Frequently Asked Questions On Garden Ponds

Adding a garden pond is a beautiful and tranquil addition to any garden but one that can be daunting and confusing to anyone, below are some of the frequently asked questions

What are the different types of garden ponds I can build?

You can use a Flexible flat pond liner, You would install them by digging a hole in the shape you wanted and then placing some pond underlay on the bottom and up the sides followed by the liner leaving the excess lip around the top edge you would then fill it with water. Liner ponds can be any size or depth, but they do require more installation time and effort

Here at Cotswold Koi we also make and supply Box Welded Liners, These are made to your measurements and delivered too you, for you to install. Box welded pond liners do need to have a complete support for them to go into like block work or sleepers and can be installed in the ground but will need a total surround that will be strong enough to hold the weight of the water (like block work) These can also be made with shelves in or even round all we require is a drawing/sketch with your measurements on we can arrange a bespoke quote for you.

Preformed ponds are the easiest type of pond to install as they come in a shape and size that you  would like. You simply have to dig out the hole and place it in your garden. The downside to these is that preformed ponds are often small and not very deep, so they may not be suitable for larger fish or Koi as the fish will out grown the pond very quickly.

You can also build an above ground pond this would be out of block work or slippers and would be built to your preferred size and depth. we Would recommended a Box Welded Liner for these ponds

Here at Cotswold Koi we have designed and built a complete range of Composite Ponds  This versatile and modern design which effortlessly complements any exterior design, providing a touch of sophistication and style to your garden. Our composite ponds are weather-resistant, meaning that your garden can maintain its modern looks for years to come browse our full range of colours. These are robust long lasting and easy to install they are also eco friendly and a beautiful, modern addition to any garden.

 How deep should my pond be?

We would say the ideal pond depth would be between 3 to 4 feet this is because it ensures it is deep enough for fish to survive and grow in and that it doesn’t completely freeze in the winter months.

 What is the best place for a pond ?

it is always best to locate your pond in a spot that gets plenty of sun and shade. This helps keep the water cool and to prevent algae from growing. It’ll also give plants enough sun to thrive.

If you live in a hot climate  you may want to consider placing your pond near a source of shade or be able to shade your pond if need be. You may not want it too be to close to a tree because of its roots growing and potential causing damage to your liner which would then cause leaks also in the autumn you don’t want falling leaves in your pond.

Try to choose a location that’s level and that has good drainage because this makes sure your pond is accessible for general maintenance and gives you a level water depth.

How many fish can I have ?

Most pond experts would suggest 1 inch of fish per 10 gallons of water for a new pond but after the filtration has been established and has a good ecosystem you could allow 2 to 3 inch’s of fish per square foot of water.

Also, remember that it is always preferable to have slightly fewer fish than to have too many. This is because fish are more active in the summer when there’s less oxygen in the warmer water than in the colder seasons also remember your filter size as the more fish you have the more waste they produce adding strain to your filter. This is why here at Cotswold Koi we always suggest you are over maned with your filter then under Also if you are having Koi you will need to allow extra room as koi can grow very big and will need extra space so resist the temptation to over stock your pond.

Are Koi Ponds Hard to Maintain?

Ponds with koi do require more care than regular garden ponds. The water needs to be kept clean and regular water tests need to be done. You will need to do regular filtra cleans and 10% water changes always using dechlorinated water. It is very important the water has enough oxygen  and that the pump is well maintained  and the koi fish need to be fed regularly daily checks on your Koi is also a good idea just to make sure they are not behaving oddly or that they have any sores or marks appearing we would recommend to observe your fish at feeding times this allows you to have a good check as they come to you for feed, In addition, koi are more vulnerable to predators than other types of pond fish. so you will need to take steps to protect them from cats, birds, and other animals.

Why Is My Pond Water Green?

This will be due to algae (suspended planktonic algae), this does not directly hurt your fish. However, algae gives off oxygen during the day from photosynthesis. But it is worth knowing that it uses up oxygen at night. In addition to that  it is unsightly and blocks the view of your koi  You can install an ultraviolet light ( UV)  which not only kills spore algae but kills the bacteria that causes the water to become murky and stinky and you can use a blanket weed treatment. We would recommended Evolution Aqua Stop Blanketweed

Does Adding A UV Light Kill The Beneficial Bacteria?

No! The only time this would be of any concern would be in a brand new pond as the beneficial bacteria hasn’t had a chance to build up yet and cling on to anything in order to reproduce. in time an ecosystem will develop in your pond and everything works in harmony.