My new pond with some questions

[OCkoiFan]

Build some type of overhead structure and plant a passion fruit tree
The vines will eventually provide shade and give fruits for juice also provide protection

BAVOTOI
Hey don’t scare newbie
You’re just violate koiphen new rule of friendship hahaha

[icu2]

Enjoy your first koi pond with dead fish.

We don't see you for 3 months and that's your first post?

[catfish whiskers]

I’m in the Valley , and We have herons and raccoons Here, You will too. That net looks very sturdy , but the openings are too large . If it will support the weight of a child , it will support the weight of a critter , and they will walk out on it and grab fish. Seaside Aquatics is local and has great nets.

[apkenned1]

So a finer mesh net with smaller opening placed over the current one will help?


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[DarkStar]

Build some type of overhead structure and plant a passion fruit tree
The vines will eventually provide shade and give fruits for juice also provide protection

BAVOTOI
Hey don’t scare newbie
You’re just violate koiphen new rule of friendship hahaha

...........
Mitch, why don't you put up a link to the picture of your structure with the vines. It's very pretty!
...........

Adam, in case no one has mentioned it, to Koiphen!
Your pond is beautiful and you've done a great job.

It may seem a little overwhelming with everyone offering helpful suggestions, so just take it slow and try to think of what's best for your particular location.

For example, the suggestions about overhead cover ~ the reason for that is that prolonged sun exposure (along with organics in the pond) is likely to produce a lot of algae which will be another problem you'll have to address if it gets out of hand. Another reason ~ depending on time of day & length of time the Koi are exposed, Koi can actually get sunburned. Over time they can develop sores. So watch to see what time your pond is actually exposed to direct sunlight and for how long. Are there any areas where the Koi can swim to be in shadow during that time? Then you'll be able to figure out if you need some kind of covering. Some folks just put up a small tent-like tarp. But again, you'll see what you need for your area, and what your budget allows.

So great to have you with us! Ponding is a process. One step at a time.

[catfish whiskers]

So a finer mesh net with smaller opening placed over the current one will help?


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That would be great , You’d still have protection for the Kids

[catfish whiskers]

Look into shade sails for some sun protection .

[OCkoiFan]

Thanks Darkstar
Everyone pond is different mine is raised above grade
But here a short video halfway should show the vines
Love the romantic it provide to the surrounding
https://youtu.be/LjTtGv75aVM

I have not loose any koi to predators for the last 9 years
It is 3’ deep 8x8’ and roughly 1500 usgallons

[apkenned1]

Darkstar,

The location of my pond and the surrounding structures block quite a bit of the sun, 3/4 of my pond is never fully in the sun right now, and later in the year the other side of the pond will be 3/4 in the shade at almost all time, so the fish will always have shade to get too.

[DarkStar]

Thanks Darkstar
Everyone pond is different mine is raised above grade
But here a short video halfway should show the vines
Love the romantic it provide to the surrounding
https://youtu.be/LjTtGv75aVM
I have not loose any koi to predators for the last 9 years
It is 3’ deep 8x8’ and roughly 1500 usgallons

Beautiful Mitch! Thank you for the video!

...............

Darkstar,
The location of my pond and the surrounding structures block quite a bit of the sun, 3/4 of my pond is never fully in the sun right now, and later in the year the other side of the pond will be 3/4 in the shade at almost all time, so the fish will always have shade to get too.

So the sun will not be a concern for you. They'll get some but not too much. That's really great!

As Mitch mentioned, aside from aesthetics, some folks consider a covering for protection to remove their pond from the eyes of Herons, Kingfishers (if you have them there) or any other predatory birds that fly overhead. If you're lucky, maybe that won't be a concern for you. Do you know anyone else in the area who has a pond or is there a pond store around? Maybe they can tell you if they're heard of any experiences with predators (birds or raccoons) in the area. At least then you'll know to be on guard and try to take precautions.

But you already have the netting. That can be improved upon. First, drop the water level several inches so it's not right up to the net. Water right at the net makes it too easy for herons to poke that long bill through and raccoons to pluck the fish right up through those big grids when they come to the surface thinking they're going to get fed when they see a 'figure' at the pond.

Get a strong fine-mesh net to attach on top of that one. That's a good start.

[apkenned1]

You cant tell from the pictures, but the net I have now is 6 inches, maybe a little more above water level when the pond is at its optimum level.

I will check with a plant nursery right near my house, they have two quite shallow koi ponds and said they've had the koi for many years. I'll ask them if they've lost any fish to predators.

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[berkokid]

Pondfishguy,

Will the depth of the pond and the net be enough protection?

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I had katch-a-kid on my old pond. There's a simple solution for you, just go to HD or Lowes and buy some plastic bird netting. You can even do amazon: https://www.amazon.com/BirdBlock-Bir.../dp/B00004RA0M

I just attached that with a few small black wire ties to the katch-a-kid net. It doesn't effect your ability to take the net off (remember to attach it when the net is on and taught) and it will likely solve your Heron problem.

[Nguyen365]

I need something like this but smaller 12x6ft

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00002N8IU/
I can double layer

[apkenned1]

Hello everyone, just wanted to give an update of my pond, it's coming along nicely with some new additions. Just needs a few more things. Water is nice and healthy and holding as are the fish. will do a video with link.

[Nguyen365]

Looks awesome looking forward to the video clip

[apkenned1]

Here is the video with the tiki torches I added lit up.

Looks kind of cool how the torches light up the waterfall.

[icu2]

Beautiful job on the pond!

[two_wheeled]

Well done!

[Nguyen365]

I already subscribed to your channel. I will enjoy watching your koi grow cheers