Koi colours and water types.

[Richard Kirk]

Does anyone know if there's a link between water hardness and the fading of
the red on Koi, especially Kohaku types?

I seem to recall reading something someplace and during a visit to a dealer
today the topic was discussed. Seems to be he can't keep his koi's red from
fading and we do have hard water.

If there is a link, how does one soften his water?

Cheers

Richard

[Ceos twpc]

Cheers

Richard>>

Verry Interesting! It sure wouldn't surprise me, altho i can't comment on
whether this would be the case. It sounds like one of those water-softening
systems might be in order for your Koi Dealer?
Laurie

[Charles K. Anderson]

Richard Kirk wrote:

> Does anyone know if there's a link between water hardness and the fading of
> the red on Koi, especially Kohaku types?
>
> I seem to recall reading something someplace and during a visit to a dealer
> today the topic was discussed. Seems to be he can't keep his koi's red from
> fading and we do have hard water.
>
> If there is a link, how does one soften his water?
>
> Cheers
>
> Richard

Koi color or rather maintenance of it, is primarily dependent on the type of
food.
In short Reds need more Carotene's, but excessive Carotene's will cause pinker
whites .
Spirulina Platensis <sp> will also produce stronger/brighter reds with out as
much determent to color change to the white. Best results are achieved by
feeding in late summer but can be fed with moderation at any time threw the
feeding season.
Whites are enhanced mostly threw good water quality.
Blacks, well you should do well there as best results are achieved in harder
water conditions, 8.5 being ideal for that.
BEWARE that hard water also causes increased mortality rates threw higher levels
of toxic N-compounds.
As much as I hate to say this, if you really want nice color to your Koi, the
best alternative would be GREEN WATER as it's rich with Phytoplanktons. Mothers
natures best color enhancer.
Phytoplanktons also have great effect on yellow. (check your labels for
ingredients)
I personally feed (not that I have any idea what I'm doing) a blend of three
foods.
Color enhancer, Wheat germ and an all purpose staple as a filler, 1/3 equal
parts.
Email and I can give you more details on the brands I use and no I do not sell
fish food.

--
Charles K. Anderson
http://www.pondguy.com
CSA Bacteria and Enzymes
C&S Biological Filter System
mailto:pon...@busprod.com
mailto:cha...@pondguy.com

[Jerrispond]

> Does anyone know if there's a link between water hardness and the fading of
>the red on Koi, especially Kohaku types?

I don't know about water hardness, but I have read that red is one of the first
colors to fade, and many koi bought for show grew out of their beautiful red
and it did fade. I also know that show koi are given a year in a clay pond to
brighten up the colors. The water is muddy, and cloudy and they do not know
what they will haul up in the nets. I believe this is called
finishing........Jerri.

[ARDNASYAK]

>I also know that show koi are given a year in a clay pond to
>brighten up the colors.

That is interesting!

Sandra

[Richard Kirk]

Thanks Charles, some very interesting info here, I'm going to share it with
a few friends who also keep Koi. My email richardNO...@polifin.com
or meganNO_...@acenet.co.za. (Obviously drop the NO_SPAM), although I
don't know what I'll be able to find here in South Africa.

Thanks
Richard

Charles K. Anderson wrote in message <38D85574...@pondguy.com>...

>Richard Kirk wrote:
>
>> Does anyone know if there's a link between water hardness and the fading
of
>> the red on Koi, especially Kohaku types?
>>