Waterwheel Japanese Koi Farm began as a dream shared by a family with a deep passion for koi and a love for nature. From the very beginning, our goal was clear: to create a farm where quality would always come first, and where every koi could grow and thrive in an environment that mimicked nature’s ideal conditions. The name "Waterwheel" was inspired by the farm’s most distinctive feature—our water management system, designed with a waterwheel to help maintain the flow of clean, natural water throughout the ponds. This innovative setup ensures that the koi are constantly swimming in fresh, healthy water, which contributes to their vitality and growth. We wanted a name that reflected both the beauty and functionality of the farm, and "Waterwheel" perfectly encapsulated the harmonious relationship between nature and our commitment to the koi.

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Where It All Began

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The journey of Waterwheel Japanese Koi Farm LLC traces back to humble beginnings in 2016. It all started with the purchase of a simple plot of land, home to a single, leaky natural pond. From that modest start, we envisioned something extraordinary.

Our first steps were foundational—building a house and drilling a well to provide a reliable water source. The next challenge was the pond. Fixing the leak required an immense effort, including the creation of a dam. But we didn’t stop there. Over the next few years, we constructed three additional ponds, culminating in the largest of them all—a full-acre grow-out pond designed to give our koi ample room to thrive.

A critical part of our development was designing a water system to ensure a constant supply of fresh, clean water for the koi. With this system in place, we crafted a waterwheel—a symbol of our farm’s sustainability and the inspiration behind our name, Waterwheel Japanese Koi Farm. We also designed custom breeding pods, which have since been repurposed as storage pods for koi that have been purchased but not yet placed with their new owners.

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The First Koi and Our Expansion

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In 2019, we took a significant step forward by purchasing our first koi. For three years, we focused on their care, nurturing them into exceptional breeding specimens. In 2021, we celebrated a milestone with the arrival of our first fry (baby koi), which marked the official launch of Waterwheel Japanese Koi Farm LLC as a public-facing operation.

With dedication and passion, we expanded our farm, adding two more ponds for a total of six. Every pond, every structure, and every fish was a testament to countless hours of hard work, often from dawn to dusk in all types of weather. It was a labor of love carried out by just two people—Sam, affectionately known as "The Greek," and his son, Alex.

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A Hard Lesson in 2023

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The 2023 breeding season began with promise. Our koi were thriving, and we eagerly anticipated another successful season. But then, disaster struck. Koi started dying inexplicably. Despite our best efforts and every treatment we could think of, the losses continued.

After weeks of frustration and heartbreak, we discovered the devastating cause. Heavy rains had washed rat poison we had previously placed on the property into the koi's water supply. The impact was catastrophic. Years of effort and generations of carefully bred koi were lost in just a few weeks. It was a harsh and painful lesson, one that taught us the importance of vigilance and care in every aspect of our operation.

 

A New Beginning in 2025

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After two years of letting the water settle and ensuring the ponds were safe again, 2025 marks a new chapter for Waterwheel Japanese Koi Farm LLC. This time, we are not just two dreamers—Alex’s wife has joined the team, bringing fresh energy and another pair of dedicated hands. Together, we are passing down our knowledge and passion to a new generation, ensuring the art of koi breeding continues to flourish.

Our story is one of resilience, determination, and love for these magnificent fish. As we embark on this new chapter, we invite you to join us in celebrating the journey that has shaped Waterwheel Japanese Koi Farm LLC into what it is today.

 

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