Is A Koi Fish Pond Right For You?
Keeping colorful Koi fish is one of the best ways to add beauty and life to any outdoor living space. Maintaining a koi fish pond is a rewarding experience that can add value to your home. Yet it is important for homeowners to understand what to expect when committing to such a project.
So, how do you know if a koi pond is right for your home? Here are a few important factors to consider.
Price
Koi fish ponds can be expensive, with the cost of installation varying depending on the contractor you use. Due to the large size and long life span of koi, this type of fish pond must be especially large; the average koi pond contains over 1,000 gallons of water and is around 3 feet deep. This can be a pricey installation, and such a large pond will require a considerable amount of maintenance costs over time. Koi fish themselves can be expensive as well. While smaller koi might cost around $10-15 on average, larger koi fish are sold for thousands of dollars. While the overall cost of a koi pond can vary depending on factors such as size, depth, type of fish, and more, it is important to understand the potentially high cost involved for such a project.
Lifespan
While all fish are relatively easy to care for in comparison to other animals, there is no denying that caring for koi fish is a bigger commitment than many people realize. On average, koi fish tend to live between 15 and 20 years in a well-maintained pond. Some breeds, however, such as Japanese Koi, have an average lifespan of around 200 years! It is important to keep in mind that koi fish have a long lifespan, therefore making the installation and maintenance of a koi fish pond a major commitment that you will potentially have to keep up with for the next few decades.
Maintenance
In addition to keeping water clean and filtered year-round, it is important to put certain measures in place during seasons where inclement weather is common in order to protect the health of your fish. For example, you will need to invest in a bubbler and/or de-icer to keep your fish protected should your koi pond freeze over in the winter.
Hiner Outdoor Living understands the beauty and value that a Koi pond can add to your yard and home. Our team of expert outdoor designers can make the process of installing and maintaining a koi fish pond in your space easier than ever. Schedule a free discovery call with our team today to discuss whether or not a koi pond is right for your home.
About the Author
Matt Hiner founded Hiner Outdoor Oiving in 2008 with almost 10 years of experience in the landscape industry and the last $300 to his name. Nearly two decades and countless beautiful outdoor living spaces later, the rest is history.
