post
I have read quite a number of thread here and there were many terms that I do not know as well as a bit confuse. I was dreaming of raring Koi but my previous house was too small so couldn't do it but now I bought a new house with some land to build a pond.

I wish there is some expert here would show me step by step instruction.
I am planning to ask my contractor to build a 8 x 10 x 4(depth) pond and planning to put 9 koi's. I wish to know the following before I ask my contractor to start work :

1. For the above size, how big should be the filter tank (I read some thread here recommending 30% of the pond size)

2. Can I use the "Trickle Filter"? as shown by Mark in this thread : http://www.koi.com.my/cgi-bin/koiforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_view_flat;post=3071;page=1;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;mh=25;

3. If yes, can you tell me how the filter tank should be?
a. Vertical or Horizontal Filter Tank?
b. How many level of filter should I use?
c. What are the sequence of Filter? (e.g. mat first then bio-balls, etc)

4. What equipment should I buy? (i.e Pump (How big), Name of filter (Type of filter), Equipment to check Ammonia, Nitrade, PH, and what other equipment should I buy)

5. Do I need to install a shade on top of the pond to avoid direct sunlight?

6. What should I do before buying and putting the fist inside the pond?

7. Any other that I might miss out?

Thanks in advance. Your guide would be very much appreciated.

Regards


cmalgee
Koi Lover


May 28, 2008, 10:50 PM

Post #2 of 7 (726 views)
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Re: [akira01] First Timer Need Advise on Building New Pond [In reply to] Can't Post
ok - akira - I've had a successful koi pond for 5 years, but would still call myself a n00b when it comes to this stuff. For this reason - I don't think I can answer all of your questions, but can hopefully help you out with a couple...

1. For the above size, how big should be the filter tank (I read some thread here recommending 30% of the pond size) ---- if you want to put 9 koi in ~1000 gallon pond, you're overstocking, and you're going to need to make sure you're cycling water quite frequently or you're going to run into some serious problems. Question 5 suggests that this is going to be in direct sun as well. I'd recommend - if possible to try to have a pump/filter system that actually matches pond gallons and gph. If you cycle your water hourly it should be a little easier on the maintenance end. (if you really want to ease back on maintenance I would STRONGLY consider less than 9 koi) --- if you have fewer in there, it will be healthier for them, and they'll grow big faster and you'll be able to appreciate them more.

2. dunno

3. involves question 2

4. What equipment should I buy? 1000 (1500 if in direct sun) gph pump, a pressure filter that is quantified as at least big enough for your pond, test strips for the water, beneficial bacteria...ummm 1000's of other things you'll buy one at a time every time you visit your pond store.

5. Do I need to install a shade on top of the pond to avoid direct sunlight? You can, but I don't know if you're building an ornamental pond with plants or if you're just going with a clean koi pool. i have direct sunlight going to my pond, but I have plants that need it - and it forces me to over filter my water for my koi....soooo....your call on this one, but it's not necessary with excellent filtration

6. What should I do before buying and putting the fist inside the pond? get the water right. If you want to start with premium koi - it's worth the wait. To get stuff going, you're probably not bad off getting a dozen pond comets to make sure the water matures well - then take them out and put in (my recommendation) 5 premium quality fingerlings and let them grow to the pond. Cheapest way to get premium koi - and they'll love you for giving them the room, and you'll love them after watching them grow up to be beautiful. Several breeders sell these fish at a very reasonable price

7. Any other that I might miss out? You'll feel like you're learning every day with this stuff. Just know you're walking in to a big (can be expensive) hobby, that is well worth the time and money. Congrats and enjoy your new pond.
_________________________________________________
Chris

1 sanke, 1 shusui, 1 hariwake, 1 kujaku, 3 shubunkins, and a 5 year old pond comet


akira01
Koi Lover

May 28, 2008, 11:48 PM

Post #3 of 7 (719 views)
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Re: [cmalgee] First Timer Need Advise on Building New Pond [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi, Thanks for your reply.

1. My pond size would be 12 x 8 x 5 (depth) = 480 cu ft which I believe the gallon is 3,590 US Gallon. Would this be OK for 9 Koi's? Can the water cycle be increased (say, every 2 hours)? or 1 hour cycle is better?

2 & 3 - Is there anyone who can guide me?

4. I will buy the necessary equipment first

5. I will not have any plants there. Will most probably install shade to prevent algae from growing.

6. What is Pond Comets?

7. Having a Koi pond was one of my wish from many years ago but no chance to get one. Finally I have save enough money to buy a bigger house and have sufficient space to build a pond. Dream comes true.

Thanks for your advise.


Epal63
Koi Lover

May 29, 2008, 9:31 AM

Post #4 of 7 (697 views)
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Re: [akira01] First Timer Need Advise on Building New Pond [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
It looks like a combo of up-and-down filter with trickling. Given that the filter will have to be above your pond water. If you are going for that approach, you might want to consider bakki shower instead.


cmalgee
Koi Lover


May 29, 2008, 12:48 PM

Post #5 of 7 (683 views)
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Re: [akira01] First Timer Need Advise on Building New Pond [In reply to] Can't Post
1. Wow - even the 10x8x4 was 2400 gallons (and I actually consider myself good at math, sorry for the lapse in arithmetic!) Yes - as long as you have good filtration, 9 med. size (8"-18") koi is a low to medium density pond < and sounds beautiful!

One flip of the water every 2 hours is a good rule of thumb, but there's no such thing as too much filtering, and I was adding the sun and over-crowding in.

6. Cheap gold fish. They're a little hardier than koi, and not as tough to lose when trying to get your water healthy.

7. Congratulations, again! That's a great story, I got lucky having a pond at the house I bought, or I'd never found something I enjoy so much. I couldn't imagine having dreamed of one and finally being able to! Good luck!
_________________________________________________
Chris

1 sanke, 1 shusui, 1 hariwake, 1 kujaku, 3 shubunkins, and a 5 year old pond comet


akira01
Koi Lover

May 29, 2008, 6:04 PM

Post #6 of 7 (666 views)
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Re: [Epal63] First Timer Need Advise on Building New Pond [In reply to] Can't Post
How Bakki Shower Works. Sorry I'm really new to this

In Reply To
In Reply To
It looks like a combo of up-and-down filter with trickling. Given that the filter will have to be above your pond water. If you are going for that approach, you might want to consider bakki shower instead.


Epal63
Koi Lover

May 29, 2008, 9:13 PM

Post #7 of 7 (659 views)
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Re: [akira01] First Timer Need Advise on Building New Pond [In reply to] Can't Post
Do a search in this forum on "bakki shower" or "bacteria house". You should be able to find lots of discussion on this. You should be able to see some of the forumers' bakki shower too. Also recommended reading is this article : www.makc.com/bakki.pdf

 
 
 



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