Step-By-Step How To Build A Koi Pond

The filter for this pond is a homemade unit using a 24 gallon Rubbermaid tub that is split into three sections. The first section is for some brushes to skim out medium sized debris that get past the vortex. Next is a section with filter matting to catch the finer debris. The last section houses the submersible pump for the pond.

A word about pumps... I strongly recommend that you do NOT go the cheap route where the pump is concerned. DO NOT try to save a few bucks and use a sump pump. These are filled with oil as a coolant that will eventually leak out into the pond as a result of running 24/7 for three months. Sump pumps are meant to run intermittently and can very easily kill all your fish if they fail. Get yourself a continuous service pump made for a fish pond that is slightly overrated for your need rate of flow. You will probably decide to add another water feature or something within the first year or so anyhow so you might as well be ready.

Please take a look at my schematics (above) on how the filter is assembled. I'll get around to posting clear assembly directions in the future, but for now I hope this basic list of materials is enough to get you going...

● one Rubbermaid tub

● Several PVC shower drains

● Various PVC pipes, valves, and fittings

● Filter brushes

● Several stainless steel nuts, washers, and bolts

● A tube of silicone caulk

● Nylon cable ties

● Some styrene plastic drop ceiling "egg crate" light grates

● A piece of plastic drywall edging (to act as edge guides for the

egg crate)

● A tube of plastic model cement (to glue egg crate together)

● Filter matting material

● Filter brushes

● Several old 5 gallon buckets

I'll explain a little bit on how to find these materials for very little cash on the next page or two...