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Pond Design

How to Choose a Pond Pump

Mar 6th, 2011
by KoiWaterPeace.
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The pond pump is truly the “heart” of your pond.  They are needed for a variety of functions – from general circulation to powering water features.

The good news is there are a wide variety of pond pumps available from very reputable manufacturers. For just about any use, there will be multiple products available to choose from.

The bad news is selecting the right pump for your needs can be a very daunting task.  In this article we will provide you with a solid foundation to select the right pump for your pond application.

Uses of Pond Pumps

Pond pumps are used in four main applications: (more…)

Pond Liners: 7 Reasons Why I Don’t Use Them

Mar 5th, 2011
by KoiWaterPeace.
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1. Liners will eventually leak. Manufacturers have varying warranties, ranging from 15 to 30 years, with a 75-year life expectancy. In reality, it will definitely last as long as the guarantee claims as long as you leave it in the box, and store it in your garage.

Once you place it in the ground, nature’s forces begin a contest to see which will break its water-tight integrity first. Vying for the title of culprit are gophers, ground squirrels, chipmunks, rats, moles, roots from trees, plants and weeds, sharp rocks, heavy rocks, sharp objects, and moose (if you live in Alaska).

If a leak does develop, it is next to impossible to locate it without removing all the rocks covering the liner, draining the pond, spreading the liner out on the ground, and inspecting every square inch. A tiny pin hole can lose five gallons every 24 hours. (more…)

Koi Pond and Waterfall: Top 21 Most Asked Questions Answered

Mar 2nd, 2011
by KoiWaterPeace.
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Koi Pond, Mt Faber Park, Singapore

Image by Amy Dianna via Flickr

Q What is the ideal depth for a koi pond?

A In my experience of over 25 years, 4 to 5 feet is ideal. You need a minimum of 3 feet for koi fish for several reasons. Safety for fish from wading cranes they can not wade in 3 feet of water.

Plus the water temperature in shallow ponds fluctuates too much with the changes in ambient temperature. The greater the volume of water, the longer it takes for the temperature to change. Warm water or fluctuating temperatures are unhealthy for fish.

Q What is the ideal size for a pond?

A The ideal size would be determined by the size of your yard. Its size should be proportional to the size of the yard. Also, the larger the pond, the greater the maintenance. (more…)

4 Easy Steps to Perfect Koi Keeping

Feb 28th, 2011
by KoiWaterPeace.
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Koi fish in the pond at the Gibraltar Botanic ...

Image via Wikipedia

Step 1- Set up the Ideal Pond Environment

Your koi pond is to be the perfect ecosystem for your koi to grow and breed.  It should be aesthetically beautiful and able to sustain koi life at the same time.  As such there are some important factors to take into consideration.  The first is location.  Location does affect water temperature which in turn affects your koi.  As far as possible, have your pond located in a shady area but not where lots of leaves can fall into it.

The second factor to consider is your pond’s size.  For koi ponds, the bigger is always better. Koi have a habit of growing rather fast, so you have to consider pond size at the same time you as you consider how many koi you are going to put into it.  Overcrowding your koi pond with too many fish (some people breed other types of fishes with their koi) is a bad idea.  Overcrowding will stress your koi and lead to illness and eventually death in some cases.

The final thing to consider is the type of koi pond you wish to have.  There are basically four types of ponds – concrete, rigid plastic, fiberglass and flexible pond liners.  Each has its pros and cons.  You can either engage a professional koi pond builder or try to install and build your pond by yourself.

(more…)

Ponds & Waterfalls: Layout & Excavation

Jul 31st, 2009
by KoiWaterPeace.
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backyard pond

Image by massdistraction via Flickr

Author: Doug Hoover

First of all: know what you want. If you need some ideas, visit the library or your local book store and browse through landscape books, garden and pond magazines. You can also search the web and read and study as much as possible.

Layout is the most important phase of the entire project. I have heard many complaints from disappointed clients after they had a chance to get used to their new addition to the landscape. “I only wish we had made it bigger … made it deeper … added an island … made it longer and constructed a bridge … built it closer to the house … installed a larger water pump for the waterfall … or … built the waterfall higher or wider.”

Most of these wishes could have been granted for a reasonable cost before or during construction. But waiting until afterward means incurring a major expense that may be cost prohibitive. If your choice is to omit the item or feature because of its cost, then make structural preparations to allow for adding it on later. You can plan and design the landscape to allow for easy additions to the koi pond later just by the strategic placement of trees, sprinklers, drain lines, and much more. (more…)

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