Equipment

How homeowners fill the freshly dug hole depends partly on taste and partly on the must-haves of koi ownership. A liner is one of those must-haves and it must be the right size. When measuring, it’s important to include the bottom depth, the ledges, and plenty of space for tucking under rocks. PVC liner is popular, but it may deteriorate over a five-year period. Although it’s more costly, some pond owners choose a thicker, synthetic rubber liner. Other must-haves include a water pump, a filtration system, and an ultraviolet sanitizer. When koi ponds came into vogue a few years ago, there were few equipment suppliers. Now, at least 15 companies supply the market and as competition increased, costs decreased.

When comparing equipment, buyers should pay attention to the amps needed to run it, as that will factor into ongoing energy costs. Owners, depending on aesthetics, also need to budget for landscaping rock and plants. Other supplies which vary upon need are piping, drains, specialty skimmers, bubblers and waterfall equipment. Koi don’t mind cold water, but many owners use cattle trough heaters to keep ponds from freezing thoroughly in the winter in cold-weather climates. Others invest in heaters that allow koi to be enjoyed longer into cold weather climates. Koi quit eating when they are colder than 50-degrees, meaning they also slow their growth. Owners who want koi to grow faster may choose to warm the water and continue feeding.

Equipment Costs

• Liners: $30 to 50 per 100 square feet
• Water pumps: $60 for a 500 gallon per hour (GPH) model - $300 for a 5,000 GPH model
• Heaters: $200 to $500 (plus electricity costs)

Finding Fish

Keeping koi can become a happy obsession. There are plenty of local koi clubs and fellow members can be a great source of information – and of fish. Owners may be willing to give or trade fish in order to keep their own ponds in shape and that may be preferable to beginners. Koi come in many colors and varieties and are discussed by sellers in terms of grade. The cheap fish start at standard, premium, and select and get costlier at butterfly, premium B, and select B. Size factors into the cost too.