A while back I wrote an article called "The Mini Koi Pond," looking at how to entice newcomers into the hobby by exploring the idea of creating perfectly formed 'Mini Koi Ponds...' 

​

Read the article here:

https://www.worldofnishikigoi.com/the-mini-koi-pond

​

In the article I talk about the use of ready made, fibreglass 'koi tanks' as a means of quickly and effectively creating a koi pond. EZ-Pond Ltd manufacture such tanks and having visited their premises I wanted to take some time to explore what they do in more detail...   

 

Upon loading the homepage of the EZ-Pond Ltd website, you are greeted with the following:

 

"Uk's Leading koi pond & tank manufacturers"

 

If you are not familiar with their work, they most certainly back that statement up! The high quality construction and finish of their products is, in my opinion, unrivalled and it's easy to see why their range has become so very popular. Not only have they delivered tanks to every corner of the UK, but they are now being exported all over the globe, places like Germany, Malta, Belgium, Australia and even the USA - proudly waving the flag!

​

Allan and Lois Gavin own and operate EZ-Pond Ltd - Lois runs a tightly organised ship and Allan has over 30 years of experience in the fibreglassing trade - not a bad duo! 

​

Why bother?

You might be wondering why anyone would bother buying a ready made koi tank when they can 'simply' build a 'proper' block built koi pond.

 

Valid thoughts...

 

Firstly, building a block built koi pond is only 'simple' if you have the know-how and it's only 'proper' if it's built by someone with that know-how. Otherwise, it's quite honestly a disaster waiting to happen and from my experience in the koi trade, I've seen plenty of nightmare ponds built by people who thought they knew what they were doing. 

​

It's not just the depth of the base, the drain configuration, the concrete used, the wall ties and steels, the walls themselves, the filleting of corners, the placement of returns, the levels, the waterproofing AND the hope that it stays standing! It's also the myriad of problems that can crop-up along the way and the experience required in dealing with them. This isn't meant to deter anyone from building a koi pond, merely to highlight that if you have no knowledge on the subject, then it really is best left to The Professionals. 

 

- Note: The Professionals are those with experience building 'Proper Koi Ponds.'

​

So, let's say you're new to the hobby, don't have a scooby about building koi ponds and the idea of hiring a professional company to come in and build a very 'permanent' structure feels rather overwhelming...

​

Or the house you're currently living in, isn't going to be permanent. 

​

Or you're renting.

​

Or you want something installed quickly. 

​

Or you own a koi dealership and you need extra volume without heavy construction.

​

Or you want to dip your toe in the water, before fully committing to a new hobby...

​

Starting to see their usefulness?

 

They are a really clever and affordable solution to the above problems. Obviously if you have pond building experience, can do most of the labour yourself or you aren't restricted by the permanence of a block built pond, then a 'koi tank' might not be the best solution for you. But otherwise, they offer a pretty sweet deal.

​

'Koi Tanks'

What struck me when I visited the EZ-Pond HQ was that although the smaller units are indeed 'tanks,' perfect for starter ponds, quarantine tanks, grow on ponds, sales tanks and even tropical fish ponds - the larger units are koi ponds. Proper, koi ponds. They are of an adequate depth and water volume to be considered such. Add to this that they can come with multiple bottom drains and skimmers and they can have an enormous window fitted (usually infinity) they can only be seen as a 'transportable equal' to a proper block built koi pond. In fact, the finish of the top-coat is actually unachievable in a block built pond, this is thanks to the unique moulds and techniques that Allan employs. 

​

The attention to detail and build quality is absolutely top draw, here's a little video of the team doing the first stage of a window install on a 2000i unit, the glass size is 2400mm x 750mm x 33mm... 

​