Bickal Koi Farm: Koi House Blog
Ready For Fish, First Winter Inside
Nov 28, 2005
The pond is filled with water from the outside pond to minimise the stress to the koi. With just enough water from the tap to give them about a 10% water change, plus a few degrees warmer than outside. The pond is filled to the 4' depth. It will be 5'6" deep when completely filled, however I left it a little low to provide some protection against the koi jumping. Once I have my jump sheilds in place, it will be filled all the way up.

I will post pictures of the koi as they come inside on a separate thread.

Next item on my agenda is to get the heat working, and then I will finish the filter bays







Dec 11, 2005
Worked all day Saturday, but finally got the furnace running in the koihouse....

I got the 45,000btu natural gas furnace at my local Menards store (like a home depot) It was $450, but I have seen similar models online at Northern Tool for like $365. Here's a link to the Beacon/Morris homepage: http://www.beacon-morris.com

Checkitout... Air temp at 70F and holding. Water temp rising, slowly but surely. I put the thermostat on the wall behind the furnace because its the coldest spot. The hot air comes out of the furnace, circulates the room before it hits this wall again. Its easy to move if its not the best spot. Frost is all gone inside, and the walls are starting to dry out. Only condensation now is on the ceiling.





Dec 11, 2005
I dumped about 1200 gallons last night, and then slowly refilled over 12 hours. Also added 50lbs of salt. Once the temp starts rising, the ammoina thats in the water will become more toxic. Got my chair all set, and I have been enjoying the view.





Dec 11, 2005
We've had about 12" of snow so far this year. Very unusual for this time of year, we hardly ever have a white Christmas. We average about 30" of snow a season. Luke, this pic is just for you...

Next step is to get the walls and ceiling insulated. Then I can finally finish the big filter and the settling chambers.





Dec 19, 2005
My daughter says "great view pappa"



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