Page 316 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

314 POND FISH: SETTING UP THE POND

Indoor ponds rapidly growing varieties of koi—may grow to a length of
An indoor pond can be an attractive feature in a conservatory 36 in (90 cm) by five years of age in this environment.
or inside the house, and, especially in temperate areas, it has Constructing an indoor pond is very similar to creating a
a number of advantages over a similar pool outdoors. Under pond outside (see pp.304–305), but its location in the home must
cover and in heated surroundings, it is possible to grow a be carefully considered (see box, below). Raised ponds are the
much wider range of aquatic plants, including lotuses and most popular style indoors, especially if small fish are to be kept
tropical water lilies (see pp.378–379). A colorful backdrop there, and broad edging provides an opportunity to sit and view
can be created using houseplants that would not be hardy the fish at close quarters. Always consider the safety of your
outdoors. The potential range of fish that can be kept is much design (see p.301), especially if young children are likely to visit.
wider, too, especially when the water is heated. A number It is important to have an efficient filtration system in an
of tropical species can be housed in an indoor pond; shoals indoor pond, to maintain the quality of the water; partial water
of small fish such as Neon Tetras (see p.99) can create a changes are also necessary, because, unlike an outdoor pond,
particularly striking display. Coldwater fish, such as koi, it will not be periodically flushed through with rainwater.
grow much faster in an indoor pond than they do outdoors. Evaporation will reduce the water level, so you will need
A typical Ogon (see p.352), for example—one of the more to top off the pond regularly with fresh, dechlorinated water.

Achieving healthy plant growth in an indoor pond, such as An indoor pond can be
this well-established conservatory pool, may require overhead a striking focal point in
lighting to maintain the plants through the winter, especially a contemporary room
in temperate areas. Additional heating may also be necessary, design. This Asian-style
depending on the plant species you choose to grow. koi pond (right), by
architects Dransfield
Owens de Silva, can be
crossed via stepping stones
to reach another room.

INDOOR POND CONSIDERATIONS
• Always seek professional • Provide adequate ventilation
advice if you wish to build to prevent condensation
a large indoor pond. problems and mold growth.
• Screen the windows in a • Incorporate a means of
conservatory to prevent large draining the pond with no
water temperature fluctuations. risk of flooding the area.

US_314-315_Coldwat_Fish_Maint_Ch.indd 314 29/08/18 4:11 PM