Mary Allen
If you ask a pond owner where their koi are usually located, they will say: “In the garden pond, of course!”. In the meantime, however, there is a new trend that is slowly gaining acceptance here as well: indoor koi keeping. Kois in the house, is that even possible in the long term, animal-friendly and affordable? More on this in this post.
Koi Keeping with a Difference
It is often underestimated that fish can also develop into real family members: This is precisely why the indoor pond owners describe the greatest advantage of having their favorites with them around the clock. So you can have fun with your Kois even in winter when the outside temperature is low because there is no winter break; after all, the temperature in the house remains more or less constant all year round. Incidentally, this is another plus point, because wintering outside harbors some health risks for the fish.
Basically, nothing speaks against year-round indoor keeping, but precise planning and just as conscientious implementation are essential. You should plan well in advance, give yourself plenty of time and, if in doubt, always seek help from a professional. It is also a good idea to get inspiration beforehand: You can find it primarily on the Internet, from other indoor pond owners, and also in various restaurants, shops, or hotels that are increasingly using the great effect of these ponds themselves.
Planning & Implementation
When it comes to the hot phase, there are many basic rules that you have to observe both in the indoor and outdoor posture. First, the usual questions apply: How big is the pool? How high can the (technical) maintenance costs be? How many animals do I want to keep (has a major impact on size)? In general, one should expect no less than 1000l of water for animals from 50cm per fish, so that there is enough space to swim.
In addition, you have to take into account the cost of feed and any veterinary treatment. When it comes to keeping indoors, the question arises whether you want a high or deep pool. The pond needs to be at least 1.50 m deep and often you can’t just tear up the bottom in the middle of the house. In the case of a high pool, however, it should be noted that the optics can be disadvantageous, as one looks at a reflective surface of the water at an angle.
Solutions: Can’t the pond be at least partially submerged? If this is not the case, side windows can provide a better view. Above all, it is important that you ensure that you get enough light. Sunlight, of course, is best and cheapest, so keeping it in a winter garden is ideal. However, this is not a must! Also note: Avoid right angles with the (almost arbitrarily selectable) shape, as the flow is disturbed here.
Equipment & Technology
Basically, you actually need all the elements that you would install outside for the interior. This includes a floor drain, skimmer, a suitable filter system, a pump, and various connections. You can usually do without a UVC system, as algae are rarely a problem inside. It is also important to have a sufficient supply of oxygen, an emergency overflow (so that the whole house is not directly underwater in the event of a problem), and a freshwater inlet.
Before you start building, you should definitely get in touch with a building and contents insurer and obtain information as to whether the house is even suitable for such an undertaking.
Because it would go beyond the scope of the entire technique here, we just want to concentrate on a few important points and outline them briefly. The sealing is of course particularly important for an indoor pond. You should never skimp on quality here because incorrect or poorly applied sealing can lead to considerable consequential damage.
In terms of optics, on the other hand, you are relatively free and can also fall back on embellishments such as water features, streams, or side viewing windows. Attention: Moving water surfaces promote evaporation! This may not be so important outside, but inside it can have a negative effect on humid air regulation.
Speaking of which, many pond owners think that problems with moist air and mold can quickly arise in an indoor pond. But if you plan well in advance and regularly maintain the system, the basic requirements for avoiding problems have already been met. The water temperature should also always be kept a few degrees below room temperature so that evaporation is kept to a minimum. In addition, water changes protect against unpleasant odors.
Another very important point is the lighting: As already mentioned, sunlight is best to ensure the long-term well-being and also the color development of your Koi. But if you do not have the opportunity to fill the lighting workload with sunlight alone, you can fall back on technical aids. It is best to get advice from a professional: If the lighting is too low, it can lead to color changes in the long run and, in the worst case, to color loss in your fish.