Question
hello,  I am interested in building a koi pond and I am trying to gather as much information as possible,before I start digging. I was thinking about buying a prefab pond.
that comes with the filter and uv sterilizer included.
this pond is 87. 5 inches in diameter and holds 600 gallons.  I read information that koi ponds should be 1500 gallons minimum. I want to put 3 or 4 koi and maybe some goldfish in it. the company that manufactures the prefab
said that 600 gllons is ok. thanks for nay help you can give me. I live in central Pa, zone 6 if that matter.

Answer
Hello Marguerite!
Koi ponds should be at least 500, but preferably 750 gallons per Koi you plan to keep. They should also be 2.5 - 3 feet deep.
I do not know of any pre-fab ponds that are that large. It is best to dig your hole and line it with 45 mil EPDM.
You will need heavy duty filtration (a Waterfall filter/Skimmer filter combination is best for Koi ponds) and adequate winterization in your climate (air pump and de-icer).
Koi will get VERY large, no matter the size of the pond (2 - 3 feet long each fish) and must be prepared for adequately.
That all being said..Koi make nice pets. They get very tame if you work with them and they will live to an average of 40 years or so if cared for properly. They can go a week or two without food when you go on vacation and don't have to be taken for a walk ;-))

Brigitte
www.pondmarket.com