Koi Ponds require diligence!

Investigate before investing in time-consuming hobby.
by Lory Johnston for the AJC

Koi ponds don't always equal tranquility.
If you're not prepared, cost and stress of repairs could ruin the serene setting you crave.
"It's a hobby that you have to enjoy. There is consistent maintenence involved in it,"
said Thomas Boyce, owner of Dacula-based Innovative Outdoors.
Chuck Crisp, owner of Splendor Koi & Pond in Marietta, said once people come down
with koi fever, theyoften want to buy more fish and improve their pond, adding more
upkeep and more money.
"People who have koi ponds will pull in their driveway, they will close their garage,
walk through their kitchen and go right to their koi pond, if it works. If you've got a
bad pond, you don't have interest in it," he said.
As with other hobbies or home improvements, you'll want to get a sense of cost
and how much your yard - and time - can handle.

Budget before you buy
It cost at least $5,000 to $7,000 - on the low end - to install a small koi pond, Boyce said.
Crisp said he's seen homeowners spend that on filtration system alone, and cost for
the ponds he installs often range from $20,000 to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
If you're buying a home that has a koi pond, you'll need to make sure it's in good shape
before adding fish.
"In the pond, you're creating an ecosystem. The chemicals, pH, everything has to be in balance
for the koi to stay alive and healthy," Boyce said.
The most expensive ponds, Crisp said, feature luxury items like premium filtration systems,
underwater and landscaping lighting, and automatic water level systems.
Monthly costs, on average, include $50-$100 for equipment and electrical needs,
and $50-$100 on chemicals, Crisp said.
The  fish are priced based on size, variety and quality. Crisp said his selection starts at $15 and
goes to $12,000. Groups such as the Atlanta Koi Club also sell fish at auction.

You'll need shade, power source
Koi need to be protected by shade, wish can dictate where a pond is placed on your property.
"Koi can't be in an area that's really exposed or real bright," Boyce said.
Factor in your power situation, because you want to make sure electricity is available
in the area, and also consider how far you want to walk to see the fish. Also, do you
want to walk right out your patio to see the fish or farther into your yard?
Predators present another chalenge, so there are options such as netting systems
or even sensors that will squirt water at birds to keep them away from fish, Boyce said.

Make sure pond fits landscape
New koiponds have a natural flowing look that fit into the style of the landscape, compared to
boxy ponds of the 1990's, Boyce said.
You'll want to determine how many fish your pond can hold.
Acommon guideline is 1inch of fish for every 10 gallons of water. Boyce says he's

seen ponds usually 2,000-3,000 gallons.

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