Step-By-Step How To Build A Koi Pond


Ridged Furnace filters make great filter matting for very little cost. Ridged furnace filter: $4.95, Similar sized filter material from a pond retailer: $24.00 -No kidding!!

Brushes attached to a PVC conduit for ease of cleaning

"Egg Crate" light diffuser panels make perfect dividers inside homemade filter boxes.

All the pieces

Biological filter media


Army men!	Lava rock

Many of the materials used to make these filters were not originally intended to be used in pond construction. I cannot say for sure that they are all non-toxic to fish but common sense tells me they are safe. PVC pipe and adhesives, once dry, are completely safe and rated for potable water. My only thought is that styrene and other plastics do break down in the sun and in turn could release nasty chemicals into the water. I just make sure that they are not exposed for long periods of time. I have used these things for years and all my fish are very healthy.

	This will sound strange but plastic army men purchased from a dollar store (for just 1 dollar!) actually make pretty good biological media. Shredded PVC pipe, plastic curling irons, scrubbing pads, scraps from cut "egg crate" diffusers, and purpose built Bio-balls also work.

	Another money saving tip: Try a "gutter brush" instead of a "filter brush." They are the same thing but for a whole bunch less cash! Here is one that I used: The Hedgehog, "it resembles a large bottle brush that fits into the gutter and can be shaped by merely bending or cutting it. Because the Hedgehog is brush-like, it catches smaller particles in its bristles"

Filter materials I've used in other ponds:


Polypropylene Strapping used in the shipping industry	Plastic Filter Media This stuff is expensive but it really does work well	Bio-Fill (Shredded PVC) Again this is expensive but it really does work well