Koi Ponds
Koi Ponds tend to be dedicated formal-style ponds that are more about keeping koi fish than a typical ornamental pond with other breeds of pond fish and plants, for example. Koi ponds are usually constructed in the ground or raised and generally constructed using reinforced concrete and concrete block walls.
The filtration systems on a koi pond tend to be more advanced and technical than standard pond filters. The filters are usually installed in a specially built chamber or room, so the filters are set just above water level. The preferred systems are a gravity setup with a bottom drain/s installed in the concrete floor. The bottom drain is connected to the filter with a pump on the other side. When the pump is switched on, it draws water from the bottom drain of the pond and pulls it through the filter. Once filtered, the pond water is often passed through a UV unit and returned to the pond either directly through the wall or via a waterfall or feature. These systems are more efficient than a pump-fed system as waste isn't macerated as it passes through the pump into smaller pieces, making it harder for a filter to collect. The main downside to this setup is that it is considerably more expensive than other systems.
Filtration systems that are used in Koi ponds are usually more extensive and more expensive also, as Koi being larger fish, also create more waste, so the filter has to be able to cope with more significant amounts of debris and waste and also be able to break down the unseen side of fish waste which is the Nitrogen cycle.
The latest Koi pond filters are called Drum filters, which have self-cleaning capabilities and are compatible with UV systems and low-power consumption pumps. The newest Drum filters are now controlled and monitored via an App, so you can monitor your koi pond equipment when not at home.
When thinking of waterproofing a Koi pond, the two methods that tend to be used the most are Fibreglass and Rubber liners.
Fibreglass is the preferred method for Koi ponds and is applied directly to the rendered or insulated walls and floor of the pond to give a seam-free gloss finish and can be in any colour required, although black and green tend to be the most popular colours.
Rubber liners can also be used as a flat sheet or tailored to fit the pond like a glove. Two types are usually used: Butyl or EPDM; these have a protective fleece lining fitted underneath when installed.
Both linings have advantages and disadvantages and can come down to personal choice or budget.
Keeping Koi is a popular hobby, and some Koi can be very expensive, so keeping the water healthy is a must. As we say in the trade, 'It's not about keeping fish. It's about keeping water. Fish thrive in healthy water!
