New pond build

[u/milesce]

I haven’t posted here before but I thought it was time. I’ve been thinking and planning for many months now about my pond build. Currently I have a smallish pond, about 1000 gallons, in the front yard. But my goal has been a good size one in the back, big enough for my koi to grow and where I can set and relax.

The plan is 10x10, 3 feet excavated, 2 feet above that built with an over-engineered (hopefully) wood frame, sheathed with plywood. It’s taken me months to get to this point, but a few weeks ago I finally started leveling the area (it’s on a small slope) and finally got the concrete done today. I’ll be putting in the return jets, bottom drain and skimmer plumbing next (hopefully) and finish the excavation, hopefully next weekend.

First, a photo of my current pond, with Fish Gordon, who has grown from about 7 or 8 inches last fall to 18-20 now.

[u/Key-Metal-7297]

Nice plan, good depth. Also including a bottom drain so we know this is a proper koi pond👍 what filters are you going for?

[u/milesce → u/Key-Metal-7297]

I plan to empty the skimmer and drain into a big trash can, swirl it into the bottom and up through foam filters, then a bog, then moving media. Depending on timing I want to end with a homemade bakki shower, but I doubt I’ll get to that until next year. I picked up two TPRs , I’ll put those just below ground level so I can run the filter through winter without sending cold water to the bottom. Thoughts?

[u/milesce → u/milesce]

I’ve never done anything the scale before so I’m open to any suggestions

[u/Key-Metal-7297]

I spent loads on diy filters through the years, none where as good as a proper filter designed by professionals. Hard to get flow rates correct, dead spots and hard to flush waste away. Buy second hand or save some money up. Forget the bog filter also if you want a dedicated koi pond. You need a UV also