Koi are the beautiful Japanese fish that have been around for centuries. They are graceful creatures that live in ponds and other water formations and are highly prized for their size and colors. There are any varieties of Koi and many of these grow up to more than a meter long and live up to several decades.
Some people build their own koi ponds and fountains to suit their preferences while others employ the help of experts in making their koi ponds and fountains. The best thing to do is to study the fish first and their habitats and preferences before embarking on a do it yourself dilemma that can be left hanging or could cost you some money just because of your spur of the moment decision. Koi are sensitive fish that need care and attention so make sure you have the time to do this. Koi ponds and fountains will also need care and attention.
Building Koi Ponds and Fountains
The first thing to do when thinking of building koi ponds and fountains is to look for the right location. You must remember that koi do not like direct sunlight and ponds under direct sunlight also gather more moss. This competes with the koi for oxygen in the water so it is better to have a shady area for the pond or to put water lilies with big leaves floating on the water to ensure shade.
You must also consider a water filter unit and a good aeration unit for the pond. Man made ponds and pools need to be aerated artificially to sustain the fish. Koi ponds and fountains need a good water pump to keep the water moving sufficiently enough to have no stagnant water.
One thing to keep in mind when building Koi ponds and fountains is that Koi can grow rather large and you must give a great margin for their growth especially if you intend to keep them for a long time. Each Koi can grow up to a meter long and live up to more than 50 years.
Regularly check the chlorine of the water in the pond since this is dangerous to fish and so are other chemicals and elements in the water. Koi ponds and fountains are very attractive to fishing birds so it is best to make the pond a little deeper than what wading birds can stand up in. Herons and egrets can eat a lot of koi in one sitting so it is best to safeguard from them.
Filed under Koi Backyard Pond, Koi Farm Pond, Koi Fish, Koi Garden Pond, Koi Goldfish Pond, Koi Indoor Pond, Koi Natural Pond, Koi Pond Accessories, Koi Pond Bookmarks, Koi Pond Building, Koi Pond Do It Yourself, Koi Pond Maintenance, Koi Ponds, Koi Water Pond, Koi Yards Pond by on Feb 2nd, 2008. 3 Comments. 
Discuss – Provide adequate shade by having 60 to 70% of the pond’s surface area covered with floating plants or other types of shade.
Shore (bank) fishing is an exciting form of recreational fishing where the primary reward is the challenge catching non-common species. Some lakes, rivers and ponds are particularly attractive, such as the Red Lake Rivers running between Minnesota and North Dakota, and encompassing more than 70 species of native fish, including a world-class channel cat fish.
There are many other Shore (bank) fishing locations, in which the methods of fishing vary according to different factors, including the area where shore fishing is practiced, the targeted specials, along with personal strategies of the participants and the resources available in each place. Shore (bank) fishing allows a diversity of techniques, from the art of fly-fishing to the high-tech methods used to get catches such as tuna and marlin. Experts recommend hook, rod and reel for fishing rather than using nets or any other fishing aids.
Discuss – Pick a design for the fish pond. First individuals would have to decide on the size of the pond they want to build.
Fishing from the shore is an ideal adventure for both expert fishers and novice anglers, who fish from the shoreline banks of ponds, rivers, lakes and streams, but also on the Gulf, Atlantic, and Pacific and Gulf coasts. In the United States, there are countless opportunities for shore bank fishing, including man-made structures especially intended for the practice of this sport, including bridges, walkways, piers and jetties.
Inland or coastal fishing offers the benefit of natural surroundings for the personal enjoyment or family entertainment. Kayaking, canoeing, biking and other activities are usually available near the shore, including lodging facilities for families and groups, as well as boat renting for the serious fisherman.
Each of the different locations has their own trophies. Atlantic shores are the destination for fresh water fish, including salmon considered the king of kings of all the catches, while the lake trout is the favorite of those who prefer inland shore (bank) fishing, particular boat fishing to enter the middle of lakes. Fishing from the shore is exciting for new anglers, but some species of fish cannot be caught along the shore.
There is a large array of fish available to people fishing on the shore, but free-swimming ocean fish are not found close to shore, particularly trout, they are usually found in cool, clear streams and lakes. However, Shore (bank) fishing offers stream trout and other species such as northern pike, sunfish, and bass, catfish, carp, perch, walleye and suckers.
Discuss – Another consideration is that fact that you will really want to keep your Koi pond close to your home in order to protect it from predatory animals and children that may inadvertently bring harm to your pond, equipment, or fish. This is after all a rather sizeable investment you will want to protect it.
There is a website that describes boat fishing, ice fishing, and has info on numerous freshwater fish, baits, and lures, plus other great freshwater fishing tips. The website is called: Fishing Stringer, and may be found at this address:
http://www.fishingstringer.com
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Filed under Koi Fish by on Feb 17th, 2009. Comment.
Discuss – The poor Koi keeper is left wondering what happened. He then proceeds the way of many before him, with a shovel, lots of sand and a determination to fill in what was once a treasured feature of his garden, his Koi pond.
Notice any fish disappearing lately? While herons are present
year-round, water gardeners notice the challenges they bring to
the pond in spring and early summer when herons feed their young.
An adult heron needs about 13 ounces of food daily, which is
equivalent to three 6″ koi. If herons find an easy source of food
(i.e. colorful fish in a shallow pond), they’ll return on several
consecutive days. They can quickly decimate your fish population.
They’re generally shy birds who typically visit early in the
morning or in the evening, when everything is quiet.
Prevent herons from attacking your fish with these simple
precautions. If you do lose some fish, don’t resort to harming or
killing the herons; they are a protected species.
• Netting: The most effective deterrent for herons is to suspend
a net 6″-12″ above the pond surface. Make sure the net is taut
and cannot fall into the pond if the heron tried to land on it
and spear the fish through it.
• Heron Scarers: Some work on a “trip-wire” basis, producing a
loud noise while others use a sound inaudible to the human ear.
Others sense the presence of heron using infrared detection, and
scare them away by spraying a high-pressure jet of water.
• Plastic Herons: Based on the principle that herons are
territorial and don’t feed close to one another, artificial
plastic herons are popular. Unfortunately, they aren’t effective
year-round. In late winter and early spring, herons’ search for a
mate may actually attract more herons to your pond.
Discuss – Another consideration is that fact that you will really want to keep your Koi pond close to your home in order to protect it from predatory animals and children that may inadvertently bring harm to your pond, equipment, or fish. This is after all a rather sizeable investment you will want to protect it.
• Pond Design: Dense growths of tall marginal plants or shrubs
around the pond will limit the herons’ access to the water.
Ensuring the pond side is steep and the water is 8″-12″ below the
edge of the pond also helps since the heron will not be able to
reach the fish.
Build An Easy Koi Fish Pond. Easy To Build Backyard Koi Fish Pond With Full Illustrations, eBook(R) & Bonus.
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Brett Fogle is the owner of MacArthur Water Gardens and several
other pond-related websites including
MacArthurWatergardens.com
and Pond-Filters-Online.com. He
also publishes a free monthly
newsletter called PondStuff! with a reader circulation of over
9,000. To sign up for the free newsletter and receive our FREE
‘New Pond Owners Guide’ visit MacArthur Water Gardens today!
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Filed under Koi Fish by on Jan 27th, 2009. Comment.