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I'd try collecting the rain water and test the pH and hardeness. I assume you don't have serious pollution problems? Then mix this with tap water until you have a 'formula' that works. Watch for pH crashes! Especially since you will likely be doing this in a smaller body of water and the koi will impact that lack of alkalinity in a negative way. use oyster shells for your media along with normal media and use lots of aeration. The less fish the better but koi should never be alone. They are schooling fish and very social so one tank mate at least.
OK, so you get the picture on your nitrate- your ambient level has settle in at 10 based on your stocking level, feeding routine and plant efforts to reduce it. So your opinions are - less fish or less food or more water changes.
Hikkui , oddly enough, is not a health problem in terms of effecting the fish's appetite, life span, breeding interest or general immune response to other diseases. It is just disfiguring. Unfortunately.
Best of luck with yoru experiments. JR
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