Koi ponds can be a lot of work to put together, but a DIY pond kit makes it easy and provides everything you need. Whether you want an indoor koi fish pond, a large backyard pond, or a fountain, there's a kit suitable for everyone.
Koi pond kits are a solid remedy if you want to save money on the building process. It can be costly to hire a contractor, get a building permit, and bring in large, heavy equipment to get a commercial installation of your koi fish pond. Instead, a kit is a cost-effective option that allows you to build it yourself without all the hassle.
As a hobbyist and pond owner, I don't have the same expertise as koi shop owners. However, moving into a new house with a koi pond led me to research how to maintain koi ponds and healthy fish. As I continue researching and learning, I want to share my knowledge with those who need a quick answer to common questions about their koi ponds in one place.
In this article, we'll look at the equipment koi pond kits come with and how you can build it yourself. We'll also review the different types of kits available, so you have all the information you need to make an informed decision if a koi pond kit is right for you.
Kits generally come with the same basic equipment necessary to build your pond. Though some things may differ, such as the type of filter, you can expect most koi pond starter kits to come with the following parts.
Every DIY kit comes with a pond pump that fits with the included filter. There are several types of pumps. Some are designed for water gardens and small ponds and can be fully submerged. Another type of pond pump is an in-line water pump, which needs to be outside the water but placed below the waterline. If you want a little more flexibility, choose a kit that comes with a more versatile pond pump.
A pond skimmer keeps your pond clean by removing debris and aerating your water. It works as a type of filtration system, which is essential to keep your fish happy and the water clean.
The pond filter is crucial in keeping your pond's water clean. There are three main types of filters: UV, biological, and mechanical. UV filters, also known as ultraviolet clarifiers, use ultraviolet light to kill all bacteria using their own filtration system.
Mechanical filters remove visible debris, while biological filters allow good bacteria to grow and remove harmful algae. Many kits somehow integrate the filter into the pond to blend in with the aesthetic using a waterfall or fountain.
Rather than a concrete bottom, koi pond kits come with pond liners and underlayment to create the foundation and keep water inside your pond. The liners are typically 45mm thick and constructed of EPDM, a type of synthetic rubber.
When properly installed, the liner should last for years and be resistant to oxidation, UV, and ozone. They should also include a long warranty to ensure quality, around 20 years.
Now that we've gone over the equipment in most kits, let's take a look at the types of DIY koi pond kits that are available.
A pond kit is considered small when it is about 300 gallons or less. It allows you to build a backyard pond in a smaller space. A DIY Backyard Pond Kit from Aquascape is great for small areas. You can create a beautiful garden pond right in your backyard. It comes with a water fountain pump and a 120 sq. ft. underlayment to create a 6' x 8' pond.
Large koi pond kits can generally carry about 1,000 gallons of water and be about 3 feet deep. It gives koi fish a lot of space to roam and grow. They can be as large as 20' x 25' and come with longer waterfalls. It will also typically have a pump with a much greater GPH.
An indoor pond is a perfect addition to any home or business. They are typically smaller than ponds outdoors but still provide enough space for fish to swim around freely if you don't overcrowd it. If you live in a more temperamental climate, indoor koi pond kits are a great investment. It also naturally adds more humidity to your house, which you may like during the dry winter weather.
You can also create a portable koi pond with above-ground kits. It can be a temporary place for koi to reside if you're moving or want to take them to a temporary space.
Whether your pond is large or small, or indoors versus outdoors, a DIY pond kit can simplify the sometimes overwhelming task of properly setting up your koi fish pond. It is a cost effective solution to saving you valuable time and money!
Alternatively, you can always check out our koi pond service directory to find a koi pond professional near you who can help maintain your pond.
