Need help getting started

[Nostaw84]

I've been into aquarium fish for along time. Now I'm living outside the city and I have a pond about 25'x25'x5'deep. I have no filters, pumps heaters of anykind in it. Right now we have alot of sunfish and bass, a couple bullhead and one pike that we have caught elsewhere and thrown in. I've started lookin into koi a little and was wondering what I would have to do to set the pond up for breeding koi. I live in NY and its very cold most the year. Can anyone help me with any ideas on what i should do to get started and is it worth the effort?

[2koiluvers]

If you have been into aquariums as long as you say, the very first thing is to get rid of the current occupants. Most all of them would chow down your koi, like an Oscar eating goldfish.

[Nostaw84]

ya. sorry I shoulda added a lil more. I figured that I would have to get rid of the others but I was wondering about filtration? Will the koi survive without a pump like the other fish? Would I be able to leave them in year round? I live in a tiny house so I got no room to bring them indoors. Is it worth the money and time? Ive got alot of frogs in the pond too, does that matter?

[2koiluvers]

I think a lot more info on your pond neds to be given. The first is how is your pond filled? Frogs are ok with koi, but don't expect any fry. Bullfrogs will eat anything they can get into their mouths. I had one snatch a baby duckling I added to my pond for my grandkids sake. The darn frog had it within minutes of putting him and three others. Fortunately I was able to net them out and rescue the poor thing. Needless to say we were all stunned by that. Filtration on your pond that size would best be answered by other folks with more knowledge on the subject. My pond averages 3 feet and is about 12' by 15'. I got into contact with a KHA koi health advisor from one of the koi clubs in our area. He sure straightened me out on the right way to filter my pond. I had spent a couple of thousand dollars on uv lights, magnets, undersized filters from our local dealer. It was only this past season that I had clear water after having built my pond thirteen years ago. That would be my suggestion. Find a local koi club and ask if they have a KHA. There is no charge and the info is priceless. The guy was very passionate about sharing information to us less or misinformed koi ponders.

[Russell Peters]

I agree with what has been said so far, Koi are a time consuming and potentially difficult prospect, especially if you do not know what to do. Please take the time to ask questions and do as much research as you can before you jump into it.

[Nostaw84]

I took measurements today of my pond. I thought about 25x25x5 but its realy 70 x 70 x 7. way off i know. anyways im still wondeerings if it would hold koi? its man made. light inflow from a creek. sometimes none. I was thinking maybe just keeping the sunfish and bass i got. any other ideas?