Koi Pond?

[Pelican]

I wasn't sure where to post, maybe with the popularity of waterscapes a waterscape forum is in order? Anyway, on with my question....

I have a very good client who has approached me for a Koi pond. I've never done one, but am always interested in learning something new. The pond will be about 6' in diameter, next to the house foundation and in an area that is nearly full shade. He desires a small waterfall over stones on one side of it.

My first question is whether this is a suitable site for a koi pond to survive?

As I mentioned, I haven't done one before, I've seen kits at Home Depot and Lowe's, are these kits of similar quality to most available? Is there a source for better quality kits?

Is there some reading I can do anywhere to learn how to build an ecosystem for the fish to survive?

I have more questions, but this will get the ball rolling. Thanks!

[tommy]

Check out Aquascapes, Savio...there's alot of good suppliers now. The main thing is learning the few basic principles that make a pond work. Good water flow, bigger pump, beneficial bacteria, etc. We used to do alot of ponds and streams...pretty big ones. That's another thing, the bigger the pond, the easier it is to build and it balances itself easier. Good Luck.

[Hamons]

Koiphen.com is the place I hang out to be around koi experts.

There ar ehundreds of well photographed pond builds there. GTX for fish people.

[Pelican]

Thanks for the replies, I'll check out your suggestions

[natural12]

I would keep it simple. Use a (i prefer) savio skimmer filter. There are two sizes, one large and small. You could probably use the smaller one since you are dealing with a small pond. Some 2" flex pipe from the skimmer to the water fall.
You could also consider using a biofalls which is just a plastic box that holds some filter media such as filter mats, brushes or springflow. I personally do not like using them because they tend to look stupid. However, if your client wants koi fish they may need the additional filtration.

If you have the room, instead of using a biofalls you could build a small bog. The bog would essentially be a basin of pea gravel. Various bog plants (iris, etc) would be planted in the bog. Water from the bog could then spill down a water fall into the pond. Basically the bog acts as the bio-filtration, plus its nice to look at.

Be sure to use one large liner for the pond and waterfall as opposed to a liner for the pond and then overlapping a liner for the waterfall. This reduces any risk of leaking.

Nothing more frustrating than a leaking pond so take your time. Sounds like a good pond to build for your first one.

I shop at Pond Liner -Anjon Water Garden Products - Welcome (http://www.anjonproducts.com) not that I feel it's the best or anything, it just works for me. Folks there have always been helpful.

good luck.
Mike

[glenns garden]

The only problem with a shaded site is the floater plants will not do well if it is too shady. These are important in helping to hide the koi from hungry visitors. A great site for those interested in water gardening and ponding is Pond Plants Forum - Koi Forum - Pond Products Forum - Index (http://www.pondkoi.com/forum/index.php) There are a lot of great ideas and helpful people. Also they offer discounts to members on supplies.

Good luck on your first build but fair warning pond building can be addictive.