11 Tips for a Successful Koi Pond

1. Dig your water garden three feet deep (or more), with no shelf for plants. This will discourage predators from "fishing". Deeper does not take up more space or proportionally increase the need for filtration.
2. Use rocks and boulders that are naturally occuring in your area around the outside of your pond -- never inside your pond.
3. Use only 100% fish-safe EPDM pond liner, 45 millimeters or more in thickness. Do not skimp here.
4. Plan for a bottom drain.
5. Include a waterfall and upper pond if possible, as this will help aerate the water, helping your fish to oxygenate.
6. Plan for at least 500 gallons of water. Here MORE is better.
7. Construct your pond with vertical or almost vertical walls. You will gain protection from predators and more pond volume.
8. Create a sloping bottom away from the walls and toward the bottom drain.
9. Plan for a surface skimmer, which will eliminate surface debris.
10. Install both a biological and mechanical filtration system.
11. Consider installing an ultra-violet light, which will kill suspended algae and bring you a giant step closer to crystal clear water