Garden ponds or koi ponds are a great way to give that unique touch to your garden. However, there’s a difference between these two. If you are still not quite sure which one is for you, keep reading.
This Is Where They Differ
Garden ponds can bring your garden game to a whole new level. This can be from over the top with many details or as simple as you want. The main objective of this pond is to give your garden a new visio.
Koi ponds, on the other hand, are designed for the growth and maintenance of Koi fishes. These ponds are designed to help promote the life and preservation of these fishes originated from Japan. Many believe that these ponds are cruel to animals, but it’s okay as long as the owners take care of them and provide a peaceful environment.
Size
Your garden pond can be the size you desire as long as you consider the use you will give it. Keep in mind that the recommended depth of your pond should at least have 2ft to make sure there is enough water. In colder places, it is recommended to have 3ft.
If you have fish in your pond, it is important to have at least 2ft to ensure the temperature is adequate for the animals’ safety.
For Koi ponds, the pond needs to be large enough for the fish to swim. The minimum size is 6ft x 8ft. This type of pond is designed for the proper care of these animals. The ideal depth for this pond is 3ft. The larger the pond, the more fishes you can have. For these measurements, your pond qualifies for 4 to 5 koi fishes that are average size.
Shape
Garden ponds are designed to look as natural as possible. It is unusual to find a rectangular or square pond. The ideal shape for a pond is to not have sharp corners but rounded. This is to allow water to flow.
In the case of Koi ponds, many predators can enter if they have easy access. That is why pond walls need to be straight down to ensure the safety of the fish. Koi pond builders will suggest that the ideal shape needs round corners; this ensures the oxygenation and filtration for the fishes.
Material
There are two common materials for your garden pond. If your design is very custom, you can choose between EPDM Rubber or RPE.
EPDM Rubber Liner
EPDM rubber is a flexible and bendable material which makes it ideal for usual pond shapes. This material is mostly used for smaller designs because, despite being easy to manipulate, it is easy to break.
EPDM is very heavy and can be difficult to transport. Additionally, an extra step you must-do if you are choosing this material is to use underlayment material to help prevent rocks and sticks from damaging the liner.
RPE Liner
The second material option is RPE liners, a synthetic flexible liner material that is safe for plants and animals. This material is much stronger, lighter, and affordable than the EPDM liner. The only downfall about this material is that it’s not as moldable as EPDM. This material is recommended for Koi ponds.
Water Filtration System
There are three major filtration systems: biological, mechanical, and ultraviolet clarifiers. However, the filtration systems that are commonly used are biological and mechanical and can be found together.
The biological filter improves water quality and avoids bacteria growth. The mechanical filtration removes tiny particles of waste found in the water, also known as debris.
For koi ponds, water filtration is one of the most important factors to consider. This is the place where your fish will live; they need to have a good filtration system. To find your ideal filtration system, there needs to be a proper conversation about it and the number of fish you will get during the design process.
Work With The Best Water Feature Designers in St. Louis
Whether you are thinking about having a small garden pond or a very luxurious koi pond, Clarity Ponds can help you achieve it. At Clarity Ponds, we make our clients’ vision come true. Our team has assistance that will achieve your dream space. Clarity Ponds and our water feature designers in St. Louis not only would give you the look you want, but the proper care you need.
We work with high-quality materials that make your designs durable and impeccable, from koi pond builders to garden pond designers. We have it all.
