01. Pond Design
Location, dimensions, depth and overall layout are planned around the property as well as the practical requirements of keeping koi.
Koi Ponds & Filtration · Cape Town
Beautiful Ponds.
Better Water.
We design and build koi ponds with the complete system in mind. From location, size and depth to pumps, circulation and filtration, Aquaria & Ponds creates ponds designed to look beautiful and support a healthier aquatic environment.
Koi Pond DesignPond ConstructionFiltration DesignFiltration Upgrades
15+Years Experience
150+Clients Serviced
95%Satisfied Clients
Design + FilterComplete Pond Systems
Think beyond the surface
A beautiful koi pond starts with what you can’t see.
The shape of a pond catches your eye. The system behind it determines how well it works.
A koi pond is a living aquatic system. Water volume, circulation, filtration, oxygenation, fish load and ongoing maintenance all influence how that system performs.
That’s why Aquaria & Ponds considers filtration from the beginning of the design process rather than trying to fit it in after construction.
Whether we’re creating a new pond or helping improve an existing one, our aim is to balance appearance, practicality and water quality.
Already have a pond with water-quality problems?
You don’t necessarily need to start again. We can assess existing ponds and discuss filtration upgrades, revamping, repairs and ongoing maintenance.
The complete system
Three things need to work together.
Good koi ponds are not created by focusing on one component. Pond design, water movement and filtration need to support each other.
02. Water Circulation
Water needs to move effectively through the pond and filtration system. Good circulation helps prevent stagnant areas and supports filtration performance.
03. Filtration
Filtration helps remove waste and supports water quality. The system needs to be appropriate for the pond volume, circulation and intended koi load.
Pond filtration specialists
Filtration isn’t an accessory. It’s part of the pond.
Koi eat, grow and produce waste. Without suitable filtration, waste and organic material can accumulate and water quality can deteriorate.
We design pond filtration around the actual system rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all solution. Pond volume, pump performance, circulation, fish load, pipework and maintenance access all need to be considered together.
Mechanical filtration
Biological filtration
Pump selection
Water circulation
Pipework planning
Maintenance access
System upgrades
Existing pond assessment
Behind clear pond water
What is the filtration system actually doing?
Different pond systems require different equipment, but the basic goal is the same: continuously move pond water through a system that helps remove waste and supports healthier water conditions.
01
Collect
Pond circulation helps move suspended debris and waste toward the filtration system rather than allowing it to remain throughout the pond.
02
Remove
Mechanical filtration helps capture solid waste and debris before water continues through the system.
03
Support
Biological filtration provides an environment for beneficial bacteria involved in processing dissolved fish waste.
04
Return
Filtered water is circulated back into the pond so the process can continue throughout the day.
Existing pond?
Your pond may need an upgrade, not a rebuild.
Cloudy water, excessive debris, difficult maintenance or filtration that constantly struggles can indicate that the existing system needs attention.
We can assess existing koi ponds and water features and discuss practical improvements based on the condition of the pond and its equipment.
✓
Filtration Upgrades
Improve or replace filtration that is no longer suitable for the pond.
✓
Pump & Circulation Improvements
Review how water moves through the pond and filtration system.
✓
Pond Revamps
Give an ageing pond or water feature a new lease on life.
✓
Maintenance Support
Establish regular professional care after improvements have been completed.
Before construction begins
Good filtration starts with good pond design.
Some filtration problems begin long before the filter is installed. That’s why these decisions are considered as part of the complete pond.
01
Location
We consider where the pond sits within the property, accessibility and how the surrounding environment may affect it.
02
Pond Volume
Size and depth determine water volume, which directly influences filtration and pump requirements.
03
Koi Load
The number and size of fish influence the amount of waste the filtration system needs to manage.
04
Circulation
Water needs an effective route through the pond and filtration system without unnecessary stagnant areas.
05
Equipment Position
Pumps, filtration and associated equipment should be accessible for inspection, cleaning and servicing.
06
Future Maintenance
We consider how the pond will actually be maintained after construction—not only how it looks on day one.
Our process
Pond and filtration, planned together.
Whether it’s a completely new pond or an existing system that needs improvement, we start by understanding what the pond actually needs.
01
Assess
We look at the available space or existing pond and discuss what you’d like to achieve.
02
Design
Pond dimensions, water volume, circulation and filtration requirements are considered.
03
Build
New ponds are constructed around the agreed design and system requirements.
04
Install
Pumps, filtration and associated components are installed and configured.
05
Maintain
Scheduled maintenance can help keep the pond, equipment and water in good condition.
Our aquatic work
Designed for the space. Built for the water.
Every property and aquatic system presents different requirements. That’s why each project starts with the environment rather than a standard template.
Don’t want to maintain it yourself?
We’ll look after the pond too.
Aquaria & Ponds provides professional koi pond maintenance, including pond cleaning, water testing, filter servicing, equipment checks and scheduled ongoing care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about koi pond filtration?
Filtration can seem complicated. You don’t need to know all the technical terminology before speaking to us.
Does every koi pond need a filtration system?
Koi ponds generally require suitable filtration because fish produce waste and organic material continuously enters the water. The type and size of filtration required depends on the pond’s volume, fish load and overall design.
Why does my koi pond keep becoming cloudy?
Cloudy water can have several causes, including suspended debris, algae, filtration limitations, water chemistry or maintenance issues. Rather than guessing, the pond and its filtration system should be assessed as a whole.
Can you upgrade my existing pond filter?
Yes. We can assess existing pond systems and discuss possible filtration, pump or circulation improvements depending on the current installation and the problems you’re experiencing.
How do I know what size filter my pond needs?
Filter selection should consider more than pond dimensions. Water volume, fish load, pump flow, filtration type and maintenance requirements all influence what is appropriate for a particular pond.
Can you design the filtration before the pond is built?
Yes, and that is generally the better approach. Planning the pond and filtration together makes it easier to consider pipework, equipment location, circulation and maintenance access before construction is complete.
Can you revamp an old koi pond?
Yes. Depending on the condition of the existing pond, we can discuss revamping, filtration improvements, equipment changes, repairs and ongoing maintenance.
How much does a koi pond and filtration system cost?
Costs vary because each project is different. Pond dimensions, site conditions, construction, filtration, pumps, pipework, finishing and other requirements influence the final price. Send us photographs of the space or existing pond and we can start discussing what is required.
Do you provide ongoing pond maintenance?
Yes. We provide professional pond maintenance and can assist with cleaning, water testing, filter maintenance, equipment checks and scheduled ongoing care.
New pond or existing pond
Let’s get the water working properly.
Planning a new koi pond? Send us a photo of the space. Already have a pond that’s giving you problems? Send us photos of the pond and filtration system. We’ll start there.