If you are considering having a Koi pond built, these are questions you might be asking.
But before we get to pricing and sizes, let’s first take a quick look at some of the requirements for a Koi pond.
Koi will thrive in a functioning ecosystem pond. If you are unfamiliar with ecosystem ponds, please read our post on ecosystem ponds first.
Now, let’s look at some other keys for a thriving Koi pond.
Depth
Having a pond of proper depth is important. If a Koi pond is not deep enough, your brightly-colored Koi are within easy reach of any shoreline predators. In climates with winter temperatures, Koi will go dormant during the coldest months. During this time, they will eat very little, remaining inactive on the bottom of the pond. The surface of the pond may freeze over in these months. If the pond is not deep enough, the fish may freeze at the bottom. A Koi pond must be a minimum of two feet deep to allow an ice-free “Warm zone” at the bottom of your pond where the Koi are kept safe from freezing temperatures. For larger Koi, it is recommended to have three feet of water depth.
Cover
Koi have several natural predators, including Herons, Fishers, and Minks. Other predators may also be present in nearby areas. These predators can be combated by building refuges in your pond. A fish cave that is inaccessible from the top is a great way to provide protection. Using rocks to create safety coves from swimming predators is another way to provide cover for the Koi.
Rocks and Gravel
Koi are bottom feeders and continuously search the pond floor for food. Building a Koi pond with rock walls and a gravel bottom will give habitat for many strains of algae and microorganisms for Koi to eat. When not under stress, Koi will rummage through the gravel substrate to find nutrition growing in the pond. A healthy ecosystem can produce much of the food the fish population needs to survive.
Circulation
Without proper circulation, the pond water will become stagnant. Stagnation can lead to murky water, which hides the fish from view. Also, when water stagnates, it will lead to more algal blooms and unwanted insect breeding. If your pond doesn’t properly circulate, gases and minerals in the water can become toxic to fish, causing death in many cases.
How Much Does a Koi Pond Cost?
Koi ponds vary greatly in size, from a very small pond for several fish, to a pond large enough to support a hundred fish. A large pond can even be designed for swimming, if desired. Let’s look at several common pond sizes and the average cost for each.
Various project circumstances can alter price, and there are many additional features that can be added to a pond, so the following are some basic pricing guidelines.
Small Koi pond
A small Koi pond will be roughly 6 to 8 feet wide and 8 to 12 feet long. Small Koi ponds will only be 2 feet deep. Most small Koi ponds will hold between 500 to 1,000 gallons of water and can support up to 8 medium-sized fish. With added waterfalls or streams, a small Koi pond could cost between $6,000-$9,000.
Medium Koi pond
A medium pond can range from 10 to 12 feet wide and 14 to 16 feet long. These ponds are often 2 feet deep but can be deeper. Digging a deeper pond will cost more and will greatly increase the volume of your pond and the amount of fish the pond can sustain. A medium Koi pond with an average depth of 2 feet can support a dozen fish. Medium Koi ponds can cost between $15,000 to $25,000. The depth of the pond, along with waterfalls and additional components, contribute to the variability in price.
Large Koi pond
There isn’t a real limit for how large a Koi pond can be. A large Koi pond can be 15 feet wide by 20 feet long. Large Koi ponds should be constructed 3 feet deep, and usually hold at least 3,000 gallons of water. These habitats can support the largest Koi. Twenty to thirty fish can live in a pond this size. A large Koi pond can cost around $30,000.
Wondering what type of Koi pond is right for you?
If you’re interested in finding a Koi pond to fit your property and budget, contact us for a consultation. Looking for more inspiration or koi pond ideas?