| Hey, Dale . . .
don't get hung up on a specific number, it's all part of your total going-to-the-show system.
My routine involves setting up one of my show tanks and fasting them for 5-7 days; the bigger the koi the longer the fast. Even so, I fully expect to see some excreted waste in the tank by the end of the show. Amazing but true.
Since koi shed ammonia 75% by respiration, and only 25% by excretion, it's just as important to remember that:
The longer koi are bagged for the trip to the show the more ammonia builds up in the koi -- which will be immediately dumped when placed into the show tank.
The longer the koi are in the tank -- the more ammonia will build up in the tank.
The more koi by volume (size or # of koi) -- the more ammonia will build up in the tank.
So, if they're going to be bagged for hours enroute to the show, and/or they're going to arrive on Friday, and/or there's lots of 'em, then reducing the fish load per tank is both common sense and inexpensive insurance.
Maybe even more important than the length of the fast? Just my thoughts. |