Customer Corner: Leonardo’s Pond Journey in El Paso, Texas
When Leonardo Marin first thought about bringing fish into his life, it wasn’t koi he had in mind. Like many of us, he imagined a small indoor aquarium. But a spark of inspiration—watching pond videos with his son—changed everything. What began as a simple idea quickly grew into a vision: a backyard koi pond that would become the heart of his family’s home.
Living in El Paso, Texas, meant that Leonardo faced challenges many pond keepers in cooler regions never have to consider. Triple-digit heat, lack of local pond builders, and materials not designed for the desert climate all added obstacles. Still, with determination—and a bit of help from the Play It Koi team—he pressed forward.
“It was risky,” Leonardo recalls, “because I didn’t know what I was getting into. But once I started, I was already in it—so I kept going.”
The pond was largely a solo effort. Leonardo sketched the design himself, then worked with a local contractor to pour the foundation “pool-style” so it would last. Adding viewing windows brought another test: sealing thick glass panels against the El Paso heat. After weeks of trial, error, and resealing, the dream finally came to life.
And what a dream it is. From his kitchen, Leonardo can see koi gliding through the water framed by those viewing panels, a Buddha statue watching over the spillway, and lights that bring the pond to life after sunset.
Choosing Koi: Culture Meets Connection
For Leonardo, koi were never just fish. He’s long been fascinated by Japanese history and culture, and koi’s symbolism of prosperity, protection, and family resonated deeply with him and his wife, who is passionate about holistic living.
“I never thought about goldfish or anything else. It was koi from the start,” he says. In fact, he even carries koi with him permanently—a bold, red koi tattooed across his upper arm.
The Daily Routine: Like Caring for a Baby
Anyone who has lived with a pond knows it quickly becomes part of daily life. For Leonardo, it’s a mix of joy and responsibility.
“It’s like taking care of a baby,” he laughs. “Every day I check the water levels, the feeder, the filters… I’m probably OCD about it. But once you see them swimming happily, it’s worth it.”
Each koi has its own personality. His friendliest, a striking Sanke, swims to greet him like a loyal dog. Others are shy, hanging back until feeding time. These little differences make the pond feel alive and personal.
Lessons Learned & Advice for Beginners
Looking back, Leonardo admits pond building wasn’t easy—or cheap. But he has no regrets. For new pond keepers, he shares two pieces of advice:
-
Be prepared to invest time. “At first it feels overwhelming, but once you find your routine, it becomes second nature—and rewarding.”
-
Learn what works for your pond. For him, salt and sodium bicarbonate have been invaluable tools in keeping koi healthy and water balanced.
What the Pond Means Today
After years of effort, the pond isn’t just a feature in Leonardo’s backyard. It’s family.
“It’s like another pet,” he says. “When we traveled recently, I still checked the cameras to make sure everything was okay. It’s that important to me.”
Through the challenges, the upgrades, and the care, Leonardo’s pond has become a place of peace, reflection, and joy—a true centerpiece of his home. And his journey shows that with passion, patience, and the right guidance, anyone can bring their dream pond to life.
🐟 Pond Specifications
-
Footprint: 8’ x 8’
-
Depth: ~4 ft
-
Volume: ~1,900 gallons
-
Construction: Concrete, sealed with glass
-
Viewing Windows: DIY contractor-installed pond portals
Core Equipment
No‑Niche Skimmer: Great for keeping your pond surface clean of uneaten food and debris. It features a floating weir for changing water levels and a removable basket for easy maintenance.
PondMAX Ultra Pressurized Filter (PF7200UV 55 W UVC): A robust pressure filter that includes a 55 W UV clarifier—excellent for maintaining clear, algae-free water.
Anjon Landshark High‑Efficiency External Water Pump (3300 GPH): A high-capacity pump known for low maintenance, self-priming design, and cooling thermal sensor—an energy-efficient powerhouse for large ponds.
Aquadyne Rhino I Bottom Drain (3″): Efficiently removes waste from the bottom of your pond, promoting water circulation and cleanliness.
Evolution Aqua EvoFeed Automatic Fish Feeder: Automates feeding schedules—adjustable intervals, range, and quantity; battery-powered and weather-resistant for hassle-free feeding.
Aquascape Smart Pond Thermometer: Keeps tabs on water temperature year-round, helping you fine-tune feeding and environmental management.
Evolution Aqua Detox Dechlorinator (12″ Inline Carbon Filter): Installs inline on your hose to instantly remove chlorine and impurities—perfect for filling or topping off your pond safely.
Aquascape Pond Air 4 Aeration Kit: Enhances oxygen levels through gentle bubbling—an essential for fish health and overall pond vitality.
API KH Carbonate Hardness Test Kit: Monitors carbonate hardness (KH), vital for stable water chemistry and pH buffering.
API Pondcare Master Liquid Test Kit: A comprehensive suite for testing multiple water parameters—ideal for keeping conditions safe and stable.
Viewing Features
-
Pond Portals (Viewing Windows)
-
Installed: Custom DIY Contractor-Built
-
Easy Install Solution (Recommended): Pre-fabricated Pond Portals (tempered, laminated glass with gasket seals & mounting flange) – reduces risk of leaks, faster to install, and serviceable if replacement is needed.
-
Recommended Plumbing Accessories
-
Flexible PVC Pipe (3") – bottom drain & return lines
-
Flexible PVC Pipe (2") – skimmer, filter & pump lines
-
PVC Ball Valves (2" & 3") – flow control & isolation
-
PVC Check Valve (2") – prevent pump backflow
-
PVC Unions (2" & 3") – easy equipment removal
-
Bulkhead Fittings (3") – secure penetrations
-
Reducer Bushings & Adapters – for size matching
-
Teflon Tape – for all threaded fittings
-
Primer & PVC Cement – permanent sealed joints
Recommended Electrical Accessories
-
Dedicated GFCI Outdoor Outlet (20A circuit)
-
Weatherproof Outlet Covers
-
Outdoor-Rated Extension Cords (12/3 AWG)
-
Outdoor Electrical Junction Box
-
Pump Control Timer or Wi-Fi Smart Plug
-
Surge Protector (Outdoor-Rated)
-
Conduit (PVC or Flexible) – protect wiring underground