12 Sep Pond Restoration: A Practical Guide to Transforming Your Pond
The pond featured in the video below was in need of an overhaul. After years of dealing with a malfunctioning pump, the water feature had become difficult to maintain and was causing stress for the owner. The pond was home to massive, healthy koi fish, but it had some major issues that needed to be addressed.
Today, we will take you through a step-by-step process on how to rebuild an existing koi pond. Like any water feature, these ponds require periodic maintenance to ensure they function correctly and look their best. However, without proper attention, things can get out of hand, leading to serious problems. Fortunately, this pond owner noticed that something was wrong and reached out for help before her fish were affected too badly.
Step 1: Draining the Pond - Safely Relocating the Fish
First things first, we had to drain the pond (save about 90% of the water) and relocate the fish safely in holding tanks. During the draining process, it’s essential to save as much water as possible since fish require water that’s balanced and packed with beneficial bacteria. Careful removal and storage of your healthy fish are critical since they play a vital role in accomplishing our shared goal of a clean, healthy, and peaceful pond for years to come.
Step 2: Deep Cleaning - Scrubbing Away the Debris and Muck
With the fish safely relocated, we did a deep clean of the pond. This process involves scrubbing, pressure washing, and breaking down the debris and muck that accumulates on the rocks and the pond’s lining. We were careful not to scrub too hard, preserving as much of the good bacteria in the rocks as possible.
Step 3: Upgrading the Equipment - Skimmers, Pumps, and Filters
Next, it was time to replace the old skimmer and pump with new, more efficient models better suited for a koi pond. The new skimmer has an easy-to-remove basket, and the new pump is designed to handle debris without clogging. The old pump had been struggling, frequently clogging and requiring early morning cleanings. Replacing these parts will ensure the pond’s water remains clean and clear for the fish to swim happily.
Step 4: Adding a BioFalls Filter - Keeping the Water Clear and Healthy
We also installed a BioFalls filter at the top of the waterfall to provide mechanical and biological filtration. It contains matting and Bio Balls that give beneficial bacteria space to grow, helping to break down waste and keep the water clear.
Step 5: Upgrading the Pump - Ensuring Proper Water Circulation
It’s important to have a small flow of water in the pond to circulate oxygen throughout it and help prevent anaerobic conditions from forming. To do this, we replaced the pump with a larger model, which is more efficient and effective for moving water through the system.
Step 6: Refilling the Pond and Reintroducing the Fish
With the new equipment in place, it was time to refill the pond, reintroduce the fish, and set up an auto-dosing system to make maintenance even easier. The pond owner can now enjoy her beautiful water feature without the stress and hassle of frequent maintenance, and the fish seem happy to be home in their new-and-improved pond.
We hope our practical guide has inspired you to create or renovate your own pond. Remember, with the right equipment and a little maintenance, you can enjoy a low-maintenance fish paradise in your backyard. If you have any questions or want to share your own backyard projects, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to help!