A Koi’s growth rate is directly related to how they are fed. Their feeding pattern in turn, is dependent on a lot of factors, including water temperature and quality, number of fish in the pond and the genetic background of the fish.

They need food that contains various elements such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. These elements are essential for all animals to maintain healthy bodies, grow and reproduce.

The size of the Koi will determine what type of food and the quantity you need to offer them. You have to choose a food size that is small enough to be eaten by the smallest koi in the pond. If there is a mix of small and large Koi in the pond, you need to give them an assortment of large and small foodstuff. Make sure, though, that the small ones are fed enough and don’t suffer much from food competition.

Commercially prepared food is usually the best choice. It is available in two types – floating and sinking. Since Koi fish are naturally bottom feeders some owners will choose sinking food since it is matches the Koi’s natural habits. This type of food will last longer since it is specially formulated with fats that are not easily affected by cold water.

Planning ahead can save you a lot of headaches. Planning out a Koi pond design is a big project even before you turn the first shovel of dirt. Save yourself time, effort and bucks by doing the right way.

Think about the shape of your pond. There will be many factors impacting the ultimate shape that you won’t be able to control. Things like landscaping, structures on the property, grade and slope of the land, etc. will have to be planned around. The result will be when you can visualize the actual layout. Use rope or garden hose to lay out several different patterns. Look at them from all angles. Don’t forget to view them from inside your house, form balconies and porches – anywhere you can see the pond.

The depth of your pond is a critical consideration for several reasons. Koi get to be big fish. They can grow 3 to 6 inches a year. They need room to swim not only laterally but up and down as well. You need to have a minimum depth of 4 feet. Ideally, 6 to 8 feet will give your fish all the room they will need. This greater depth also helps to stabilize the water temperature being cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter months.

Deciding to build a Koi pond is a big decision. Koi pond construction is not something to be undertaken lightly. But done correctly, it can be extremely rewarding, a beautiful addition to your home and garden and the perfect place to keep your Koi fish.

If you have some construction experience and are handy at projects like this, you could choose to build the Koi pond yourself. If you decide to take on the project yourself, I suggest using a pond kit to help you get started.

Consider the advantages and disadvantages of doing it yourself before you jump in. It could save you a lot of headaches and expense down the road. Using professional help will certainly be more expensive. On the other hand, doing it yourself with the help of a pond kit might be cheaper but if the components are installed incorrectly, you would probably spend more in the long run getting the problems fixed.

Doing it yourself will certainly let you build your Koi pond the way you want it. It will give you something to brag about and show off to your family and friends. All in all it can be quite enjoyable.