| I agree with you completely Mike, and one of the things we are going to do here in a wholesaler's facility is note the drop in death rates, and show pics of the same supply of koi and their condition both before and after the bh showers. We already know we will see a difference, which is why the guy wants to run the test. He has had influence on all breeders and wholesalers and pet shops in the islands for decades, and hopes to see everyone change over to bhm.
I think I posted it before, one of the reasons I got interested in this media is due to a problem that plagues koi here in the carribean. Due to the intense sun and some other factors (water conditions, etc), we have had alot of trouble maintaining decent beni. All of the reddish koi tend to fade to yellowish orange and lose definition and stability as you described. I am the first one I know of down here able to maintain deep red and deep reddish orange and actually see it improve with time rather than detiorate.
That is why that wholesaler is interested in the media. He has been here for decades and has not seen anyone maintain reds here on koi. Now something different is happening and he is excited about the future possibilities of koi here from the carribean now. As well we have located recently a fresh soft water aquifer that we will being setting mud ponds with bh showers up on at the new year.
One of the mistakes previous breeders here made was choice of water source and filtration systems, as well as stocking styles and habits. We are going to go back to using the islands natural similarities to Japan's volcanic islands. Our soil and natural water sources are identical to thiers, and our weather only slightly hotter which should extend growing season alot.
Our goal will be to get to a volume level of new hatchings comparable to a Japanese breeder's, and compare our results with a similar bloodline to theirs. I know it will take years and decades to get close to their results, but believe due to our natural surroundings we can do it!
I find it interesting none of the critics talk about that, only how they can keep low stocked ponds with similar water parameters. Anyone can do that with water changes, but that does not improve koi appearance.
I would be willing to take you up on the trip offer Mike, does it include airfare? I will bring a video camera with me and post close ups when I get back. |