At Play It Koi, we often receive calls from customers in need of assistance of rehoming their koi fish during a move. For these services, we provide expert advice and supplies to help you be successful in a move. However, due to strict quarantine protocols and limited resources we cannot take the koi. In these situations, we typically recommend reaching out to local koi clubs where passionate enthusiasts can help.
A similar situation unfolded in February 2022 when Megan & Zach Schrimsher, who operate Fish Haven in Cullman, Alabama, received a call from a real estate agent. The agent was in the process of selling a vacant home with a fully stocked koi pond and urgently needed to find a new home for the fish. Despite the short notice and limited information, Megan & Zach agreed to take on the challenge, marking the beginning of an inspiring journey!
Upon arrival, they discovered that the number of koi was far greater than anticipated, and they were significantly larger than expected. Realizing that their existing 300-gallon stock pond wouldn’t suffice for these fish long term, Megan and Zach quickly took action. They began expanding their pond to ensure the successful rehoming of the koi.
Over the next couple of years, the couple continued to refine their setup, enhancing their knowledge of pond management and improving their filtration system to ensure the health and happiness of the koi. They made significant upgrades by adding a waterfall bog filter and helix Pond Skimmer and a Matala BioSteps II, which drastically improved water quality and clarity in their now 1,200-gallon pond.
This pond has become a point of pride for Megan, Zach, and team. Although Fish Haven primarily specializes in aquariums and rarity and oddball freshwater tropical fish, the koi pond has become a popular spot for visitors. And, while Smith Lake may be in their backyard, the front yard pond is where Megan and her team spend most of their time.
Products Used:
- EPDM Pond Liner -15 x 15 ft. (45 mil.) -A durable and flexible liner that provides a reliable foundation for the pond.
- Matala BioSteps II Filter with Waterfall -Ensures clear, clean water by filtering out debris and harmful bacteria.
- Helix Pond Skimmer Drilled for a submersible pump + the add on Blue Matala Mat -Keeps the pond surface clear of debris, essential for maintaining water quality.
- 100 Gallon Bog Filter with several varieties of Pond Plants - Utilizes natural filtration through plants to balance the pond’s ecosystem.
- Custom Made Water Wheel – Stunning work of art! Adds aesthetic charm while assisting in water circulation.
- Matala EZClear 16 Watt UV-C Clarifier & an add on 55 watt Stainless Steel UV Sterilizer - The EZClear worked well when the pond was smaller, but they quickly found they had to add additional UV light to keep up with the larger pond. Opting for a 55W gave them of algae fighting power for the hot Alabama sun and Sterilization capacity too to help fight of pathogens.
- Natural Barley Straw Bales for Ponds- An eco-friendly solution for controlling algae.
- Evolution Aqua Pure POND BOMBS - A powerful boost for pond water quality, packed with beneficial bacteria.
- Atlantic Water Garden LED 3 Light Kit - adds a whole new dimension at night! amazing! (see video below)
- 5000 GPH Pond Boss Waterfall Pump is installed internally to the Helix Pond Skimmer and powers the bog/waterfall.
- For the Matala Waterfall Filter, we use the 3690 GPH TetraPond Debris Handling Pond Pump
Hindsight is always 20/20, and in these customer corner articles, we always ask the question "knowing what you know now about ponds, what would you have done differently from the beginning?."
Here is how Megan & Zach answered
"We would have overfiltered the pond from the beginning, using a bog filter in conjunction with the Matala Biosteps filter. We would also have installed a skimmer at the beginning instead of having to add it in when fish were in the pond. We also would have chosen our pond plants more carefully, as some of the initial plants we were given caused issues in the filters and pumps as they deteriorated."
Visit Fish Haven's Pond:
If you find yourself in Cullman, Alabama, be sure to make an appointment to stop by Fish Haven. While Smith Lake may be in the backyard, the heart of their home lies in the front yard pond.