Not all legends are written in stone. Some are written in water. When you meet siblings Justin and Misty McCurley, you quickly realize their relationship with koi is more than a hobby—it's a decade-long, multi-generational saga fueled by art, music, and an unbreakable family bond. Their journey, which began with rehoming a handful of fish, is now culminating in a massive, 10,000-gallon sanctuary—a commitment and inspiration for any pond keeper looking to build or improve their own watery world.
The Pond as a Living Legacy
The McCurley's saga began with Justin, years ago, working for NASCAR in Texas and tending a modest pond. When he had to move, he faced the difficult choice of rehoming his "babies." The answer came from their grandmother, who offered up her 8,000-gallon swimming pool. To commemorate their late father, who had built a deck around the pool, the family converted the structure into a new koi home, turning the space into a beautiful, living memorial.
But the journey continued. As their grandmother aged, the family was faced with another necessary, immediate move to keep the fish in the family. They jumped into action, setting up temporary pools to secure the legacy, including the massive goldfish that had bred with the koi. “It kind of got sprung on us last minute, but we did what we had to do,” Justin recalls, embodying the dedication required of serious pond keepers.
Artistry and the Creature’s Canvas
For Justin, life is a balance between the high-energy demands of Lockjaw, the metal band he's been the lead guitarist for since 1998, and the quiet focus of his tattoo artistry. He even has a koi designed into his sleeve. Yet, it’s the pond that serves as his most vibrant, living canvas. He names his "living art" after horror movie icons:
Casper: The massive Lemon Hariwake, who once lost all his color due to stress during importation. Through meticulous care, his stunning vibrancy returned—a testament to quality stewardship.
Herman: A Hi-Benigoi, described affectionately as "fat as hell," who dominates feeding time as the pond's showstopper.
Lurch: The family’s beloved Red Cap Oranda goldfish, who has earned a place in everyone's heart for his goofy habit of claiming a specific cinder block cubby as his personal "apartment."
The "Natural Take" on a Massive Scale
This artistry is culminating in their new build: a 10,000-gallon rectangular pond, five feet deep. To achieve a "Natural Take," the McCurleys use massive water volume and heavy plant filtration to create a stable ecosystem that requires very few chemicals. The entire system is designed for high flow and low waste, powered by solar energy to minimize its environmental footprint. Justin stresses that nutrition is a filter’s best friend—feeding high-protein food like Nijikawa ensures the fish absorb more and waste less.
The Peaceful Outcome
After years of transfers, construction, and commitment, the pond is the ultimate reward. "There's something that is a level of Zen and peacefulness that it brings you," Justin reflects. He and his wife spend hours by the pond every night, watching the cyan-lit water bring out the colors of Casper and Herman. "You don't realize you've been sitting here for three or four hours, even though you got to go to work in the morning."
Build Your Legacy: The McCurley Build
Recreate the McCurley’s high-volume, low-pollution sanctuary using these professional-grade items from Play It Koi. Each part ties directly to the McCurley "Natural Take" philosophy.
Structural Foundation (Protecting the Legacy)
-
PIK Pond Liner (45 Mil EPDM): To ensure the McCurley legacy stays "written in water" for decades, we use our industry-standard durable liner.
-
Geotextile Underlayment: Justin’s DIY mentality starts here—protecting that liner from the soil to ensure the build lasts as long as the story.
Plumbing & Natural Filtration (The "Natural Take")
-
Helix Pond Skimmer: To keep the surface clear for viewing Casper and Herman, this skimmer pulls debris before it can sink and pollute.
-
Elite Waterfall Spillway: Creating the oxygenation and "Zen" sound Justin loves, while providing a home for beneficial bacteria.
-
PVC Flex Pipe: High-durability flexible piping to support the massive turnover needed for 10,000 gallons.
-
McDonald’s Aquatic Pond Soil: Used specifically in the McCurley DIY Bog Filter to give the "Living Filter" plants a nutrient-rich foundation.
The "Living Filter" (The 75% Plant Rule)
Misty’s rule is key to low-maintenance water. These are high-nutrient absorbers.
-
Water Iris: The heavy lifter for stripping nitrates from the water.
-
Pickerelweed (Pickerel Rush): A tall, upright marginal that provides beautiful blue spikes.
-
Water Lilies: Essential for surface shade and algae control.
-
Hornwort: A submerged oxygenator that works invisibly to keep water clear.
-
American Frogbit: A floating marvel that pulls nutrients directly from the water column.
Pond Keeper’s Note: Find your specific plants on our Hardiness Zone Sheet. Don't forget: all our plants come with a bulk discount!
Zen Lighting & Low-Impact Power
-
Color-Changing LED Lighting Kit: Justin spends hours by the "cyan-lit water." Use these Bluetooth-compatible lights to recreate that nighttime "Zen" effect.
-
Energy-Efficient Pond Pumps: To match the McCurleys' solar-powered setup, we recommend our low-wattage pumps that deliver maximum flow with minimal draw.
Nutrition
Nijikawa High-Protein Food: As Justin says, "Accurate quality food makes a huge difference." Less waste in the fish means less work for your filters.
Learn from the Pros at Play It Koi
Need to see these materials in action? Check out our "Show & Tell" on choosing the right foundation for your build:
In this video, we walk through the various sizes, options, and benefits of our pond liners to help you select the best fit for a long-lasting sanctuary.