Build a pond and get some koi
Koi are a domesticated type of carp. Although their name derives from the Japanese word for carp, in this country ‘koi’ typically refers to colourful, ornamental fish of the carp family.
Carp are increasingly popular and are adaptable enough to be able to thrive in outdoor British conditions. If you’re interested in getting some koi of your own, it’s a good idea to construct your own pond.
Koi require a certain depth of water, so that they can avoid summer heat. It is also best to provide some shade over the pond for the same reason. This depth also protects them from extreme cold in winter as koi don’t really react well to temperatures below 10 degrees. The suggested depth for a koi pond is at least one metre and preferably a metre and a half.
Having planned what space you can afford and having dug the hole to a sufficient depth, you will need to put in some pond liner. Pond liner is used to ensure that water is retained in ponds and manmade water features. You can get preformed pond liner or a flexible sort that is more adaptable.
Having done this, you can plan and decorate the pond as you see fit, with whatever water features and filtration devices you deem necessary, before introducing your koi.
