Water Lily in Sand: Leaves Melt, Koi Eat Plants. Proper Soil?

Lily in sand last year: leaves slimed/died. Lost 3/4 koi. Right soil for lilies + fish safety?

Sand = No Nutrients, No Anchor

• Lilies need **rich aquatic soil** (clay-based).
• **Aquatic planting media** (Lowe's: looks like colored cat litter) — holds nutrients, won't cloud.
• Or heavy garden loam + gravel cap.

Koi = Plant Destroyers

• Koi eat lilies, roots, everything. Goldfish less so.
• **Protect lilies:** Floating plant rings, baskets with gravel caps.
• **Sacrificial plants:** Hyacinth/lettuce — koi eat roots, cheap replacement.

Soil fixes lily health. Protection fixes koi damage.