AquaForte Quality Koi Vats

AquaForte Quality Koi Vats

Seven diameter and height combinations for a separately managed koi holding setup

AquaForte Quality Koi Vats provide a separate container for koi during pond work, quarantine, shows or breeding. The range is designed to be assembled and dismantled as required, making it useful when a holding vessel is needed for a particular project rather than as a permanent pond. Select the vat size together with the equipment and management arrangements the fish will need.

These are the Quality Koi Vats, manufacturer references SG210 to SG222. They are a different range from AquaForte’s smaller Flexible Koi Bowls. The selected vat is supplied without a cover net; covers and the equipment needed to run the holding setup are separate purchases.

Dimensions, published volumes and product references

100 × 60cm	470 litres SKS BT6152 AquaForte SG210
150 × 60cm	1,050 litres SKS BT6153 AquaForte SG212
150 × 100cm	1,600 litres SKS BT6154 AquaForte SG214
200 × 60cm	1,800 litres SKS BT6155 AquaForte SG216
200 × 100cm	2,800 litres SKS BT6156 AquaForte SG218
250 × 100cm	4,375 litres SKS BT6157 AquaForte SG220
300 × 100cm	6,300 litres SKS BT6158 AquaForte SG222

The dimensions and volumes above are AquaForte’s published figures for the Quality Koi Vat range. The first measurement is diameter and the second is height. Supplier references identify the corresponding SKS options. Use both measurements when ordering: two vats can occupy a similar footprint but have different heights and published capacities.

Choose the diameter and height together

The 150cm and 200cm diameters each have a 60cm-high and a 100cm-high option. Think about the working area around the vat as well as its water space. A larger diameter needs more clear floor area, while a taller side changes how you reach the water and use handling equipment.

Allow access for inspecting the fish, maintaining equipment and carrying out water changes. Plan where hoses, filtration and aeration equipment will sit without obstructing your route around the vat. Check the access to the intended location before ordering, especially if the temporary setup will be in a restricted garden or outbuilding.

Published capacity and the water you actually use

The catalogue volume is a reference for comparing the vessels. Your operating volume depends on the fill level and equipment within the vat. Record the amount of water added when filling if you need an accurate figure for managing the system; do not assume a partly filled vat contains its catalogue capacity.

Capacity is also separate from stocking suitability. The number and size of fish, the length of their stay and the filtration and aeration available all matter. Select a holding arrangement for the fish and the intended task rather than working from litres alone. A larger container still needs appropriate care and regular checks.

Construction, assembly and the supporting surface

AquaForte specifies a 1mm liner and describes the vats as quick to set up and dismantle. Follow the assembly instructions supplied with the selected vat, checking the liner and supporting components before filling. Do not transfer assembly details from the Flexible Koi Bowl range, which has its own construction and accessories.

Choose a level, stable surface suitable for the weight of the filled vessel. Remove anything that could damage the liner and make sure the assembly is correctly supported before adding water. Plan drainage at the same time, so emptying the vat later will not create a problem around the working area.

Prepare the water and equipment before moving fish

Have the complete holding system ready before fish are transferred. The vat provides the container; it does not include a filter, air pump or water-testing equipment. Plan circulation, aeration and filtration for the intended use and check that the arrangement can be maintained throughout the stay.

Our pond air pumps offer options when planning aeration, while the Colombo Pond Test Lab Professional provides a way to check water parameters. Choose equipment for the actual setup and continue monitoring it after the fish have been moved. A newly assembled vessel should not be assumed to have established biological filtration.

Using a separate vat for quarantine

A separate vessel allows its water and equipment to be managed independently from the main pond. That separation depends on the way you run it: sharing wet nets or other equipment between systems can undermine the arrangement. Keep dedicated handling equipment where practical and plan an appropriate quarantine routine for the fish involved.

For pond maintenance, also think through the return journey before moving fish out. Have suitable pond nets and handling equipment ready, with a clear route between the pond and vat. Work calmly and minimise unnecessary catching and handling.

Covers, cleaning and storage

Cover nets are listed separately by vat diameter. Check the required diameter and compatibility when choosing one, rather than assuming a cover from another bowl or tank will fit. A cover is part of a properly managed holding arrangement and does not remove the need to inspect the fish and equipment.

After the fish have been removed, empty and clean the vat before dismantling it. Inspect the liner as you work and let the components dry before storage. Keep the liner away from sharp objects and store the parts together so they can be checked before the next use. Retain the selected size and product reference with the instructions for straightforward identification later.