Any suggestions for this koi pond build?

[nevets81]

[nevets81]

I'm hoping to build this koi pond to fit in this interesting spot near the front entrance of my house. I've waited for a couple years just to see what I would like and this is it. I've never built or had a koi pond, so I am a bit hesitant in doing it. My main concern is cost and whether I can do it with a pond liner rather than concrete. I'd also like to keep the cost of the filtration system down. Any suggestions would be welcome. Hopefully I can DIY-it during the dry season.

 

The photos shows what I have to work with and my rough plan. I will have decking on top to bridge the main entrance at the base of the stairs to the parking area, which I think will also be an interesting feature. We have put up with the uneven path from car to front door long enough.

 

We have a big dog that I am hoping will not be a nuisance or danger to the fish. I will also be using the rich fish waste for our gardens. 

 

It will be between 1500-2000 gal (5,678-l7571 liters) in volume. I hope to have 5-6 koi with some smaller gold fish. 

 

Edited March 26, 2021 by nevets81

[johng]

8 minutes ago, nevets81 said:

My main concern is cost and whether I can do it with a pond liner rather than concrete.

I would do it in concrete,  the plastic "pond liner"    is easy to damage resulting in a leak the fibreglass pond liners can also crack  are quite expensive and probably not even available for your custom  pond layout.

[nevets81]

5 minutes ago, johng said:

I would do it in concrete,  the plastic "pond liner"    is easy to damage resulting in a leak the fibreglass pond liners can also crack  are quite expensive and probably not even available for your custom  pond layout.

I'm concerned with concrete increasing the total weight. I'm not sure at what amount of weight (or water volume), pilings would be needed. 

 

[bankruatsteve]

In my experience with koi in aquarium and friends who have ponds, aeriation is very important to keeping koi alive and happy.  They are also prolific poopers.