Some of the best koi in Fl. are raised by Blackwater Creek Koi Farms. I believe they now have 4 farms - the closest is in Eustis. Beautiful koi and they often exhibit them at the annual Orlando show. The show is usually held in March on International Drive. Some of the koi go for a few thousand dollars. Start with a subscription to "Koi USA" for pond maintainance tips, etc. Sometimes, the big box stores like Home Depot, Lowes, etc.have aquatic plants and I think Home Depot sells aquatic soil. Be sure to use netting on the bottom of the pots and large stones on top. The koi love to root in the plants. Locally, Touch of Paradise in Ocala sells plants, fish and have contructed many nice ponds in TV. Every Spring they also have a local pond tour.and they will do yearly maintenance. We built our own lined pond - wanted a bottom drain, concrete rim, etc. Remember when looking - koi have little barbs by their mouths and goldfish do not and the two species will interbreed. I usually buy the 40 lb. bags of Blackwater Creek's koi food. I live in the Villages and have 13 very large koi and a pond with two waterfalls. My pump is pushing 3000 gal of water thru the falls and a pressurized filter system with an ultraviolet light. ( prevents certain alge) each hour. It's a fun hobby and the sound is so relaxing. I have never had to cool the water - the koi just find the most comfortable area in the pond. However, I do stop feeding when it is cold in the winter - the fish's metabolism slows down. My husband is passed away about a year ago - so I had to learn a lot in a short time even tho we had koi ponds for 25 years and belonged to koi clubs in Michigan. If I screw up too badly I can always invite the neighbors for a fish fry - seriously - they are a lot of fun.
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