ideal pond depth for hobbyist pond?

[dinh]

what is the best ideal of depth for hobbyist koi pond? and the reason?

--Dinh

[dcny]

I think the minimum ideal depth should be 5' deep. 6' would be better. Outside of that, the depth could be increase to increase total volume. The minimum ideal volume should be in the 5000-6000 gallon range. More water is always better.

One thing to keep in mind about depth is, once you go past 6' the kind of air pump you will matter if you use an aerated bottom drain. Many piston air pump will not operate well at depths greater than 6'. You'll need to go with a diaphram air pump.

[luke frisbee]

2 meters.
aesthetics- koi look cool when they are swimming around the bottom, and when they come up like submarines to feed. THREE dimensional Art being dug into your yard. (That should be enough of a reason)

(and most of "scientific" reasons you get will be horsecrap)

[jnorth]

Quote: Originally Posted by luke frisbee (and most of "scientific" reasons you get will be horsecrap)

If you live in a colder climate you might want to think about thermoclines.

[Steve Nguyen]

more water is better but depth should be 5ft max. too deep, can't see the fish good.

Steve

Quote: Originally Posted by dinh what is the best ideal of depth for hobbyist koi pond? and the reason? --Dinh

[luke frisbee]

Quote: Originally Posted by jnorth If you live in a colder climate you might want to think about thermoclines.

yeah? do you turn your pond over every hour every day even...then NO thermocline (nice example of the quasi-scientific thinker).
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

[jnorth]

Quote: Originally Posted by luke frisbee yeah? do you turn your pond over every hour every day even...then NO thermocline (nice example of the quasi-scientific thinker). A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

Not everyone runs their pumps all winter.

[kiky]

In recent years, hobbyists in my area has gone deeper and deeper, from 1.5m to 2m, and even up to 3m now. A few days ago, Kentaro San of Sakai visited My country, Indonesia, on his way to the Singapore show. He visited my town, Bandung, and went around to hobbyists' ponds. He also has a look at my pond. During a brief conversation, I asked him, among other things, about the ideal depth of a pond for both growth, body conformation and quality. He said that it should not be too shallow or too deep. 2m should be the optimum! Bravo to Luke Frisbee.

[luke frisbee]

Quote: Originally Posted by jnorth Not everyone runs their pumps all winter.

I'll grant you that..now what does that mean?
Do thermoclines (other than the ice layer) form in these ponds?
Is it in the best interests of the koi to stop all pumps during the Harsh northern Winters?
I am also interested in whether these ponds are heated...
all the data you have concerning this would be appreciated so I can undertsand "Thermoclines in koi ponds in the Winter."

[luke frisbee]

kiky,
it just makes sense..for now. In a few years that opinion could change.
One bit of sense is that a pond should have a minimum depth in relation to the length of the koi it is expected to contain. Some people say1.5 times...I like 2 - 2.5 times...the theory is that a koi needs to do a vertical turn to reach the surface. An extreme repeated dorsal flexion of the spine could be the cause of the "pigeon-breasted" koi. However I have a 16 inch pigeon breasted koi that has lived its entire life in 1.7-2m of water.