Koi Pond Design Fundamentals

[@paulineschoeneman921]

Just starting a new job with a great company that builds and maintains ponds. My new boss suggested that I watch a couple of videos by The Pond Digger on KZbin to gain some knowledge, understanding and terminology. I ended up watching all 21 segments of Building a Fishpond and loved it! Eric does a great job taking his time and explaining procedures. Kept me interested and excited to see the final pond. I plan to check back in and watch more videos. Thank you!!

[@ThePondDigger]

So much to address here in this brief forum. I think every pond should have a skimmer. That's first and foremost.

[@ThePondDigger]

They have worked hard for many, many years, invested wisely and deserve the fruits of their labor.

[@ThePondDigger]

THank you very much for the kind words Douglas. That's huge coming from a veteran builder! It is my "purpose in life" to share my passion for ponds.

[@simonduncan8327]

That’s one fantastic pond mate it looks like it grew there !!!

[@MsSleeth]

Thanks for explaining the 3 fundamentals. It clears up a lot of confusion I had about what I need to address my green, murky pond.

[@sissymurphy9620]

Even though this is an older video it really has great info if you are having some one build it for you or you are building it your self .I also have to say this is 1 great looking pond .It really belongs there .Wish i could afford a pond like this .You always have great ideas .

[@ThePondDigger]

sissy murphy Sissy we love you!!! Thank you for your ongoing support!

[@sissymurphy9620]

I think I'm a pond geek and I love following your video's and telling people on the garden pond forum sight so they don't miss a video .I love being able to go back and look at certain video's .I can't wait to see the filter .I made a plant filter for my pond 9 years ago and have never looked back and said it was a mistake .Keep up your video's because we are hooked on them .I did not do a bottom drain because that is something i did not think I could do right .I love the swirl outlets to clean the pond better .Interesting concept I have never seen before

[@sissymurphy9620]

Thank you and love supporting something that helps me and others with there ponds .THUMBS UP

[@ThePondDigger]

So glad to be an inspiration to your pond installation!

[@Andili76]

Thx for sharing, here in Germany the hardest part of creating a nice pond is getting the boulders..

[@ThePondDigger]

I won't dare say when the next video will be posted. I don't want to let you down. You can rest assured, we are working feverishly to get part two of Koi Pond Design Fundamentals posted as soon as possible. Stay suspensfully tuned in as we aim to post the most educational, informational, and inspirational videos on not just Koi Pond Design but all things pond related. Thanks for the passion! The Pond Digger

[@JustinsDreamArt]

Nice looking pond. I like the square rocks. Looks good without being the stylish "natural look'. I'm building on a steep bank where I have to do 'stone masonry'. I can't possibly make it look like it just happened that way in nature. It 's still going to be beautiful!

[@mophead013]

I am building a pond in my backyard and need some advice. I am not doing any special biological filtration, just a simple skimmer-to-waterfall filter design. I would really appreciate it if you could tell me if you like atlantic brand filtration systems, or if you dont use them because you build such elaborate ponds. If you respond, thanks a lot, and your videos have been incredibly helpful.

[@ThePondDigger]

Black is slimming! They say video adds ten pounds! I just started a 90 day fitness challenge with a group so maybe you'll see me change up the color of my shirt later this year! ;)

[@garlanddavidson6845]

How much did this one project cost and if you’re on a budget what would be my best choice and approach on doing something kinda Similar?

[@ThePondDigger]

We cycle all ponds big or small the same way. Once we get the pond up and running we add a conservative fish load and inoculate the biological filter with beneficial bacteria for 14 days. Feed the pond sparingly during the initial cycle, test the water for ammonia & nitrite as needed and take it slow. Typical cycle takes 4 to 6 weeks. Sometimes faster with the introduction of aquatic plants!

[@alarmrat]

wow!! you should of been a teacher. your videos flow nicely and are so enjoyable to watch

[@ThePondDigger]

Good advise. Just consider aeration with a small air pump if you don't have a waterfall.

[@samwell707]

Eric I wish you could get a tv show man. Love your snaps but you need to be famous bo.

[@ThePondDigger]

No you do not need a company manufactured filter for your pond. You could easily manage a 500 gallon pond with aquatic plants if you keep a conservative fish load. You will have limitations but No is the answer to your question.

[@ThePondDigger]

If your pond is leaking the waterfall foam is not the best solution as it is not a water proof product. If the plastic rigid pond is new than your issue is likely somewhere in the waterfall to pond transition. If you don't have a skimmer than you will need to cover your pond in the fall when all the leaves drop and have a good net to use for manual skimming as needed. Best of luck to you.

[@JustinsDreamArt]

Thanks! All good info. I'm building a waterfall next to my house that has an amazing 12 foot 'lift'. down a steep bank. This makes a pond liner impossible at the top 3 feet. I rely on mortar. I noted your statement, (something like) "We're adding acid to counter the mortar." I might expand my project to include Koi fish so that interests me. (lime/ acid PH balance?)

[@ThePondDigger]

They actually had a crew come in after we completed the pond and made gorgeous paths and plantings.

[@ThePondDigger]

Sometimes we have our challenges making a pond but it's only as hard as you make it. If you love what you do it's really not hard.

[@ThePondDigger]

Thanks for the comment on our Koi Pond Design video. Stay tuned as PART TWO is on the production table at the moment! The Pond Digger

[@ThePondDigger]

@MyDixieRekked We are pond specialist. We do however specialize in controlling rare bamboo next to ponds and water features. Another one of my passions!

[@ThePondDigger]

Thank you for your feedback! I am glad to Inform, Educate and Inspire!

[@HabitaCh]

Love the video! I have a question regarding the bog during winter... can I turn off the bog pump during the cold winter months or is it better to let it run?

[@ThePondDigger]

Thanks for the Comment. Designing Koi Ponds is a blast! The Pond Digger

[@Arteolike]

Nice! LOVE IT! Whens the next one going to be posted?

[@Arteolike]

I see dirt right up against the liner, wont mud get into the pond via water from irrigation or rain?

[@ThePondDigger]

We used a spray bottle to directly acid wash the mortar diluted to 50% and Rinsed the pond thoroughly before adding koi. Minimum surface area? Good question and could be debated. I would say an 8' diameter surface area of water would be a good minimum starting point.

[@tuan82pham]

Very nice pond.

[@ThePondDigger]

@marknshannon1 Hey Mark, Where are you located? The sieve filters are not easy to get your hands on. We have them here locally and we are poised to ship product to you as well. Depending on the flow rate you are looking to achieve the sieve filters range between $1,000.00 to 2,000.00. Give me more info to your installation plans so I can help you spec out the right equipment. Glad to help.

[@Arteolike]

I got one question though, i have a Savio full size skimmer filter which i will NEVER install again because it leaks no matter how you install it. but i also have two 57 watt UV- Inex. But i got a question... algae grows because of the sun, but the sun also release UV rays then UV's stimulate the growth of algae? But anyways do you know were i can get a sleeve for one of my UV's? But i can only find the quarts sleeve's, were can i but a glass one? Thanks, Arteom

[@Arteolike]

Oh and were can i get one of those bottom drain filters?

[@Arteolike]

Oh and one more thing. were can i find this "La Cresta" rock here in the Central Valley, CA

[@ThePondDigger]

@Arteolike After the pond is constructed the pond is vulnerable to dirt flowing in from heavy rain. The pond is all grown in now with ground cover surrounding the pond so the rain and irrigation does not send dirt into the pond.

[@ThePondDigger]

Great! That's why I do what I do!

[@ThePondDigger]

I will remain poised to assist you when you need me!

[@OrfulOctopus]

Eric, I like the grounds as they are in this video; however, I wonder about something. From what I can see, the grounds are mostly dirt with boulders randomly scattered around. That looks awesome. What happens, though, when it rains there? Doesn't the ground turn muddy and run into the pond?

[@christiansclocks]

I need some help because not to long ago I installed a pond and its leaking and we need some waterfall foam but we dont know were to get some for cheap, and we are going to rock in the inside of the pond this spring. Also we get a lot of leafs in are pond because we live in wisconsin but here is the thing we have a ridgid liner and we only have 2 small pumps for are 2 waterfalls and we dont have a skimmer so please give me some edvise

[@cowboysBrent]

Nice work and you put a lot of effort

[@BESTDICKINCHINA]

NICE DUDE.

[@ThePondDigger]

@mophead013 Are you still in the construction phase of your pond? I'm sure I responded to this post several months ago but sometimes this newer youtube comment format doesn't respond well with my service provider. Tell me how your pond is coming along.

[@madisonblue96]

do you guys work all over the us all the time? Or what i'm asking is, if i was interested in you building me a pond in indiana right now, would you?

[@ThePondDigger]

@HospitalWaste Since I was born and bred in Sunny Southern California I'm really not the best person to advise you on this topic. However I have traveled the US to visit koi facilities and I can tell you this: In Michigan, ponds are drained and koi are brought indoors over the winter. In Japan, mud ponds are drained and koi are brought into green houses for the winter. If you are serious about raising koi in your extreme environment, your koi will likely need to come in for the winter.

[@ThePondDigger]

Yeah we do have plans on making a video how to make a pond on a budget.

[@iatkinson00]

I was wondering if I could email you guys a vid on my pond. I did it myself but my water is always green do to the pond being out in the sun most of the day. This is my 3rd year and having a hard time getting it under control. I just want to bury the whole thing some days :/

[@ThePondDigger]

Thanks for the interest on Koi Pond Design! The Pond Digger

[@MAD2be1]

How much acid do you put in the pond? What is a good minimum surface area for a koi pond?

[@ThePondDigger]

I'd love to see some video footage of your koi pond. Do you have a UV clarifier in your life support system design? A good UV filter will solve your greenish issue. Let me know if I can help. The Pond Digger

[@ThePondDigger]

Don't bury it in! Send me a vid and let me see if I can make some suggestions.

[@ThePondDigger]

@rollomaniac96 Several years ago we worked in Florida at the EPCOT center building a water feature for their flower and garden show. It was a temporary display that was up and running for 30 days. It took a big team (20) of us to complete it in less than a week. It was a great experience as we worked nights at the park because landscape work is not allowed durning the parks business hours. So we worked from 11pm till 7am. It was a great experience. Are you looking for a contractor?

[@ThePondDigger]

@OgopogoDUDE This pond is NOT in a freezing region. The Pine Trees are very cool, eh!? I don't have much experience building ponds with extensive plumbing in cold regions. We are based in Southern California where the weather is amazing year round.

[@cmvid3]

Do you have any plans or suggestions on making a combination in ground and above ground koi pond? I have a small existing pond now that's only 3'x6' at 2 ft deep. I'm considering redoing it using the existing 2' and adding 2' above. But I want to make sure the sides (wooden pond?) are going to be able to hold the pressure of the water. Any suggestions?

[@JustinsDreamArt]

I might do the same using pallets with pond liner. Not pretty but an addition so I can have fish.

[@Timbobjr]

I got a serious question. I am building a koi pond that is around 500 gallons, and im putting it in the center of my stream. I am planning on using the stream as a natural filter. My question is, will i need a storebought filter

[@Timbobjr]

I am about half way through my pond and i have encountered a problem. My liner was not bug enough. My pond doesnt leak too bad, but i have another question. Will i be able to use a waterproof sealant on my pond, or will this kill my koi?

[@ThePondDigger]

What kind of waterproofing are you using?

[@socalpondpros]

Thats cold dog you never explained the 3 fundamentals of filtering that to me . Nice how much money we talking on average for a completed system like that , retail and how much just for the seive filters by them selves. I have a customer I think i should put on the table. were set to start installation next Week. please advise you know how to reach me..... thanks "Wheres the slabs"????

[@CrashNBurnRacing]

Are UV filters bad for koi since it kills all good and bad bacteria?

[@ThePondDigger]

It's a track from our editing program so I am sure you have heard it from another video with the same licensing.

[@fergiealexamolina6612]

when I have enough money and a beautiful house I will call you to design me a koi pond!

[@ThePondDigger]

Yes

[@ThePondDigger]

Thank you very much.

[@ThePondDigger]

Yes it is very possible!

[@ThePondDigger]

Most of the grade is falling away from the pond. As soon as we finish a pond like this landscape plantings come in right behind us, a little mulch, and some ground cover and there is no worry.

[@conedguy10]

need to put bottom drain. for filtation

[@friedsausagerollz]

how would you cycle a pond like this?

[@ThePondDigger]

I am sorry to say we currently do not have Helix Representation in Iowa. Are you looking for professional help or Do It Yourself Construction. If you are a DIY guy we can help support you from across the country. Let me know.

[@patricksarmiento2707]

Hi Eric, the sieve is gravity fed?

[@ThePondDigger]

+Patrick Sarmiento Yes

[@sissymurphy9620]

Actually this would be my dream pond

[@ThePondDigger]

sissy murphy This is a fantastic pond and very dreamy too!

[@blakerenfro1086]

where do you purchase rocks you use for a fish pond?

[@ThePondDigger]

Amen. Hopefully no one drowns in their pool or falls off the roof or gets electrocuted or gets ran over by a car in the driveway.

[@mikemccabe8903]

What's the ball park figure for a koi pond of that design and features?

[@ThePondDigger]

+Mike McCabe this one sold for around 35k if I remember correctly. That was about 10 years ago.

[@ThePondDigger]

The rock we used on this koi pond was called La Cresta. We purchased it at a local rock yard here in Southern California. We used a less expensive rock below water level you will see in the next Koi Pond Design video when we get it posted. Thanks for watching. The Pond Digger

[@ThePondDigger]

Snow can be harsh on your pond construction.

[@femylafi]

Have you got a video on something like what you have in the background, but not so deep or big.... so for a smaller space. Also where you cannot dig deep into the soil due to planning permission and underground pipeworks. I am looking for something similar but that can be paddled in by children and people. So not for fish and poop.. something that can be kept clean naturally with plants and stones or whatever.

[@newyork1655]

go with a smaller setup, no need for waterfall like this, dig the hole, liner is a must (200$) some nice flat rocks around the pond and small pump, all under 600$.

[@ThePondDigger]

@Bazil1869 Absolutely!

[@jackarentphotography9822]

Nobody explains how to install power to the pump, please post on this topic?

[@aluckyshot]

Have an electrician install an outdoor outlet /gfci nearby. Pumps usually have fairly long power cords. Hide the cord best you can.

[@ThePondDigger]

I'm always ready for slabs and I'm always ready to talk ponds. Sometimes I hold back just because I don't want people's eyes to roll back in their skull when I go off talking ponds like a whacko fish geek!

[@ThePondDigger]

@madisonblue96 Traditionally we work in the Southern California Basin but have been know to travel the US. Most of the times our efforts outside of California are somehow tied to a business training seminar that we are teaching or learning from. We would definitely be interested in building Indiana. The thing to consider is our Mobilization Fee would require me to lodge and feed my team. That adds a chunk to the cost of your feature. Give me more details and I can give you an idea of cost.

[@numbas3000]

yeah? no bottom drains, pumps, skimmers? no UV light filtration? That sounds like a great idea.

[@ThePondDigger]

We are posting the second video as soon as we can showing the pond drained to get you up close and personal with a couple important Pond Design elements for koi. The flagstone path over the koi pond was just finished a couple days ago. The final plantings won't be finished until spring so a final glamor video won't happen for several months. But we do have more good things to come. Stay tuned! The Pond Digger

[@ThePondDigger]

We start the pond up with daily treatments of The Pond Digger Beneficial Bacteria for two weeks and get koi in there right away.

[@ThePondDigger]

@abundela76 Great comment! Made me smile.......

[@vangl34]

What was the total cost of that pond?

[@legozombiemocmaker8026]

How much dose it cost to build a 5 to 6 thousand gallon koi pond

[@ThePondDigger]

about a $30,000 range for a base price

[@0194D]

I remember. I heard it on a tv show. It was either discovery channel or animal planet(Or maybe the song is just really similar).

[@ThePondDigger]

A pond can elevate a sucky yard to higher levels......

[@AmarantineTravels]

This pond is like a $50k pond!!!!

[@ThePondDigger]

+Sara Martin yes it is......

[@minerlord222]

So this guy has a carp that's 10k more than a pond? Is this guy made of money or something?

[@mrtings]

Koi culture fam

[@ThePondDigger]

Great! Post a video!

[@maziechasie]

About how many gallons in this pond?

[@ThePondDigger]

If I remember correctly the pond is around 10,000 gallons.

[@ThePondDigger]

You will need to send me a schematic to our headquarters via email for me to properly advise you on this one.

[@nicholascerveny5195]

How many kwh does this consume per month???

[@ThePondDigger]

Look up Mike White of White Water Filters in Batavia, IL.

[@ThePondDigger]

@kennycody135 Not yet! But we would love the opportunity to build in PA! I have been out to Falling Waters in PA!

[@0194D]

Where have I heard that music before?

[@christiansclocks]

well I took out all of my rock work because it didnt survive the snow and my pond sealent was made by great stuff.

[@Bazil1869]

could you swim in that? it would be so fun