Why are we here?

[dick benbow]

I lived in Japan for several years and fell in love with the culture and the people.

I couldn't wait to get home, find a home (with lots of japanese touches)
build a japanese garden, build a pond and build a bonsai display area. That's gone on the for the last 30 years.

When i'm in "my element", I feel most relaxed and happy. Especially when I can see my favorite asagi "eyeing me" to see if I have a worm for her.

I quess you could say I've spent most of my lifetime learning everything i can
about a way of life that I'm attracted to.....

I see a lot of myself ( a few decades ago) in our publisher, a kindred spirit
connection.

[aquitori]

30 yrs? Shot Dick you have been doin this hobby longer than I have been around. That's cool thou...Atleast you have seen this hobby revolve the last 3 decades...My question to you is what do you think of it so far?

[JasonS]

To answer the original question: Well, it all started with a goldfish that I didn't manage to kill. ... It finally died this year, but I think it was over 8 years old by then.

I got into koi because I bought a fish at Petco and not long after that I bought Koi Kichi (the first one, hardback) from Amazon. I also dug my first pond (with a pickaxe) and threw in a liner.

If I knew then what I know now, I'd be rich.

Now I know enough to know that there is alot I don't know. So I hang around here to learn more and perhaps help a few make their first pond their best pond.

[aquitori]

Quote: Originally Posted by JasonS To answer the original question: Well, it all started with a goldfish that I didn't manage to kill. ... It finally died this year, but I think it was over 8 years old by then. I got into koi because I bought a fish at Petco and not long after that I bought Koi Kichi (the first one, hardback) from Amazon. I also dug my first pond (with a pickaxe) and threw in a liner. If I knew then what I know now, I'd be rich. Now I know enough to know that there is alot I don't know. So I hang around here to learn more and perhaps help a few make their first pond their best pond.

Jason, funny you mention goldfish. I dug my pond because of goldfish. I must have been the only 15yr old digging a pond that summer and wanted a bigger space for my goldfish since my moms was tell me to take down the 55 gal tank in the house. Like you said if we only know what we knew then....

[dick benbow]

The happiness that koi brings to the heart of the keeper is the main focus that will never change. it can spread thru varied cultures and be appreciated for the same reasons.



individually it's fun to watch people involved in the hobby. first they want all the different kinds and to know their names. then they get interested in show koi and competition, then they get confused about what makes a grand champion and go back to having koi for the hobby. During this time they learn about water quality and koi health and the culture of japan.



This hobby can seem to be made for people of wealth because of the cost of building ponds, super filters, show koi etc. But if you study hard and are handy you can adapt your knowledge that you learn in brian's magazine and on this board into something more affordable and fun.

koi keeping has given me a lifetime of happiness, it's only competition is my life of bonsai BUT that's a different board and another story.....

[aquitori]

Quote: Originally Posted by dick benbow The happiness that koi brings to the heart of the keeper is the main focus that will never change. it can spread thru varied cultures and be appreciated for the same reasons. individually it's fun to watch people involved in the hobby. first they want all the different kinds and to know their names. then they get interested in show koi and competition, then they get confused about what makes a grand champion and go back to having koi for the hobby. During this time they learn about water quality and koi health and the culture of japan. This hobby can seem to be made for people of wealth because of the cost of building ponds, super filters, show koi etc. But if you study hard and are handy you can adapt your knowledge that you learn in brian's magazine and on this board into something more affordable and fun. koi keeping has given me a lifetime of happiness, it's only competition is my life of bonsai BUT that's a different board and another story.....

Hey Dick, if there was one hobby to those out of Bonsai or Nishikigoi which one would you choose?

[aquitori]

Since we have new people on the board, I would like them to tell us a bit about themselves...

[Andrew from FL]

I live in Central Florida and I am here because I hope to build my first Koi pond this year. This site has taught me so much. I have always loved Koi and every time I see them in person I think I have got to put in a Koi pond. Went to Bok Towers last year and boy have they got some huge Koi there

Have had a few small water gardens in the past with goldfish but that's it. Right now I am catching up with a bunch of remodeling I promised the MRS and then I am going to start my first Koi pond. Thanks to everyone on here for making this such a good forum

[woodyaht]

I had always wanted a koi pond ever since I was little, planned on building one when I bought a house, and found this house that already had a "pond". It was only about 300gal. with a 6' waterfall. Started adding cheap koi, then found forums, and realized there was a ton more than just having koi in your pond. Also realized that 300gal. was not a "koi" pond. So last fall I demolished the existing pond, and built a 3800 gal. fiberglass pond. I have gradually started buying better fish, but probably not the quality of most on this board. I have a 6000gal. "doughboy" pool on the back of my property that I can see some day becoming another "pond", and more than likely there will even be a few more pools around.

I met Keo on another forum, and thankfully in the little bit of time we have spent together when I have time to run over to Genki, he has tought me a ton when it comes to what to look for in a fish. Thanks Joe!!!!!!!!!!! I just wished I had more time to spend over there learning

[Dan Blatt]

I'm sure I was standing in the sun too long one day (LOL)....god what an additive and expense hobby. Hunted and fished all my life (retired fish and wildlife biologist) and would desire but not want to spend $500 to a grand plus on a nice over and under shotgun or rifle unless I just could not live without it...talking over the last 30 years when I was in to buying guns for that hobby. Now don't even blink when I see a koi for what would have bought a couple of those shotguns. Is it just me, but seems as if brain disengages when I see a nice koi. Keep looking in the mirror at my forehead, but still can't see stitch marks.


All kidding aside...lots of fun...very enjoyable to sit and watch the every swimming colors of koi.