Lotusland Gosanke Update - 2.5 months later

[Ronin-Koi]

I bought my first 3 koi from Brady Brandwood of Lotusland Koi Farm three months ago. A couple weeks ago, I tubbed the gosanke and took some photos. Here are side-by-side comparisons of them the day I got them home and 2.5 months later.

While they did not add much length, they all added bulk. The lighting conditions and flash were not identical as can be seen in the different color of the tub, but I think in all three cases, the hi has lightened up some. I am hoping this is because they have been adding mass and perhaps because of the limited sunlight. The koi that has made the most dramatic change is "Luke" the sanke. He has added the most bulk and there is a very noticeable shift in hi from the more red to the more orange as well as some lightened sumi.

The three koi are in my 480 gallon QT. Temp = 66 F, PH =8, Ammonia = 0ppm, Nitrite = 0ppm, Nitrate = 10-15ppm, GH =140ppm, KH = 90 to 140 ppm (kept up with Baking Soda). The QT is next to windows, so they do get some indirect sunlight, but perhaps not enough?

I would be interested in any comments or feedback postive or negative on their progress. Any thoughts on the gender of Leia yet?

- Wayne, is really happy with all three fish and is looking forward to getting them into the larger pond once it is completed.

[KoiCop]

nice! Your Star Wars koi look they're coming along just fine in your indoor setup but you might wish to upgrade their lighting.

Check out some of the suggestions in gofish's thread:

Updated Photos of Fish from Quality Koi

[azngopher]

Nice koi. I like the showa the most right now. I think the sanke will be a better fish down the road though when the sumi finishes. Good job on your first koi!

[dick benbow]

there is a reason why all the japanese breeder's keep there koi in the winter time in greenhouses for maximum light exposure as well as temperature control. You need to get some additional lighting to protect the beni....

I really like Brady's koi and think it's great to have several good domestic breeders in this country. I think brady has done his work now the rest is up to the chief water keeper ( which is you! )

I like the uniformity of beni on the kohaku, the bigger it gets the better that heavy pattern will ride. I think the showa has the best potential. Over the dorsal in the white area quite a bit of black is destined to come thru. Always be especially patient with showa and their develoipment. With the sanke, It's actually nice to see a koi with smaller amounts of black like the old kichinai
bloodline. Today's sanke have been influenced by matsunosuke with lots of heavy black. Funny how the styles change...kinda like men's ties...good luck with your choices

[Ronin-Koi]

Quote: Originally Posted by dick benbow You need to get some additional lighting to protect the beni.... I like the uniformity of beni on the kohaku, the bigger it gets the better that heavy pattern will ride. I think the showa has the best potential. Over the dorsal in the white area quite a bit of black is destined to come thru. Always be especially patient with showa and their develoipment. With the sanke, It's actually nice to see a koi with smaller amounts of black like the old kichinai bloodline. Today's sanke have been influenced by matsunosuke with lots of heavy black. Funny how the styles change...kinda like men's ties...good luck with your choices

Don and Dick,
The day I posted the photos, I decided to finally get off my butt and upgrade the lighting over the indoor pond. I installed a 48 inch dual tube strip light and am using one "Sun light" 5000K tube and one "Sun light deluxe" 6500K tube. I also added a blue/purple bulb for the overhead light socket. Besides the health value and maintaining the colors, I think the lights make viewing much nicer as well.

Thanks also for the feedback on the three individual koi. Regarding the sanke, it is interesting that you mentioned matsunosuke... that sanke has an interesting "glistening" to the skin -- it isn't gin rin, but it has a sparkle to the shiroji that is different from the other two. I have read about matsunosuke skin, but my newbie eyes have not seen enough koi to be able to recognize it. I will have to ask Brady if there is Matsunosuke blood in that sanke.

- Wayne, will aim to do periodic updates.

[MikeM]

The more I watch Brady's fish, the more I appreciate what is involved in creating a piece of living art according to your own vision. He has the genetic combinations for some very nice red pigment. His whites are very clean. Lacquer Sumi is in the mix, but takes a while to see develop. The body structure varies. In his best fish the body has a smooth, graceful, supple form. It is not the angular body we see so often on koi bred for size. When all the parts come together in one fish, it has to impress anyone. The one knock is size. My personal impression is that somewhere in the 28" range is where his fish are headed. For those wanting 34" GCs, it won't work ... based on what is known about his koi today. The problem for those making a quick judgment like that is that we do not know what his koi currently being produced will be like at 8 years of age. I'd say it has really only been about 5 years(?) or a little more that Brady has gotten the "on the ground" background learning in the genetics of his fish to put together pairings that can endure. So, conclusions somebody reached based on fish produced 4 or more years ago are not necessarily valid today. Producing great koi is a long term commitment. For most koikeepers, a koi in the 26-28" range is plenty big enough for a 5,000 gal pond. It is going to be interesting what happens in the next 5 years. From what I've read, the best known breeders in Japan often remained in the shadows until a decade after their breeding program was established. Then, a single fish taking top honors at a district or regional show would cause everyone to want what they had been passing over before. Of course, once a couple of judges give official validation by awarding a prize, the price for the best of each year's crop rises considerably.

Ronin: I'm not saying you have GCs there, but they are nice looking nishikigoi. Be careful with the baking soda. It would be better to rely on water changes to maintain alkalinity.

[dick benbow]

wayne, being a former "buckeye" from the elyria area was curious where you live

[Gallagher]

Hi Wayne,
Very nice choices. I'v been a fan of Bradys' fish for a while now and I think the Showa is the best out of the lot. Coarse I'm partial to Showas. 480 gal and a half to 3/4" in length is not bad for 2.5 mo, considering the stress of moving to new water and smaller quarters. Do you have any others fish in with them? I'm also assuming theses are nisai? Good luck and keep use posted.
BTW I wouldn't worry about the lighting to much as long as they're going outside in the spring.
Jim

[Brady Brandwood]

Hi Mike,

Here's a body line from my farm you may not have seen yet. The owner of this Showa has gotten her up to 24" @ 32 months old. Notice the gradual curves back to the tail. The Grandmother of this female Showa was 34". Also, older Showa siblings in Texas and in Florida are up to 29" @ 5 and 1/2 years old. Sankes here are at 29" & 30" also. Obviously VERY few Koi make it over 30", but Koi from my farm are certainly capable of it.

Best Wishes,
Brady Brandwood

[MikeM]

Fantastic, Brady!

Folks should look at the Beni development on that koi. Follow what seems at first to be a developing shoulder break and it becomes expanding Hi.... maturing slowly and continually. The Sumi is very good. The white is clear. The body shape is definitely a blend ... still the pleasant curves, but more elongated. And, not bulking up yet. More length to come.

I think you're gonna surprise folks in the next few years, Brady, as the best just keep getting better.