Choosing koi types based on your ponds water and qualities??

[JasPR]

yea, I'm award of that study. But the sumi we look for is associated closely with fat cells. It is the fat layer than becomes the rallying point for individual sumi cells to cluster. And that fat layer and fatty global cells in the dermis build as the fish's skin develops with age. Another 'good way' to make this happen faster is to put a koi in a closed system and feed it a lot of food. This accelerates the skin maturation as well as encourage fat layer formations. JR

[Flounder]

Quote: Originally Posted by PapaBear Just to toss another curveball into the mix, it has been my understanding that high hardness levels impact has more to do with aging/finishing/hardening the finish, rather like a "fixative".

KH or Gh....?

[PapaBear]

Quote: Originally Posted by Flounder KH or Gh....?

I've only read of the two working together at elevated levels to bring that about, but I could easily be wrong. I've only had relatively hard water to work with so my hands on is limited.

[kntry]

This is an interesting topic.

I have a Momotaro Kohaku that has developed several shimies and a window in the Hi on her head. The other fish in the pond that have Hi are fine.

I have a Brady SU male that is 4 years old and about 80% of his Sumi is still submerged. The rest is that thick, wet paint look.

What makes the shimies come up on the Kohaku but the Sumi not come upon the SU?

My water has 0 hardness, 80 alkalinity and 8.5-9 pH. Well water.