Koi Fish – Another Dimension in Garden Design

A Koi pond adds interest and tranquility to a garden. Learn the basics of keeping Koi and avoid the pitfalls associated with introducing fish into your garden. The popularity of fish ponds is increasing, and the reasons are obvious. Who would not want living creatures as a part of their garden? However, fish keeping should not be taken lightly. Koi and goldfish, like any other animals, require time, money and care.

The majority of first time fish owners fail because they get the idea that keeping fish is easy in some way. Do not let this discourage you though, as educating yourself will greatly improve your chances of succeeding.

I’m running ahead of myself. The very first step is to incorporate your pond design into your overall garden design . The pond should form an integral part of your garden, and enhance on the design principles. The pond layout should also complement your garden style and theme.

The Basics

It is important for you to learn all you can BEFORE you begin obtaining the things you need for Koi keeping. This will prevent costly mistakes. Planning ahead will not only save your money, but it will potentially save your sanity as well.

It is important to learn the information for yourself rather then relying on other sources. People such as your product dealer and pond builder are a good resource for initial information, but as they are selling products, they may be biased. Your best bet is to read all about it on this website. If you are still unsure I recommend a good book on Koi keeping.

Your Pond

You must create a proper habitat for fish before you purchase your first Koi or goldfish. This is where information from your pond builder and supplier will come in handy. I have provided some essential tips on pond construction . It is a good idea to do some research on your own, before you purchase the materials needed for you pond.

When it comes to pond size, bigger is always better. Koi have a habit of growing rather fast, so you have to consider pond size at the same time you are considering how many Koi you wish to keep. Goldfish require less space, so if you have limited space, rather keep goldfish. They are not as exotic, but will nether the less provide a lot of satisfaction.

A filtration system is extremely important. There are 2 types of filtration, mechanical and biological. Mechanical filtration relieves the pond of solids such as dead algae, insects, and Koi wastes. It is important to have enough filtration to sustain the size of the pond, and the amount and size of your Koi. Biological filtration introduces a nitrogen cycle, which removes dissolved wastes from your pond. Without biological filtration, built up waste will turn into ammonia and kill your fish within just a short time period.

Another consideration is the water quality. It is sometimes said that having Koi is literally just a side effect of having the proper water quality. To keep your Koi alive, you must have the proper knowledge on how to maintain your water quality.

More on Koi Fish

Koi fish, or Nishikigoi, are rapidly becoming popular for keeping in garden ponds. Their various colors and patterns can be used to complement the garden theme. Few people know of their characteristics and origins. Become a better owner by learning more about this remarkable fish species .

Look at a Garden Plan for some ideas for your garden

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