Considerations of Koi Pond Design
This early, it must be emphasized that there are no hard and fast rules about koi pond design. After all, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and serenity is in the mind of the person! (Take note, however, that safety is an objective consideration, which must never be compromised) Nevertheless, you may keep in mind these few reminders about optimal koi pond design.
Best Views
Koi ponds are meant to be admired. As such, you must place it in a part of the garden where it can be appreciated by the most people in the most times. Unless, of course, you intend to keep your koi pond for your own secret viewing pleasure, then you may place it somewhere deep in the woods. You can place the koi pond near the terrace and/or porch for the best viewing area. Alternatively, you may place it near your bathroom, with sufficient sunlight and filtration systems, of course!
Adequate Sunshine
The Japanese carp are cold-water fishes. Thus, you have to provide them with at least 6 hours of sunshine daily to keep their body temperatures at an ideal rate. Your koi pond design, then, must allow for sunshine to seep through the foliage without overheating the pond. This is best achieved through good foliage, which also serves other functions like protection from predators.
Sufficient Predator Protection
Speaking of predators, you koi attract more than its fair share of predators like kingfishers, herons, raccoons, cats, badgers, hedgehogs and foxes. You don’t want to spend so much money on pond construction only to have all the koi in it eaten by its natural enemies, do you?
You can adapt these measures to prevent parasites and predators from feasting on your koi:
- Deep areas to inhibit herons from fishing in the koi pond are necessary
- Install overhangs to prevent small mammals from reaching into the koi pond
- Plant shade trees so as to block the view of aerial predators
- String wires or nets over the pond surface
Better yet, you can employ an experienced koi pond contractor who employs software to design the optimal pond based on your style preferences and financial budget!
Excellent Filtration Systems
Your koi pond will not last long without an adequate filtration system, both of the natural and mechanical types. Keep in mind that koi fishes can muddy up their habitats faster than expected so filtration systems are a must. There are three basic types of mechanical filtration systems – air, chemical and biological. You must obtain sufficient knowledge about their operations so as to make full use of your investments.
Natural filtration systems like water plants add splendor to the koi pond. Think of water lilies and hyacinths floating on the surface and you get the idea. Of course, you must place these plants in such a way as to facilitate filtration without adversely affecting the ecosystem as a whole.
Indeed, you must think through your koi pond design like you would your own home. After all, your koi will feel like a part of the family especially when they have lived long enough! So, starting today, look for the best koi pond design possible for your budget and needs.
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