Fish Update (Pics)

[aquitori]

I like your collection of fish.....I think you need a chagoi to balance out the colors you already have.

[MikeM]

Chagoi?

I'd say yamabuki ogon. Every pond should have one.

But, if going the "goi" route, how about Soragoi. A soft gray does make the reds stand out.

[Alex Gibbs]

There will be another momotaro sanke goign in there, an omosako shiro, and nice gin rin kigoi...I dont care if the colors work well together Im just interested in growth.

Best Regards,
Alex Gibbs

[aquitori]

If growth is what you are after then go with ogon or chagoi. I bought a 10" chagoi a year and a half ago and it is already 19". This growth was achieved in my 1500gal pond. By the way, we all know all those fish are going into a 4500gal pond. What other factors are you using to grow your fish big. When I say factors I mean:
1. feed? 2. filter system? Don't want to be nosey but I was curious what kind of game plan you have....

[Alex Gibbs]

Hey, Aquitori
Not being nosey at all, I am feeding them Hi-Silk and what is left over of some dainichi premium food, mixed with some sho koi. The pond is filtered by an Ultima II and a TT that I am still trying to build, and I might also add on some kaldnes chambers. I do about three 10% water changes a week. Feed often in small amounts. Water changes are accompanied with backwashing the Ultima. Lots of aireation in the pond.

Best Regards,
Alex Gibbs

[dick benbow]

While your waiting for your reply, I thought I'd tell you what I do to get maximum growth from my koi.

I have a trickle of water about the thickness of a pencil running into my pond thru charcoal as a declorinator 24/7. The overflow goes to waste.
Tosai get as much minerals and other needs from the water at this age as they do from the feed to build body and bone. the older the koi gets the more it receives from it's feed.

your must have a heater on your pond or a way to maintain the heat.
growth is matabolism driven. 72-78 F is your target to retain. feedings
of higher protein food every two hours will help. Keep in mind that the higher the temp the less water is able to retain oxygen so air pumps/stones need to keep oxygen content at max for that temp. Also
heavy air creates current. exercise is a must for growth and development.

lastly, don't overcrowd. 4,500 gallons will give max growth to half a dozen
koi.Your filter needs to be properly designed and bigger than you would anticipate needing.
this is pretty simplictic form. there are alot of details that add to the effort.
R.O. water as reported on by KB from hobbiests in the UK. lots of other details as your press toward the mark. but for basics that will get you headed in the right direction.