Koi Carp Pond Construction

[Galee]

Some time in the future I'll be building a Koi fish pond. I've done this in the past in the UK, but being my first attempt there were a few design faults.
Does anyone know of someone, or a company, that installs Koi ponds and has experience with filters, UV light etc.
Thanks,Galee

[Roy]

Galee you could ask Ralph what not to do as he built one recently and all the Koi died
Sorry Ralph I couldn't resist
Looks nice though.

[Aardvark]

Heading toward Macro and big C before you go over the Train tracks on your right there is an Aquarium shop that has big tanks and all the gear inside. Last time I looked they had BIG Koi in their tanks !

[stattointhailand]

Galee, the big problem over here is the location of the pond. Keeping the sun off and therefore the algee down to manageable levels. I doubt that a traditional UV filter from UK would be able to cope. The costs would also be prohibitive (the external Eheim for my tank cost over B6000).
The above mentioned shop is probably the best in town, but don't expect too much advice from them as I have found that their enthusiam is probably greater than their experience.
You are probably better off going to one of the koi fish farms for advice and stock (kohaku Sanke Showa Shiro Ki-Utsuri Kujaku etc;)
Try somewhere like www.pplfishfarm.com or www.kt-farm.com or www.perfectfarm.com
They are all a long way from Udon but will probably save you money in the long run.
I've got half a doz fishkeeping mags (Thai) from a couple of years ago, which you are welcolme to. The adverts may help as some are in both Thai/English ........ and there's some nice Koi pics !!

[stattointhailand]

You could also try the Practical Fishkeeping site which has a wealth of (uk based) info that may help.
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/p ... hp?site=31

[Galee]

Thanks for the replies. I'm thinking long term here, so plenty of time to plan ahead. It's the construction/position of the filters,drains etc which I find problematical.
Since my OP I have found this site which gives a lot of info.

http://www.koi.com.my/cgi-bin/koiforum/ ... rch_engine

[Ray.Charles]

Knowledge/experience, and project updates please, with photos, if you can.

[LoongLee]

Galee,,,,, I haven't constructed one but I've been told that normal cement/concrete used for construction will leach chemicals that will poison/kill the fish. Don't know if it's true but proceed with caution,,,,, good luck. LL

[rick]

Yes, ordinary cement is a no-no, unless you age it first. But any decent Koi site will have building advice, as serious Koi keepers do some major engineering for their little darlings. Personally, i like the more natural pond; in the UK i found the platinum/white Koi hardiest in such ponds, but had to watch oxygen levels.

[Casper]

I am looking at building a semi-above ground pond 2.5m x 3m square, using sealed concrete. The only ponds I have seen with clear water have been inside and ponds with large amounts of flowing water. The maintance required is a bit worrying.