|
Steve,
My answers for you....
1) Are you saying mother nature intends for Koi to be kept under ice or even water temps below 50F?
REC: In fact, I think I used the word "intends" and you can construe that to mean anything you wish. But, we do know (as stated by Noga, Stoskopf, Hoole, et al) that Koi can physiologically withstand temperatures down to 35 Deg F. Obviously, there are variables that affect our closed system ponds, but the fact is that these fish can handle those temperatures under the right conditions. As you recall, JR and I debated many times this very subject with some emphasis on the potential for physiological change in Japanese koi. I think we agreed to disagree on this point.
2) Why do the breeders in the mountains of Japan move their Koi indoors in the winter?
REC: Simple... money...Weather is unpredictable and I am sure the breeders understand this. And since this is their livlihood, it stands to reason that they would do everything they could to avoid the unpredictable. Every koi owner has this choice as well. It is our job to educate them on the potential for trouble and then let them decide for themselves based their means and ability to heat their ponds or move their fish indoors all winter.
3) Is not cold water (say between 32 and 50F) stressful on the Koi, and negatively impacting their systems
REC: First off, the range from 32-50 deg F is really wide and within that range a number of things happen at different times.. the effects of cold on bio bugs and parasites, the state of fish's immune system, and water quality, to just name a few. Sure, I can imagine that there is stress involved but the fish also have natural processes, such as torpor, to protect themselves. And we know that ammonia becomes less toxic in cold water and parasite activity reduces or ceases in cold water.. the list goes on. But these creatures have been alive for thousands of years living through cold water conditions.
4) Does mother nature not "cull" the weakest in a variety of ways, including those whose have been severly impacted due to environmental conditions such as cold water temps and even high water temps?
REC: Absolutely.. and when we play the part of Mother Nature by running closed system ponds, it is our responsibility to avoid those environmental conditions that would impact their health negatively.
5) So do we at least warn people that it is impractical or impossible to heat or move indoors that their is an added risk to the health and viability of their Koi by keeping them in cold water as mentioned above?
REC: I think we do as a hobby warn people about the dangers of cold water (and warm) all of the time. Certainly it is a hot topic on all forums, NI, KP, KV, here... when the seasonal issues start. Also, we routinely teach this in koi seminars and the better publications, like KoiUSA, Bito, NI have well prepared articles about this. The KHA program has continuing education courses for cold water environments. So, the responsibility for teaching this belongs to you, me, JR, Roddy and a whole host of experienced koi keepers who have researched and understand the problem. I think it is an injustice to the entire koi keeping hobby to say that they must be heated or they must be brought indoors during cold weather times as many people just cannot do that. So, instead we teach them pond and fish physiologiy and provide them DIY ideas for covers and offer them suggestions for the "what if" scenarios like loss of power or a failure of the heat system. To me that is our job..
Actually, great questions, Steve... and probably timely as we have to start thinking about this now..
My "daddy" Doug?? Plz don't bring your dirty laundry offer to this forum..
REC
| 
08-18-2006
Quote: 
Linear Mode
