[kgt1223]

Hello all Need some imput here. For years I have read and seen the measurable attributes of raising young koi in natural earthen ponds. I personally raised two different groups from same parents early this summer. Three hundred or so fry were raised in an above ground tank 12x10x4 with lots of mechanical and biological filtration as well as uv sterilization...basically gin clear water in a very well controlled environment. They were fed on a heavy diet of freshly hatched artemia for the first month than switched to a standard pelleted food that I pulverixed to accomodate their size. The second group were released into an earthen pond 40x20x6 feet deep in their second week and were left to their own devices for three months,with occasional pelleted feedings after the first month and a half. Although the first tank raised group were healthy, they had not achieved near the size or the color of the second pond raised group. What I propose to do next spring, is to raise the next batch of fry in a 24x10x4 foot deep above ground tank with seasoned green water. Will probably use only airstones the first few weeks with a small intank pump hooked to a spray bar that will run the length of the tank to provide a minimal amount of current.Soon after, I will switch over to main pump that will run through the three barrells of strictly bio balls with no mechanical filtration as I want to try and duplicate the earthen ponds as much as possible within my limits of course. was also considering putting four clumps of (Sodium) bentonite clay in each corner of pond in the hopes that the fry may be attracted to nibble on it from time to time. Ther reason that I am using the sodium and not the calcium is that I have been told that it will swell and become more like clay, and will remain stationary in the corners.???????? My only concern is the health of the water bacteria wise. It will have ample amount of circulation once the main pump is started and I believe that the force of the return should more than aireate the tank. Also the bio conversion tanks should handle the fry up to culling point. I have seen many pictures of these growing ponds and with the exception of occasional airationpumps and feeding it looks like they are leaving the rest to mother nature. I have a test group of about thirty culls 2 to 4 inches in the tank now with no bio yet. Will hook those up soon. They all seem to be feeding well and most are still hand feeding. Was hesitant to put any of my kohaku fry in there until I got some feed back from the group. The whole point of this experiment is to see if the more natural environment of green muddy water will continue to enhance the colors of my kohaku youngsters and to see if I can duplicate the results of the mud pond on next springs hatch in my back yard. ALL opinions critisisms and suggestions are encouraged and appreciated. I will of course keep the forum updated on results. Thanx to all, Kiefer