| Thanks for the welcome note.
Bancherd, I see you are also active in this forum. It is no wonder as we are always searching for new knowledge in this hobby. My personal opinion is that genetics do play a huge part. I still remember an Igarashi Kohaku bought by a senior ZNA member (KL Chapter) as a tosai some years back (US$2000). At purchase he actually remarked that it could be a male based on the extremely lustrous beni. Igarashi-san gave him a look which, if looks can kill, my friend would have dropped dead! To cut the story short, this kohaku turned out well with the hi quality the best I have ever seen (even up to now) and a white that is so thick that it is like fine bone china. The only (major) flaw is that it has a poor body conformation. This koi had changed hands a few times (including myself) and is presently in our ZNA president's pond. The beni never deteriorated while at all our different ponds and the white seemed to be as "resilient". Talking about ZNA, you can get their address from any issue of Nichirin magazine.
Using chillers is always a trade-off between trying to maintain the skin quality and the fun of heavy feeding. Funny to note that we in the tropics talk of chillers while you guys with cold seasons have to use heaters. I love to feed my kois heavily sometimes at the expense of body conformation (hence I am now very particular about body conformation of any new kois I plan to acquire). As expected some kois cannot take this type of feeding and they "leave" my pond faster than one ponders over any new purchases. Getting good growth rate while maintaining good body conformation and lustrous skin is always a challenge and this is what that is keeping me "sane" in this hobby.
Mike, I have never tested my water source for silica (what test can I use?). I was told that regions with water source near limestone hills do have problems with hard water understandably due to the high calcium content. Hudi, do you have this problem?
Hudi, I must agree that different hobbyists have different liking for the various types of beni and they will have a different reference points for comparison. Hence the mind-boggling multifactorial combinations one has to contend with in this hobby. Perhaps this makes this hobby so much more interesting, don't you agree? As regards my usage of spirulina, it is more because my kois love the taste rather than for the consideration of its' effect on the beni. Given a choice I will go for non-spirulina as they are cheaper and remember I also lkeep utsuris. I did not mention I also give silk worm pupae at every feed mixed with my pellets. Anyone else use pupae as well? I am from Shah Alam and from your indication that you are near limestone hills you are probably from the north???. You will be most welcome to visit me and I hope I can pay you a visit some time as well. I thank you in advance.
I note that maintaining or finishing sumi is not a problem in the tropics (at least in M'sia) Omosako-san made the same observation some years back and he could not offer any reasons. Perhaps JR can offer some scientific basis to it? There are some water conditioners in the market purportedly for finishing sumi. Any experience from you guys?
Thanks and have a nice weekend.
Dr Teh |