New Pond upgrade

I have just upgraded my pond again (4th time) now is about 14 x 15 x 3.5 with 2 waterfalls (4' and lazy river) added 8 Koi, skimmer, lights plants etc...about 2,000 gallons??

is 8 Koi enought or too many...seems like they could use some friends

boogies1952

Originally Posted by boogies1952

I have just upgraded my pond again (4th time) now is about 14 x 15 x 3.5 with 2 waterfalls (4' and lazy river) added 8 Koi, skimmer, lights plants etc...about 2,000 gallons?? is 8 Koi enought or too many...seems like they could use some friends

From your dimensions 14 x 14 x 3.5, that comes out to just under 5,000 gallons. Fish stock really depends on many factors, not just pond size. A small pond with a large filtration system can hold more fish then a large pond with small filter system.

I believe it is 1" of fish per 50 gallons. Have to remember that koi do grow, so 10 5" koi will be the same as 3 15" koi.

have a skimmer and 2 bio filters...lillies...iris and others,,,4500 gph pump...maybe 3,000 gal ...not 5...8 Koi...8" standard and butterfly

boogies pond sounds nice... send us some pics. your pond can hold more koi...every one should read thier water meter before they fill the new pond...then you no what it holds

Great Idea DrCase
Here is how I did it yesterday:
I just filled my pond addition. I used a 5 gallon bucket and timed the flow rate for 5 gallons. Without turning off the faucett, I started a stopwatch, placed the hose into the new pond and timed the fillup. When it was done the result was 600 gallons. Very close to the estimate before filling.

Dr Dave

I wasn't that smart....but using the common calculations I have about 3,000 gal. I have been monitoring some slight water loss for the last week. Could be spray from the waterfall, evaporation or a slow leak somewhere.

For a pond my size, how much water loss is considered normal and how much water should be added weekly...and does it need conditioner added?

Water loss varies from place to place depending on surface area, plants, aeriation, temperature and so on. 1" a week, I would consider normal, more if it is really hot.

There are no conditioners unless you are doing a large water change then dechlor is advisable.

There are a lot of gimmick additives, but in 40 years of ponds, I have never found a need for them.

about a week after filling the pond we got our first algae bloom....it was a sunny and warm weekend...I added the second application of microbe lift (beneficial bacteria) 6 oz, some pondzyme to help clear the water and a few days later 3/4 cup of Algae Fix. So far so good...my PH levels are right at 7.0....but might I be over doing things??

it will settle down ,just keep maintaining, send us some pics

Been buying Hikari Gold Koi food loically...any online sources of high quality Koi food...also what rice / vegetable combinations work well??