Transforming Fitz’s Fish Ponds’ Plant Greenhouse into a State-of-the-Art Koi House
Jan 30th 2025
At Fitz’s Fish Ponds, innovation and adaptability are at the core of what we do. When the need for additional koi housing arose after a recent buying trip to Japan, our team took on an exciting challenge: converting our plant greenhouse at the Milford, NJ Farm into a fully functional koi house. This transformation is not only a testament to the dedication of our crew but also a significant milestone in our commitment to supporting koi hobbyists.
From Plant Greenhouse to Koi House
The inspiration for this project began after our CEO, Brian Fitzsimmons, returned from Japan with a new shipment of koi. With an impressive variety of fish purchased, it became clear we needed more space to house them… and fast. In just two weeks, the FFP team worked tirelessly to transform the existing plant greenhouse into a koi house featuring 12 brand-new tanks, each holding 5,000 gallons of water.
These tanks were designed with efficiency and ease-of-use in mind. Unlike previous setups with varying tank sizes, we opted instead for more uniform dimensions this time, making maintenance simpler. In this newer setup, each tank features its own filtration system, offering flexibility to accommodate different koi shipments, price points, and buyer needs. This setup provides an exceptional environment for the fish and improves the buying experience for both our wholesale and our retail customers.
Advanced Filtration and System Design
Each of the 12 tanks operates on its own independent filtration system, ensuring optimal water quality for the koi.
The filtration includes:
- FloCell Filters powered by energy-efficient pumps.
- Baki Showers to enhance biological filtration.
- Moving Bed Filters for additional mechanical filtration.
- UV Clarification to maintain crystal-clear water.
These features allow the tanks to handle high fish loads and frequent feedings while keeping the water pristine. What’s more, for added convenience, a raised walkway was built to make it easier for the team to access and care for the fish.
A Warm Space for the Cold Months
Although it’s winter, the koi house remains a comfortable and welcoming 70°F inside, thanks to the thoughtfully designed greenhouse. This warm environment not only keeps the fish healthy, but also provides a pleasant workspace for our team. This koi house is a perfect example of how we adapt to seasonal needs, creating functional and efficient spaces to support our operations year round.
Making Room for New Koi
As new shipments arrive, the tanks are prepared by using fish already on the farm to cycle and seed the systems. This ensures the tanks are ready for the incoming koi, which will include varieties from renowned Japanese breeders such as Yamazaki, Hiroi and Marusaka. The flexibility of the new setup also allows us to sort fish by size and by price point, offering a better experience for customers and staff.
Supporting Growth and Specialization
This transformation also marks a strategic shift in how we operate. With our plant production moving to our Saddle River location—home of the first water lily store in the U.S.—the Milford Farm is now entirely focused on koi and fish-related operations. This specialization allows each location to thrive in its area of expertise, ensuring we provide the best possible care for our plants and fish.
What’s Next for the Koi House?
Although the project is nearly complete, there’s always room for improvement and expansion. As we welcome new koi shipments, we plan to continue fine-tuning the tanks and filtration systems. The space may even be used for growing smaller koi (tosai) in the spring, giving hobbyists another reason to visit the farm.
We’re also looking for a name for this new koi house! So, if you have ideas, please let us know in the comments on our Youtube Video!
Who knows—your suggestion might become part of Fitz’s Fish Ponds history!
Stop and Say Hello!
We’d love for you to see the new koi house in person! With thousands of koi and a team of dedicated experts on hand, there’s always something exciting happening at the farm. Reach out to schedule a visit, and let us help you take your koi hobby to the next level.
