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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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 What is a koi? What Americans and Europeans call “Koi” and the Japanese call “Nishikigoi” are a variety of carp fish (cyprinus carpio). Carp originated in ancient Persia (Iran), but around two thousand years ago, carp became a farmable food source in China and other Asian cultures. Although Carp were primarily raised for food, oral and art history reveal that the Chinese were among the first cultures to appreciate the aesthetic qualities of carp. Carp were introduced to Japanese culture when the Chinese invaded Japan in 32 BC. However, the mixed-colored koi seen today were cultivated in Japan around 200 years ago.
During the seventeenth century, carp were being raised in rice ponds in Niigata, Japan as a food source. Japanese farmers observed occasional mutations in color and other features in the carp. By the early nineteenth century, an appreciation for the unusual colors and traits had dramatically increased, motivating some carp farmers to deliberately fix some of the unusual colors and traits of the fish. This effort established the ornamental variety of carp called Nishikigoi (koi).
Following World War II, with the growth of air travel and suburbanization, an interest in koi spread to the United States and other countries. By the 1950’s, koi became a household luxury for many wealthy Americans. By the 1970’s, koi became affordable to the middle class, resulting in the birth of a koi hobby industry. Today, a single koi can be purchased for as little as $20.00. Even so, some koi are so highly valued—such as top Japanese competition winners—they are worth around $1,000,000 each.
1 Source: “From Carp to Color: A History of the Living Jewels” by Rick Gush. Koi World and Watergardens, 2003-2004 Annual. Pp. 102-109 |
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Should I build a pond? Before you launch into pond installation, there are a few basic questions you need to take time to answer:
- Where will this pond be installed?
- WILL THIS BE A DROWNING HAZARD to you, your child, children in your neighborhood, or to someone else?
- Are there county, municipal, or homeowner association codes that prevent or restrict the construction of a pond?
- What safety measures—such as a fence—will be implemented to ensure the safety of others?
- Are you prepared to spend a significant amount of time and money required to maintain the pond once it is built?
For those of you who plan to embark on a large do-it-yourself project, but have little expertise in waterscaping, one bit of advice is warranted: Make sure you have the necessary skills to bring the project to completion. If not, make sure you can get plenty of experienced help! Pond construction is often deceptively complex, requiring skills in the area of plumbing, electrical, landscape design, landscape construction, and hydraulics. Don’t be fooled into thinking, “I can build a pond myself. . . after all, it’s only a pond.” |
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What sort of pond should it be? The kind of pond you build is greatly determined by the amount of money you are prepared to spend on construction. Size, style, pumping and filtration, and types of materials used are all determined in part by the amount of money you want to spend on the project. Some do-it-yourself ponds can be built for under $200.00. Other ponds that are still typical among middle-class owners cost upwards of tens of thousands of dollars.
If you have a small amount of money to spend—let’s say $300—consider building a small water garden that houses a few goldfish. Check into pond construction materials available at your local home improvement store, garden center, or pond companies located on the Internet. A small pond of 200-700 gallons is good choice for those who are new to the pond and fish keeping. Caring for a small pond for a few years often reveals to an owner the qualities he/she would like to incorporate into a future “dream pond.”
If you have thousands of dollars to spend on a pond, the choices in everything from the type, style, and size of the pond to the choices of fish and plants that will live in the pond become much greater. Although there is no one way to build a pond, selections in features often come with trade-offs. Make sure you are aware of the options available to you and what the trade-offs are associated with each option.
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How can I get clear water? The most reliable method for achieving and maintaining clear water is to circulate your pond water through an ultraviolet (UV) light unit designed for ponds. However, UV light is not the only way this can be achieved. Clear water may also be achieved by “biological filtration.” That is, running water through a chamber that houses media suitable for the growth of “good” microorganisms that help in breakdown of waste materials. Keep in mind that clear water doesn’t necessarily mean healthy water. Conversely, green water (water with suspended algae) doesn’t necessarily mean unhealthy water. Fish are perfectly happy living in “pea soup.” |
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Where do I learn more? Several web sites provide excellent opportunities for learning about ponds and koi. Some Koi and pond discussion boards also serve as an excellent resource for koi and pond education / information. |
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Why do people join a koi and watergarden club? Like any other social organization, people join a koi and water garden club for many different reasons. Here is a sampling of the reasons why people joined the North Carolina Koi & Watergarden Society:
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“We joined the club because it became clear that there was more to fish keeping than throwing them in the pond and hoping for the best. This has been a great way to learn about watergardening and koi keeping. And, it is fun. The group is terrific!”—Mona |
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“Having killed my second herd of fish out of absolute stupidity, I felt a need to become a better caretaker. I turned to local pond fish retailers for help, but soon became frustrated. Responses to my fish questions were as varied as sales clerks. Finally, after having my intelligence insulted by a teen sales rep, I turned to the internet and found the club. After a visit to a monthly social, I joined. Not only have I found in the club the education and support I desperately needed, but found friendships with others who share in a common interest.”—Tim
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“I joined to share the experience of koi keeping / pond building with others having a similar interest, to gain relevant knowledge and tap into other's experiences/expertise. And just for the love of koi.”—Dan
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“I joined a koi / watergarden club, for several reasons:
1) to socialize with people that like plants & koi
2) to have a network of people to call on with questions & problems 3)** to communicate with people that understand that my koi have names and personalities and don't think I am weird.”—Carole | |
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Do all NCKWS members have ponds? Not all NCKWS members have ponds. Some have joined to gather all the information and expertise that they need to construct their future ponds. Others ponds vary widely in terms of size and style. Even so, having a pond is certainly NOT a requirement of membership! As a matter of fact, club membership can provide you with an exposure to a wide variety of ponds, helping you to decide what kind of pond to build that is most suitable to your needs and likes. |
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I have koi/goldfish that I want to get rid of? Will the club take them?
We do not take in unwanted fish. We simply do not have the room or extra quarantine systems to hold these fish. It is suggested that you place a flyer either in your neighborhood, or a local pet or garden store. This method works extremely well and you should have no problem in finding new homes for them. Please do not dump fish or plants into local waterways. This is not only harmful to the environment, but can be illegal. |
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