looking for info on koi wintering

[rockman]

I am thinking about wintering at least two of my koi, one I am looking for growth, one I am looking for beni development.

Ideally, would it be best to employ a mud pond?

If anyone has any info on how I can arrange this, preferably in the us, but I would consider japan depending on cost, etc.I would appreciate the info. I have heard of people doing this, wondering what others' thoughts are.

My current pond is heated, but it is a bit crowded and I am curious if I can improve their development if I take my best koi and give them a chance to live in a mud pond for a while.

[CarolinaGirl]

Because of the potential to spread KHV, I doubt you will find anyone willing to let you put your fish in their mud pond with other fish. And even if you did find someone who would rent mud pond space, I would not want my fish in there, knowing that they will be exposed to many other people's fish.

[dick benbow]

I couldn't get past the concept of what he wanted to accomplish.

For growth you'd want to be able to feed and that means warm temps. Hopefully this koi is 2 or under or male.

For beni development, you'd want the koi if old enough to experience winter
to repair naturally from summer growth and allow the color to fill back in. High quality water with good PH (7.4) and stable temp ( 52-53) will help.

All this can be accomplished in home facilities? Most fish in japan come inside where conditions can be controlled.

[KoiCop]

Rockman . . .

It's good to see that you're thinking about helping your koi be all they can be but you need to understand that folks use mud ponds to grow their koi out in the summer -- and bring their fish indoors for the winter.

[aquitori]

I still believe in the concept of seasoning your fish. Wintertime for rest and Summertime for growth.

What part of the country or world are you from Rockman?

[rockman]

Quote: Originally Posted by aquitori I still believe in the concept of seasoning your fish. Wintertime for rest and Summertime for growth. What part of the country or world are you from Rockman?

I am located in Northwest (Seattle area).

I am appreciating everyone's input here!


The koi I am looking for growth is 3 years old, the one I am looking for beni is 2 years.

I have a heather, so I could in concept control at 52-53 (but should I not feed so cold?)...last winter I kept at around 60 C


If I do decide to "season", for how many months should I keep at cold temperature?

[aquitori]

Quote: Originally Posted by rockman I am located in Northwest (Seattle area). I am appreciating everyone's input here! The koi I am looking for growth is 3 years old, the one I am looking for beni is 2 years. I have a heather, so I could in concept control at 52-53 (but should I not feed so cold?)...last winter I kept at around 60 C If I do decide to "season", for how many months should I keep at cold temperature?

First off, what will be your food of choice to feed these fish? Also, if your looking for the beni to get better in winter it should naturally come up in cold water.

Do you have pics of the fish in question?

[rockman]

Quote: Originally Posted by aquitori First off, what will be your food of choice to feed these fish? Also, if your looking for the beni to get better in winter it should naturally come up in cold water. Do you have pics of the fish in question?

To see the fish in question, I have on my koi web page...

Gallery of Koi

...the first fish on the page (kohaku) is one that I would like to improve beni...

...The fish I am looking for growth is third down, the showa...

Having heard many opinions here, I wondering if I need to set up a second small indoor pond (maybe in garage?) where I can keep very warrm and feed the one(s) I want to grow, and the larger pond I can keep heated at a much cooler temperature (like 52-54 as suggested) to see how colors develop.

[aquitori]

Quote: Originally Posted by rockman To see the fish in question, I have on my koi web page... Gallery of Koi ...the first fish on the page (kohaku) is one that I would like to improve beni... ...The fish I am looking for growth is third down, the showa...

The Kohak, I would not feed depending on your temps. The conformation needs to come down abit then you'll see the beni get better. Also Sensuke line Kohaks have persimmon beni anyways, I dont know if your looking for depth or color...

The Showa, I wouldnt rush growth on it. Wait til next spring to start.

[MikeM]

To reach your goal, DickB and Aquitori are giving solid advice... winter is for rest. Summer is for growth. Exception can be made for young fish, but by the third season winter should be experienced. ... We try to 'fake it' in Florida with fasting etc., but I'd love to have my pond temp go down to 55F for a month.