Building a Large Clay-Bottom Koi Pond in South Texas

Plan: 50x20 ft gourd-shaped clay pond, rain/well water, aerator. Asks requirements for koi.

Clay Pond Advantages

Clay holds water naturally if properly compacted. Test soil: roll into ball, should hold shape. Neighboring clay ponds confirm viability.

Koi Requirements

• Aeration: Essential for high stocking; size aerator to fish load.
• Plants: Oxygenate and filter; add marginals and submerged.
• Depth: 3+ ft for Texas summers (heat) and occasional winter cold.
• Filtration: Bog filter or large bead filter recommended.

Resource

"The Cult of Koi" by Michugo Tamadachi (TFH Publications) is a classic reference.