sandiegopets

Fish are probably one of the most tranquil pets there are. We have an amazing koi pond in our back yard. It’s probably worth telling a bit about how it got there.

One day I came home to find a huge satellite dish in the front yard. My husband, who is in construction, brought it home. He has a tendency to collect junk so I just about hit the roof when I found this sitting in the yard. However, he transformed it. He dug a hole in the back, sealed the satellite dish with some kind of sealant, put it in the ground and within a month we had a pond. This was several years ago. Today we have six koi, a fountain and lilies and watercress cover the water. Tropical plants surround it. Because of its shape, the fish are also safe from predators like raccoons and possum.

There is a gentle beauty to these fish. In the mornings they glide up to the surface waiting to be fed. They shimmer with iridescence. It’s a meditative place and when I feel stressed, a great place to just sit and let go of life’s problems.

Of course, an outdoor koi pond takes work. The pond needs to be maintained and cleaned regularly. If you are not able to do it yourself, you’ll need to hire someone to come in. Ours has a biofilter that my husband made. The water is recycled through special plants so it’s all organic.

If you’re considering koi, one of the best places to see koi is The Self Realization Fellowship in Encinitas. Founded by Paramahansa Yogananda, the gardens at this retreat are a magical place to wander, listen to the ocean and watch the fish. Regardless of your religious beliefs, the gardens are free and well worth a visit. There are some very large koi in the ponds as well, gliding about like rainbow submarines. If you want to get a feel for these fish, this is the place to go.

A koi pond can be a great addition to your yard, but be sure you have the time and money to put into it.

For more information on koi, you can visit the San Diego Koi Club.

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