pH question

[kingkong]

For kohaku, what is the ideal pH to hold beni, keeping luster and color, so it doesn't go down hill. I have around 7.8 pH and I struggle with some kohaku trying to keep their beni clean. Thanks

[PapaBear]

I would have thought 7.8 a very comfortable level for beni so I'll be curious to hear what others have to say. It makes me wonder if the specifics of your water mineralization might be the culprit instead... What is your Kh/Gh?

[Russell Peters]

I have 7.8 pH and my beni does really well.

[Russell Peters]

Quote: Originally Posted by Russell Peters I have 7.8 pH and my beni does really well.

This is not a statement that 7.8 pH is ideal, just a statement that I get really great results with my beni at this pH. It holds true with all of the breeders I deal with. Stress is the only thing that SEEMS to cause loss of beni for me.

[dick benbow]

There are lots of different influences on beni and how it does with differnt waters. Most of the PH's in Japan are on the lower side...7.3 is a good average. Mine is 7.8 as well and I do just fine. Wonder if we need to be looking at some other water parameters?

[kingkong]

This is what I was afraid of. I do not think it's th pH causing the chafing but rather the high alkalinity problem . The CaCo3 is well above 350 mg/l. It is a flow through system and I live on Limestone. I remember visiting a local judge's collection not long ago just north and not help noticing how much better his kois' skin looked compared to mine. Much more luster and shine...they glistened. He had a closed system and watched his water parameters closely.

[koiloco]

Around 7.0 will be better according to my personal experience.
Also keep your water soft.

Buy a benigoi and see if you can keep it from going orange
tougher than keeping the hi on kohaku.

[kingkong]

Good idea koiloco, I will look for one at the show in Orlando. Here is one from Genki's collection.

[PapaBear]

Limestone Hills? Keeping Beni in Sumi water ... You said yours is a flowthrough system. An in no filtration at all or just minimal with trickling overflow water exchange? The reason I ask is because I would have assumed bioactivity would have consumed a reasonable portion of the carbonate load........
If it is a straight up flow through system, would it be feasable to run the water through a carbonate hungry bog garden before hitting the pond? Just curious.

[kingkong]

It would make all the sense in the World but my mt.fuji, thai mountain waterfall oriental garden obsolete...