There is a lot that goes into making a DIY Koi Quarantine Tank. You must first research the type of fish you want to keep before you get started on your new pond. Some types of fish need more water than others. Others require special cleaning tools and/or chemicals, which you may not stock in your home pet shop. You must be sure you have all of the supplies before you begin.
Now, once you know the species of fish you are going to stock, you can move on to finding out the best location for your new pond. Depending on size and style of the garden pond will determine how much room you have. Large garden ponds are usually situated on a large piece of land with at least one side for a pond. Make sure that the land you select is free of overhanging tree branches and other obstacles that will interfere with your fish. You also want to make sure that there are no underground electric lines in the area or other potential hazards for the fish.
Depending on how large your pond is, you will also need to determine if you will need a water pump to keep the water moving and healthy. Most DIY Koi quarantine tanks are constructed with pump powered lights and water filters to provide the fish with clean water. If this is the case, then you will need to locate the pumps and filters in an inconspicuous area so they are not seen by predators.
If you are stocking a smaller pond, then you do not need a deep water pump. The water should be circulated throughout the pond to help aerate it and reduce stagnant water. A filter, if needed, can be added after the initial setup.
As far as safety goes, both types of ponds need to be fenced off from other properties. This is very important, as there are countless things that can be ingested through the pond water. Insects, dead plants, tree roots, frogs, all can wreak havoc on your garden pond. You also need to enclose the pond in a safety screen, or else there is no way for the fish to get out. If you don’t, then there is a good chance that one of them could choke on their own weight.
You must keep in mind the type of fish that you have. This will help determine the size of the pond you will need. The larger the fish, the larger your pump needs to be. For example, if you have fish that grow up to four inches in length, then you will need a large pump. The water circulation and filtering system will need to be powerful enough to circulate the entire pond at once.
Once the system is set up and running, you should quarantine the fish for a few days. You should only allow fish into the water after they have been checked over by your vet. They should not be stressed or anxious, and they should be well cared for during this time. Fish are susceptible to parasites and may even get sick. Once your fish is healthy again, they will be ready to return to their normal spots within a few days.
If you are looking for the perfect DIY koi pond, then a DIY koi quarantine tank is the way to go. It allows you to control the amount of fish in your water without the hassle of building a custom sized one. Plus, you can find all of the materials you need to build it at your local hardware store. This is one less thing you will have to worry about when starting out.