[B.Scott]

I have never been a fan of dip treatments. In practice, the strength you need to treat a fish effectively when exposing it for a brief dip, and the amount that will injure/ kill the fish lay too close together. In the long run, I just don't feel they are effective. Generally they give peace of mind to the owner of the fish and little else.

Treatment of parasites is something I do in quarantine with new fish. Once in the pond itself I find that large water changes, low stocking, a clean filter and good quality food precludes the outbreak of parasites. Remember that with a few exceptions, most on the parasites on koi are opportunistic and will only flourish (ie become a problem) when water quality, stocking rates and filtration are lacking. When the ecosystem of the ponds suffers, it's happy times for parasites.

This sort of situation is similar to fish in a wild habitat. In rivers and streams there are parasites to be found. So why are the fish not seething with vermin? There is nobody dumping PP in the lake. Simply put the answer is, lots of good quality water and few fish. But drag a net across the lake and put all the fish in close proximity in a small body of water (like garden pond) and all hell will break loose

As for the "Health Book" written by the large vet, I have some very serious issues with many of the protocols and methods he uses and don't feel that his book is anywhere close to being as well thought out as it might be. To be truthful I avoid his advice like the plague preferring to take advice from others I consider to be much more adept in treating koi.

B.Scott