| I think it's a good idea to have a q tank and know how to use it. I always worry not so much about the learned members of our contributors but those who participate by reading. this a a scarey and difficult topic to digest and can cause alot of anguish. I hope many of our long time keepers and KHA folks will
make small contributions. any big plateful is consumed a bite at a time so i hope we might break it down into bites as this is a wonderful and important thread at this time...(thank-you Mark!)
A Q Tank needs to be set up and established by the time the new koi arrive.
It needs to have been running for awhile. Since koi of gregarious you need atleast two in there to begin with. This keeps the filter going and a buddy to pal with. You must know to the gallonage the amount of water in the system. A water meter is perfect for this job. you need an active filter system that has been stabilized. which occurs minimally after some 6 weeks from start. You need to be able to control the heat.
when koi come in from a flight across country or the pacific ocean, they like all travelors are weary. A quiet semi lighted spot where they can rest is called for. this is a time to set and watch the koi for the first few days to see what develops. Are they flashing, do they lay clamped fins on the bottom.
I worry that many new koi keepers trying to do the right thing will start doing unnecessary treatments and add to the problem not the solution. Treatments
should be made only after a positive diagnosis of what your dealing with.
you need to have access to a microscope. KHA advisors are trained as is your
local dealer. Ask in your club who will be willing to help if you don't have the knowledge.
( this is a start, I hope other's will add their expertise here)
if I were to capsulize what I just said is....prepare a wonderful established place for the koi to rest and revitalize. don't even think about food (remember how when you travel at the end of the day how when your tired food is not a big deal?) |