Good books?

[nahrie]

A friend of mine is wanting to try his hand at a koi pond, and we're wondering some recommendations on good books to read up on before doing so. I'm well aware of crap books existing in the fish world and would like to avoid those if possible. So guys, what all rockin' awesome pond books and/or koi books do you have for me? No, I'm not naive enough to think there's any one book that will cut it and will be looking at probly at least 3 or more. Besides, reading is fun! Thanks ahead of time.

 

[nahrie]

Was it something I said? LOL

 

[Jennie Beth]

Nahrie,
When I started pond building, I did the same thing. Really quickly I discovered that all the Sunset, Better Homes and Gardens, Ortho, type books have good basic info, but IT'S ALL THE SAME!!!! Same illustrations, everything! Good basic 'how to dig the hole' and how to plant out the water plants, but very little on filtration and care of critters. If you read one or two of those, it will give you a list of all the OTHER questions you need answers to, and then I'd start cruising the pond forum right here. Go back a few pages and look for peoples' pond builds threads. There are two sides to most of the arguments, ie rocks on the bottom or not, bottom drains or not, but you will get enough info to make an educated decision for what will work for your setup. Mine is a 600-700 gallon stock tank, above ground. Others have in-ground setups, anywhere from 100 gallons to lake-sized, with everything from a feeder fish or two, to Koi with heads bigger than their owner's hands!

Good luck!
Jen

 

[nahrie]

Actually I asked for a book for my friend because he doesn't have regular internet access. I love him to death and am willing to help him out, but don't really want to come post every question he might have on here and then relay the replies to him. So I really do need a book suggestion.