Koi Care

You don’t need a fortune to create your own backyard oasis. With some smart planning, a bit of elbow grease, and creative thinking, you can build a beautiful pond that looks high-end but costs low. 

Step 1: Plan Smart, Dig Smart

Before you pick up a shovel, grab a notebook. Planning is free—and it saves you from expensive mistakes later. Ask yourself: How big do you want your pond to be? Where will it get sunlight? Can you easily run a power cord for a pump?

Beautiful, graceful, and often misunderstood—koi have been surrounded by myths ever since the first bright carp swam into a Japanese rice paddy. New pond owners hear all sorts of conflicting advice: “They’re impossible to care for,” “They eat everything,” or “You need a mansion and a moat to keep them alive.” Let’s separate fact from fish tales and uncover the real truth about koi keeping.

They’re both beautiful, they both love ponds, and they both look fantastic gliding through the water—but koi and goldfish are not the same thing. In fact, comparing koi and goldfish is a bit like comparing lions and housecats: distant cousins with totally different lifestyles. Whether you’re setting up your first pond or just wondering why your “goldfish” keeps growing bigger than your hand, understanding the difference matters more than you might think.

There’s something magical about a koi pond. The gentle ripple of water, the shimmer of gold and white scales beneath the surface, and the soothing hum of a waterfall—it’s a living painting that changes with every glance. But koi keeping isn’t just about fish; it’s about finding beauty, balance, and a slice of serenity in a fast-moving world. So why do people fall so deeply in love with koi? Let’s explore the joy, art, and relaxation that make pond life irresistible.

If you’ve ever stood beside a clear pond and watched a flash of red, white, and gold glide through the water like living jewels, you already know—koi are no ordinary fish. They are equal parts pet, art form, and meditation in motion. But what exactly is a koi fish, and why do people around the world obsess over them? Let’s dive in (figuratively, please) to explore their fascinating origins, dazzling varieties, and the quiet beauty that makes them so beloved.

The koi hobby might seem a peaceful escape from politics — a tranquil garden where color, calm, and water replace chaos. But when the federal government grinds to a halt, even our ponds can feel the tremors. Here’s how a Washington standoff can ripple all the way to your backyard waterfall.

1. Supply Chain & Imports: The Great Koi Slowdown

Think of the koi trade as a well-balanced ecosystem — fish, food, filters, and freight all swimming in harmony. Now picture someone pulling the plug.

Autumn is the season that defines your koi’s health for the next few months in winter and spring. As temperatures cool and metabolism slows, small adjustments to feeding, filtration, and aeration will make the difference between thriving koi and winter stress. This Fall 2025 guide breaks down exactly what to do—by temperature range, not by calendar date.

Embrace the poised refinement of the 1950s and '60s, with a nod to debutant elegance, a style evoking the sophistication of vintage New York's high-society soirees. This trend, dubbed "Debutant Dressing," reimagines vintage silhouettes like A-line skirts, fitted blouses, and classic accessories such as pearl necklaces and brooches. Designers have revived these elements, bringing back timeless glamour with a modern twist​.

Observant koi keepers may notice that their koi occasionally retreat or hide when approached, leaving them pondering the reasons behind this behavior. In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of koi fish behavior to unravel the mystery of why some koi fish hide when you walk by a pond.

Determining the right time to give your koi attention involves understanding their needs, behaviors, and the seasonal rhythms of their environment. In this article, we explore the nuances of koi care and highlight key moments when your aquatic companions may require your attention.