Koi ponds have always been a popular part of Long Island landscaping designs. They not only add beauty and elegance to a Long Island landscape, but also provide a soothing spot for homeowners to sit and relax while watching these vibrant, playful fish frolic. If you’re looking to add a koi pond to enhance your Long Island landscape, there are a few things you should know first.
Koi ponds should not be constructed in direct sunlight, but placing it under the shade of trees isn’t good either. Koi are a delicate fish and their watery environment must be kept clean with water that has a low pH balance. Landscape artists recommend placing the koi pond near garden walls where they can receive shade without the nuisance of falling leaves and tree debris that will cause problems for the water’s acidity.
The size of your koi pond should be considerable. Koi can grow up to 3 feet in length, so they need ample space to swim around. They are also social fish and should have at least a few friends joining them in their new pond. Making sure there is enough space for several large koi to swim around and maneuver is very important. Landscape artists also recommend the pond be deep enough to protect the fish from becoming food for raccoons.
Unfortunately, your koi pond will not be ready to be filled with fish once it has been constructed. Experts recommend filling the pond with water and emptying it out several times to wash away the acidity of the pond’s contents. Once this has been done, fill the pond and test the pH balance to make sure it is neutral. These sensitive fish can be killed by high acidic water.
Your local aquatic center can help you determine what plants to place within the pond to provide shading for the koi. Once everything has been worked out, you can add the koi and begin to enjoy the natural beauty and serenity a koi pond can provide.
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