View Full Version : Care for Your Koi
Russell Peters
11-04-2011, 11:45 AM
In this thread I am going to post quotes, from Mr. Sakai, on what he thinks is important for your Koi. These ideas may not work for everyone.
Russell Peters
11-04-2011, 11:47 AM
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Water, Air & Food
When dealing with a small size pond certain precautions must be kept in mind. When a pond is small and is exposed to too much sunlight, temperature fluctuations can be extreme. It is best to be cautious and cognizant of the rising water temperature in the summer. Ideal water temperature for the health of Nishiki Koi is narrowly defined to be between 75F ~77F (24C - 25C). This water temperature is recommended for the Nishiki Koi because this is the ideal range for all cold-blooded animals. Their metabolism function most effectively, and smoothly in this temperature range. When the water temperature rises near 86F (30C) or above, the food consumption of Nishiki Koi becomes noticeably less.
Food high in protein can be fed when the water temperature rises to 75F~77F(24C - 25C). However, it is important to keep the pond water clean. Additionally, adequate filtration must be provided to keep pace with the food consumption.
Nishiki Koi utilizes three to five times more oxygen when food is being digested. For this reason, in the summer months when more feed is provided to Nishiki Koi, it is critical to provide adequate aeration. In a deep pond, it is important to move the pond water around. A highly recommended, water movement to induce is where the two opposite water currents collide.
The hobbyist must be concerned when the food consumption is limited and the floating Koi waste is visible on the surface of the pond. This is an indication of indigestion, most likely, due to low oxygen saturation in the water. No matter how much aeration is provided in the pond, only a certain level of oxygen can be absorbed into the water. Water is normally saturated at 21% level. Thus there can be no such thing as too much aeration.
Sp00ks
11-04-2011, 12:46 PM
Thanks Russ. Seems like I might be doing more right than I realized. :D:
Russell Peters
11-05-2011, 12:20 PM
Thanks Russ. Seems like I might be doing more right than I realized. :D:
You're welcome. The info, coming soon, on feeding is rather interesting.
Russell Peters
11-05-2011, 12:21 PM
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Concrete Pond, Light, Air & Food
Care shown to feed the Koi well in the summer months even in a concrete pond, will be reflected in body development in the fall. Differences between the mud pond and concrete pond raised Koi are a factor of care the fish had received during summer season. In a concrete pond if Koi are not well fed, without exception Koi will loose luster. The key factor to achieve good autumn result is to create the concrete pond environment that encourages food consumption as much as possible.
One way to create such an environment is by providing plentiful air in the pond. When there is plentiful air in the water Koi can digest food well and enjoy food more because their stomach becomes empty quickly due to good digestion. Their metabolism will also improve. It is possible to develop Koi with good luster at the completion time by providing plenty of air in the concrete pond. Koi will develop the fatty layer not just under the skin, but also over the eggs. This, will prohibit the development of the eggs, consequently the eggs will become very tiny. This type of Koi develops its body firmly and becomes very attractive in its appearance. Often this is the type of Koi that is beautiful, shows well and has strong swimming form swimming around the pond. Feeding silk worms will make a visible difference in its physical development.
Another way of creating an ideal environment for growth and not loosing luster is by having natural sunlight in the pond. When there is natural light in the pond, the pond wall surfaces will be more susceptible for the growth of algae. Koi will eat the algae and develop beautiful color of Beni and luster.However the balance of sunlight and the growth of algae is important.The pond water still needs to have good transparency and if the water turns too green due to the over populated algae, it will shut down the sun light and Koi will loose luster, as the result.Algae related discussions will be expanded in the future.
Russell Peters
11-07-2011, 10:40 AM
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Light & Feeding Options
The vinyl green house structures can become cloudy and prevent sunlight from penetrating into the pond. Similarly, the corrugated vinyl sheeting used on a pond roof changes its color each year and it becomes more difficult for the sun to penetrate through. Consequently less algae will grow in the pond wall surfaces. When the amount of algae consumption by the Koi decreases, it affects the development of Beni at the completion, and the Koi can never develop luster. However, the issue is not as simple as just providing sunlight to the pond.
An ideal pond has to maintain the comfortable temperature for Koi's life activities in a steady manner. It is important to create a good balance between sunlight and comfortable temperature for Koi. When large Koi are to be kept in a water garden pond, it is important to care for the Koi with a good understanding of the annual cycle of the Koi lifestyle. By adjusting feeding patterns during the summer and the fall seasons, it is possible to develop your Koi into a superior Koi. However, keep in mind that no matter how well you create the environment for large size Koi, if the Koi is not of high quality, it will loose its Beni and the physical growth will not keep up.
When silkworms and other high protein diet are provided in the summer, the color will temporarily turn light. Later, the color will return, and with luster. Depending upon the desired outcome and effect, one has to be careful with feeding silkworms to Koi. When the Koi is fed abundantly with silkworms, the fatty layer under the skin will develop even in the ovary and affect the production of good eggs for spawning. In Niigata when too much silkworms are fed, at times, the Koi cannot produce eggs even if the stomach is very large. Silkworms have to be fed carefully when the Koi is to be used as a parent stock.