Of the three ‘parts’ that go to make up the term of ‘Koi Keeping’ – this is my weakest part. I consider myself to be ‘reasonably proficient’ in these matters.
Just about all of the information for this ‘part’ has come from a combination of advice and information from my Japanese teachers and my own hands-on experiences in caring for many thousands of my Koi over the years and many belonging to my customers. But I assure you, something has rubbed off on me along the way.
An interesting point to note about my Japanese teachers is that few have access to a microscope and the ones I have seen are ancient, single eyepiece models with no moving sub-stage or light attachments – they are often usually caked in dust. Also, unless I have ‘forgotten’, I can never recall having seen even the most basic water testing kits at these breeder’s places – if they have them, they are certainly kept hidden from view.
It is also interesting to note that when I have mentioned terms such as KH and GH to these guys they have not the faintest idea as to what I am talking about. As to discussing the finer points of incoming mains water by reverse-osmosis with them, don’t even go there!
There are some times though, when I have walked into breeder’s outlets and the breeder has pointed to a pond and said, with a sad face, – ‘My Koi – no good condition’ – and that’s about as far as he goes. Fortunately there is always assistance at the end of a telephone when someone will come along with a small case and check out what the problem may be. Generally a parasite is detected; the visitor will make calculations as to required dosage rates and then go back to his office to measure out amounts required. After this, he returns and adds it to the pond whilst the breeder looks on – still ‘concerned’. This service is free of charge and paid for by the village office.
There is also another facility for the Yamakoshi breeders in Iwamagi village where Koi (usually parent stocks) requiring expert surgical assistance can be taken and cared for (as one would take a pet to a veterinarian). I have witnessed some truly amazing operations carried out here with some perfect results – this however, is obviously chargeable to the breeders.
Unfortunately we living overseas do not have these guys to hand and so we have to do things for ourselves and will have to continue to do so unless specialist ‘Fish Veterinarians’ come onto the scene. Sadly the talents of these able individuals are far better, and far more profitably spent on other non-fish animals or even we human beings rather than the very minor pastime of keeping Koi.
These next pages should give advice and assistance in some of the subjects known as ‘Keeping’.
Please beware that some of these matters covered in this part of the website also produce a few ‘experts’ from all over the world when, in real truth, there are none that I have come across in my travels. Many come out with personal beliefs; long words and dangerous advice, some profess they can carry out intensive surgery and are also able to analyse and rectify blood conditions. There are also ‘companies’ standing by who offer magic miracle cures for all possible eventualities, in the majority of cases these products are about as useful and effective as snake oil.
I have another word for all of this! And here it is – in a glorious picture!
IntroductionOf the three ‘parts’ that go to make up the term of ‘Koi Keeping’ – this is my weakest part. I consider myself to be ‘reasonably proficient’ in these matters.
Just about all of the information for this ‘part’ has come from a combination of advice and information from my Japanese teachers and my own hands-on experiences in caring for many thousands of my Koi over the years and many belonging to my customers. But I assure you, something has rubbed off on me along the way.
An interesting point to note about my Japanese teachers is that few have access to a microscope and the ones I have seen are ancient, single eyepiece models with no moving sub-stage or light attachments – they are often usually caked in dust. Also, unless I have ‘forgotten’, I can never recall having seen even the most basic water testing kits at these breeder’s places – if they have them, they are certainly kept hidden from view.
It is also interesting to note that when I have mentioned terms such as KH and GH to these guys they have not the faintest idea as to what I am talking about. As to discussing the finer points of incoming mains water by reverse-osmosis with them, don’t even go there!
There are some times though, when I have walked into breeder’s outlets and the breeder has pointed to a pond and said, with a sad face, – ‘My Koi – no good condition’ – and that’s about as far as he goes. Fortunately there is always assistance at the end of a telephone when someone will come along with a small case and check out what the problem may be.
Generally a parasite is detected; the visitor will make calculations as to required dosage rates and then go back to his office to measure out amounts required. After this, he returns and adds it to the pond whilst the breeder looks on – still ‘concerned’. This service is free of charge and paid for by the village office.
There is also another facility for the Yamakoshi breeders in Iwamagi village where Koi (usually parent stocks) requiring expert surgical assistance can be taken and cared for (as one would take a pet to a veterinarian). I have witnessed some truly amazing operations carried out here with some perfect results – this however, is obviously chargeable to the breeders.
Unfortunately we living overseas do not have these guys to hand and so we have to do things for ourselves and will have to continue to do so unless specialist ‘Fish Veterinarians’ come onto the scene. Sadly the talents of these able individuals are far better, and far more profitably spent on other non-fish animals or even we human beings rather than the very minor pastime of keeping Koi.
These next pages should give advice and assistance in some of the subjects known as ‘Keeping’.
Please beware that some of these matters covered in this part of the website also produce a few ‘experts’ from all over the world when, in real truth, there are none that I have come across in my travels. Many come out with personal beliefs; long words and dangerous advice, some profess they can carry out intensive surgery and are also able to analyse and rectify blood conditions. There are also ‘companies’ standing by who offer magic miracle cures for all possible eventualities, in the majority of cases these products are about as useful and effective as snake oil.
I have another word for all of this! And here it is – in a glorious picture!
