Complete video overview of DIY 4,000 gallon koi pond / RDF / Shower Filter / Moving Bed Filter

Here is a full overview and walk through of my DIY 4,000 liner koi pond, including details of bottom drains, construction, RDF pre-filter, shower filter, moving bed filter, aeration, and automatic water changer. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, thanks!
Full build thread can be seen here: www.koiphen.com/forums/showth...

[@allanlocke6314]

THIS IS WHAT A KOI POND SHOULD LOOK LIKE-- MOST OTHER PONDS ALTHOUGH NICE ARE JUST BIG HOLDING PONDS (JUST LIKE MOST SUPPLIERS KEEP THERE FISH FOR SALE IN.) YOUR WHOLE SETUP IS JUST GREAT, FILTERS WHOLE SYSTEM JUST BEAUTIFUL MANY THANKS FOR SHARING 👍

[@Sk9junk]

Agreed

[@IbeSyke]

I thought I seen some nice set ups before this is hands down amazing!

[@jcardona1]

Thanks so much! 🙌🏼

[@jaxonhunterharley3305]

I was going to say the same ur setup is awesome!!👍

[@TattooedBeast]

@@jcardona1 what does a pond like this cost. Looking to build one in my back yard

[@jcardona1]

@@TattooedBeast I'd estimate I spent about $10k with the RDF being the most expensive component.

[@Niknik-qy4fc]

This video completely changed my understanding of proper management of systems working in conjunction with each other. This is hands down the most detailed video I have ever seen. Thank you for posting this. I hope there will be more.

[@DEMENTED456]

Thanks for the feedback, glad you found it helpful!

[@Jimi182]

I have been keeping koi for 30 plus years and this is the model for my next pond build. It is absolutely awesome thank you for sharing.

[@raby760]

I've watched a lot of koi pond videos in the last few days. I intend to build one when I buy a house soon. But this is one of the better videos on KZbin. Some people spend a whole video showing how they build it, and then barely show their pond at the ending. Seeing your finished product, combined with videos on how to build them, gives me a good idea of what I'd like to do. This pond is practical for houses in my area and it's still huge. I'm going to make it 7ft deep in most parts, going as shallow as 2ft deep in the feeding area. Hopefully I'll have enough real-estate for 10,000 gallons.

[@ultimatefishkeeping]

This is by far the best Pond Setup I have ever seen. And believe me I watch a lot of Pond videos. I love the entire system. Very well thought out and built. You have artistacaly put it all together in such a very neat and tidy way. It is not often that Somebody would say a Pond looks polished, but this One is Polished. Awesome Job Sir and congratulations. 😊👍

[@ultimatefishkeeping]

#650th to give a 👍! 😊

[@jcardona1]

Thanks so much, appreciate the kind words 👍🏼

[@chrisvistnes]

This man thought of everything

[@rontalley]

This project is simply AWESOME!!!! Wow, I've been researching for the last 2 weeks on how to do a "simple" Koi pond and what I've realized is that this hobby is just not simple! However, your video explained things very well. Sad thing is, I think I am going to have to up my budget by at least $6k...

[@ajkoi19768]

Definately one of the nicest ponds out there... all tuned in like a good working clock.. to be proud of

[@jcardona1]

Thank you!

[@bluuaquatics9372]

Thanks for sharing your build in details. It gave beginners like myself great insights into the making of a koi pond!

[@marleyjones2917]

This by far the best setup on KZbin nice job mate think I’m gonna fill mine in now seeing yours 😂😂👍

[@kevhall8238]

Watched loads of videos this one is the best by far. I'm ready to start digging

[@the_asadun4328]

Another beautiful koi pond with tradisional top viewing with no glass n side view....so much appreciated this pond..... Lovely ❤️❤️

[@moesilverio]

Excellent explanation of your work. Beautiful pond. Great Job!

[@valencehenry2834]

Excellent details on your very logical and well thought out system. Thanks for the info. It gave me several great ideas for my first pond build.

[@josephnguyen7403]

Wow, amazing, great job Jose!

[@davidmiller8634]

Wow, super, complete explanation of a koi pond ; very rare. Thumbs up 👍🏻

[@jcardona1]

Thanks!

[@JAZOF]

This is really impressive!! Amazing work!!

[@jcardona1]

Thanks!

[@gabemccool1]

just simply amazing... very envious... When I grow up I want a filtration system just.... like.... this. You're a bad man!

[@TrottersAirways-rc]

Fantastic pond , really impressive set up .

[@georgea2583]

Lovely set up. Fantastic pond you have there 👍

[@cnbrushing05]

This is amazing. Thanks for sharing.Beautiful pond.

[@prafulpatel3644]

Thank you for beautiful video, I am planning to upgrade my garden pond to koi pond, and received estimate from professional koi pond builder which were out of my budget. I think I can build my own after viewing your video.

[@mikey673442]

Excellent video. Lovely pond. So well thought out. Great job 👍

[@GregSmith-vc1ro]

Ok I just finished watching this incredible video. I said to my self that's amazing. Then I read the comments everybody thinks it's amazing. Great job!

[@FARMOORKOI]

Beautiful pond, cracking Koi, best wishes, Tony😀

[@CapeFearKoi]

I can appreciate some diy and hard work. Nice going.

[@dennis12879]

you got a decent set up there man can tell you put a lot of thought effort and craftsmen ship into it and its payed off

[@Pondandgardensanctuary]

This is by far the best Pond Setup I have ever seen.

[@jcardona1]

Much appreciated 🙌🏼

[@pjs139]

This was very good information. I would love for you to do a video going over the cost of each stage of the setup and the monthly cost of food, water and electric. Thanks for the video.

[@KellersGrillzebo]

Wow! I am THOROUGHLY impressed!!!!

[@larryburke158]

wow really great job best DIY pond i have seen

[@timpham102]

Man what a nice filter system setup...

[@MikeOwens1952]

Really enjoyed that! Excellent set up !

[@jayjohnson1440]

Your pond set up is amazing!

[@MrHip76]

That is INSANE and how to have an amazing pond!!

[@derrickwilliams3872]

NICE JOB, Working with that Limited Space, Really NEAT and CLEAN...

[@jcardona1]

Thank you!

[@DD-mr2tk]

Your pond comes in on my top 5 ponds on youtube !!!

[@markharrison7558]

Great set up, explained well to. Really nice pond i like the water fall and the plastic weed looks great.👍👍👀.

[@peterlee6745]

Lot of Work Time and Money has Gone into This . Keeps U Busy .Very Nice

[@clarkriccobuono3903]

Amazing filtration. Your awesome.

[@MrManny21479]

Damn! Man,youre a genius ,beautiful pond..you must be proude

[@jcardona1]

Sure am, thanks 👍🏼

[@aduchene6091]

Impressed! I learned so much. Thank you.

[@MichaelSaunier]

Wow man! What a beautiful job you did 👏

[@perezm714]

This is really nice. And I like all the plants too!

[@baotran6789]

Fanstatic work bro ! Love to see your pond koi system but, it's complicated and must spend a lot of money , time . Thanks for your video .

[@klh5477]

Great set up, loved it.👍🇦🇺

[@jcardona1]

Thanks!

[@tpvang]

Amazing as usual! Thanks for sharing!

[@jcardona1]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@KoiRun50]

I would watch underwater video of your koi all day.

[@jcardona1]

Thanks!

[@RedWing-xv1mu]

This is amazing. I am in love with your set up and your beautiful fish. This is my dream pond ❤️😍

[@jcardona1]

Thank you!

[@simonduncan8327]

That’s a fantastic set up mate it looks really good nice Hi Utsuri too 👍👍👍

[@markfranklin8831]

Looks really nice hope its still up and running ✌️👍💗💯

[@briandunagin]

Wow. Very sophisticated

[@KD--jz5zi]

Wow such a superbly built system. Super clear water. Must be so great to live in a place where you can have a setup like that with good respectful neighbours etc. If that was here in the UK it would either be gone/vandalised/poisoned by the next day by the scumbags and yobs.

[@thegreatarkanum3037]

Helo from the Dominican Republic that is a beautiful pond and the filtration set up i might have to get some one from NASA to help me set mine up like that 😅😂 when i build my Pond , if i could have something set up like that will be a dream for me but i will see if i can have a functional pond with less equipment and a lower budget , again am just learning everything i can before i start my project , thanks bro for the video and explaining every thing with luxury of detail that was very helpful , now am a subscriber.....

[@paulcole4902]

Great set up really nice pond 👍

[@jcardona1]

Thanks!

[@ibizai32]

VERY clear presentation, thanks

[@stubbsaquatics6080]

Very nice. Great collection of koi. . Good use of space.

[@mattsonhobbies6966]

😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😍😍😍😍😍 That water and fish. I hope my water is this good when my pond build is finished 👍👍👍

[@anthonygrant5305]

Great job. Work is never done. Always a work in progress. I have a 13x8x4.5 with a bog filter. You show proof that it can all work in a small space. I am interested in the seneye monitor.

[@jcardona1]

Thanks - it's a really cool device. Highly recommended.

[@chrisgreen1331]

Cracking job buddy.

[@jcardona1]

Thanks!

[@keithpung758]

Great pond. Very close in specs to my pond. I still need a bakki shower and need to add some auto features like you have.

[@jcardona1]

Shower filters are great. I don't think I'll go back to any other form of bio filtration.

[@AMGINE1000]

Unreal set up all worked out for low maintenance = more time spent watching your Koi

[@jcardona1]

Thank you! And definitely agree. I've had plenty of labor-intensive setups before and over time it starts to feel like a chore. My main goal was to make it as maintenance-free as possible.

[@kimuseni]

Very nice layout. You really planned it out. .

[@jcardona1]

Thanks!

[@garyneo2259]

beautiful pond set up and fish

[@jcardona1]

Thanks!

[@modestoelias2757]

Wow incredible, I guess if your gonna drop thousands on koi this is the way to go great set up

[@bakeralsaqer6260]

Great system Thank you for Learning

[@barbaranarducci9778]

Absolutely impressive. I DIY'd my backyard pond in 2003. Unfortunately, made plenty mistakes, but kept diligent upkeep and care for it. Not nearly as deep, but approximately 10'x14' with 18" raised planting bed surround. I lost all 20 fish this month from a pesticide kill from neighboring yard...My largest koi was 24 years old at 31 inches. A brutal loss...

[@josephkuncoro712]

WOW , you got all figure out !! NICE DUDE ...

[@ToothyBeej]

Nice set up dude!

[@grahamparker5129]

Very nice pond and fish mate

[@sclats01]

Superb set up

[@jcardona1]

Thanks!

[@makleslie3917]

V cool pond thanks for all the technical show round nice pond ❤️👍❤️❤️

[@koidiaries]

Nice pond looks very nice. Great set up as well 👍

[@jcardona1]

Thanks! 👍🏼

[@briancarp9463]

Wow. Awesome. Thank you for sharing!

[@youngstadan4999]

Some lovely fish there m8 nice pond. I've just made a 14x14 5 ft deep one. With a 20 year old shovel and a bucket took me about 15 hours all limestone was a nightmare. Had my fish 20 years

[@selectkoiinc.japan-importe4197]

Looks great! Wonderful video! Very nice setup!

[@jcardona1]

Thanks!

[@JohnDaniel-jx2nf]

Very, very clever. Nice system.

[@villa1246]

Beautiful pond mate!!

[@rickershomesteadahobbyfarm3291]

This is a really nice setup

[@richardarias2765]

Awesome set up

[@richardarias2765]

Bunch of great ideas

[@madmax16117]

Really nice, I'm going to make mine a close copy, just awsome

[@benjaminjmace]

Amazing, great job.

[@CyberOakEMpiRE]

Just finished my v3 of the pond, thought i nailed it, now i think i have to go back to the drawing board lol

[@BC-uu6iz]

Great job my fd keep up the updates tks

[@williampeters7730]

Love it, I'm looking for inspection for a 200gal little turtle pond and water fall. Nothing this grand. Trying to figure the best way to water fall it with fogger and lights

[@stevekovalick3806]

What a fantastic pond!

[@jcardona1]

Thanks!

[@billdughi4852]

Awesome. Thank you for sharing.

[@sal9842]

Just one word.... BEAUTIFUL... love how you explain how all the functions of the pond ..one question, did you have to have like permits for the sewer part ? I’m sure you did probably for the digging for 4 ft right ? Wow what a wonderful job you did.👍😁👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@RS20O0]

Very nice set up. Very similar to our koi ponds and filter systems in the UK. Just mind your eyes looking at that UV!

[@jcardona1]

Thanks! Much of my inspiration came from ponds in the UK and throughout Europe. You guys definitely are on the high-tech side of koi keeping. We're about 10 years behind here in the US. But the nice thing is RDFs are starting to become more popular here, just a matter of getting more brands and dealer here in the states, we only have 2-3 to choose from. But a lot of people still are still turned off by the price. Most folks here are still using gravel/bog filters which are very inadequate for a koi pond.

[@RS20O0]

@@jcardona1 A lot of hobbyist's here are now building their own drums to save money. Draco are a budget friendly UK drum company trying to build a dealer network in the States. Drums are definitely a business opportunity on the U.S if you have the engineering know how.

[@anhbausa6111]

Very beautiful koi.

[@jcardona1]

Thanks!

[@paulcurrell8546]

Very, very nice pond. You should be proud. Cheers.

[@jcardona1]

Thanks!

[@brianpinto8872]

Awesome build 🙏

[@milesgibson13]

Damn dude, that's pretty incredible with the wiring and fail-safes you included.

[@jcardona1]

Thanks!

[@milesgibson13]

@@jcardona1 How did you figure out the layout for electrical and plumbing? I'm in the Northeast, so weather considerations are a little different here, and I'm also looking to do under gravel filtration along with a bog filter area. I probably just need to really buckle down and do some more drawings to figure out how things will sit, but is there something that helped you when planning this? Or are you just really, really goddamn good with plumbing and electrical already?

[@jcardona1]

@@milesgibson13 honestly, I kinda just dug the hole and figured things out as I went along. I knew what kind of filtration I would be running and what plumbing it would require, but I didn't follow any firm plans. My small yard mostly dictated the plumbing layout. Will yours be a koi pond or mostly a water feature? I'm not a fan of undergravel setups and bog filters for koi because they are muck factories. There is always a recurring theme in koi that have health issues and under filtered ponds. The best thing you can do for healthy koi is keep the water as clean as possible. Trap the debris and remove it from the water column before it can break down and turn into muck.

[@milesgibson13]

@@jcardona1 I plan on making it a koi pond with a fish load of about 15-25 koi. Doesn't a bog filter have the particulate settle there and get used by the plants? Sorry, this is the first pond I plan on building, so my only experience is watching a bunch of KZbin videos and doing a ton of reading, so I'm definitely not an expert. I'm also planning on putting in a waterfall biofilter, but I don't think that will do much for particulate. I'm also debating about hooking up an Ultima II filter for the particulate, I just don't have a full grasp yet on how much filtration will be needed for that fish load.... Overall pond size I'm going to put in is a modified tear drop shape that hits about 40' long and 18' wide at its widest and around 5'-6' deep at the deepest end (I have weird topography I need to account for here). I planned on putting in shelves at different depths throughout, so definitely a little different than yours. On top of that main pond area, I was going to put in another 10' x 30' bog that I was going to pump the water through. I'm also debating about putting in a big rainwater collection unit while I'm at it.... My end goal is to have a big koi pond that is hopefully clean enough for me to wade into after working outside on a really hot day, and that will require fairly minimal maintenance. Not really sure how realistic all of these goals are, and I'm sure that I will probably make some mistakes along the way.

[@jcardona1]

@@milesgibson13 I think it all depends on your end goal; water garden with a few fish or a dedicated koi pond. Folks that keep dedicated koi ponds and are serious about their fish tend to frown upon the whole Aquascape style ponds with bog filters and any sort of rock or gravel in the pond. We've been there done that and learned hard lessons along the way. Bog filters and up/down-flow gravel filters have been around for ages. It's what everybody use 30yrs ago when I first got into ponds because there was really nothing else out there. But technology has changed and products that were once only available for large scale commercial fisheries (like RDFs) are now available for the koi hobbyist. The reason we don't like bog or gravel filters is that fish waste and detritus is in a constant state of rotting and decomposition. Yes it eventually gets broken down, but the muck production is disgusting. If you've ever smelled this muck after draining a pond or tearing apart a bog filter you'll know what I mean. I would never want my expensive koi living in that kind of water. The Aquascape guys push this concept because it's an 'ecosystem' and it's how nature intended it. Yes, but natural waterways are also not closed systems with 1 fish for every 100-200 gallons like we have in our backyard puddles. In the wild you get 1 fish per 100,000 gallons or more. Bog and gravel filters are not apples to apples when comparing a lake or a river to a tiny backyard pond. And of course the other big reason they push this type of setup is for profits. They can build these with hardly any material costs and charge a premium and can lock you into their annual maintenance services for drain and cleanout. That's not to say that bog filters are evil. If I had the space I would love to run one, but it would be the very last step in my filtration process. I would NEVER send water to a bog that first hasn't passed through a serious mechanical filter. My ideal setup would be RDF for mechanical < pressurized glass bead filter for fines removal < shower filter for bio < planted bog for nitrate removal < return to pond. RDFs are truly a game changer and I can't imagine ever running a pond without one. It's amazing how well the pond and fish do when all the muck and debris is instantly removed from the water. I don't have algae issues, never have to drain and clean out the pond, never had green water (don't even run a UV light anymore), don't need to add any additives or chemicals to the water, and haven't had any health issues in the pond. Check out the latest video I uploaded a few days ago so you can see how nice the pond is doing :)

[@RBarn2000]

that's the nicest koi pond I've ever seen. actually built for the fish instead of the humans looking at it

[@MoneyAhoy]

Amazing setup dude!

[@jcardona1]

Thank you!

[@koreyratering4662]

OMG Such an advanced set up. you have filtration to be sure.

[@musk-eteer9898]

very very nicely done

[@Veterankoi]

A great setup. Fabulous and thanks for sharing it with us. So many ideas you have put into your pond. Extremely well thought through. An example of evolution in pond keeping through experience.

[@jcardona1]

Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated!