Help w/ new pond (little)

[Meg]

Quote: Originally Posted by huskerfan Hi Everybody, Water is clear but nitrite level is high. whats a quick way to lower it? I've added stuff to help the bacteria(?) brake down and lower level, but doesn't seem to help. Do I just need to wait? Salt content is appx. .2% should I go higher?

10%-20% water changes daily will help,
I believe salt has nothing to do with the nitrite levels?
do the water changes, just waiting may kill your koi.

plan a larger pond build to happen this summer, you will be glad you did.
welcome to the hobby, the good folks here only want the best for your koi

[gcuss]

The salt will help with the nitrites by decreasing nitrite absorption.

Grant

[Meg]

Quote: Originally Posted by gcuss The salt will help with the nitrites by decreasing nitrite absorption. Grant

thank you
I learn a little something every day!

[smithvillemike]

My post might be considered rude, so I pmd instead.

[MikeM]

I hear many new pondkeepers express the idea that koi will grow to fit the size of a pond. I respond that koi will grow until they are too large for the pond, and then die... unless the pond is big enough for fish 2-foot or longer. There are many pond koi produced and sold every year. Millions are the crops of volume producers; some are the inherent consequence of selection for quality fish. Breeders need to sell these to stay afloat, and will always have a market among those who get sold plastic tubs and shallow liner ponds as being koi ponds. As long as everyone involved understands the fish they purchase are temporary ornaments, it's OK with me. But, of course, that is rarely the case. The consumer believes they can keep koi in the puddle they were sold.

There is a real lack of ethics in selling little fish that grow to be huge to uninformed customers... Red-tail catfish, Pacu, Oscars, and so many others are so cute in the 15-gallon aquarium at the pet shop when 5cm or less. Koi can outgrow all of these. It is very sad all around.

[mstrseed]

I know of a breeder on south east Texas who's wife keeps blaping him for askin................. so how big is this pond your gunna put these fish in?
On a few occasions it was like a house payment of Koi.................................

[huskerfan]

Yes, it definitely on the small side. but I also think this web site is occupied by a lot of 'purest' that think you need 2000-3000 gal ponds, blah, blah, blah and they’re right if it’s to be done under perfect situations.

I've learned a lot the last couple weeks from surfing 'net: built a bio filter, added a second 258 gph filter/pump, use a shop vac and vacum bottom removing appx 20 gallons once a week, use salt, etc.. Yes it's 2-3 times a week upkeep, but the water tests out ok. I've also culled a couple of fish so I'm down to 2-8" & 3- 3-4" ….and yes I’m thinking about a LARGER pond for next year.

http://www.koi.com.my/ http://www.watergardenauthority.com/...cal_Filter.jpg

[mstrseed]

Welcome back!!!!!!!!! The TKFGS thanks you!!!!!!!!!!! (inside joke.....)

I would not use salt until its necessary, parasites can become immuned to salt and then it serves no purpose..............

[MysticKoi]

Quote: Originally Posted by mstrseed Welcome back!!!!!!!!! The TKFGS thanks you!!!!!!!!!!! (inside joke.....)

Rats!!!

[Sangreaal]

Quote: Originally Posted by MysticKoi Rats!!!

Ahhh...the life and times of a gamblin' man......