OK so after all these years I have KOI! but....

[Jerry]

I did belong to the Ventura County Koi Club. A fine bunch of folks too,  I learned that caring for koi was deamanding and Koi nutrition was a BIG deal.  We see ads touting the dedication needed to keep koi.
Thats why I opted for the very hardy Shubunkns and Goldfsh.

 You may have seen my post here and read how I  found, to my embarassment,  my Shubunkis were NOT KOI!

I never fed them expensive food or tried to give them ideal conditions,after all the were NOT Koi !

SO! Is all that special care a myth?  Or maybe I am just lucky!

[clm]

Your koi look happy and healthy, I'd say you're doing something right.  Now as they get bigger, they're going to tax your filters and may destroy your plants.  I'm sure they're finding lots of natural food in your pond as well, so I woudn't sweat the expensive food thing.  I'm not a believer that expensive equals better anyway.

clm

[Jerry]

I  buy the pond food pellets from a member.  50 or 60 LB. bag.  It is a good deal!
My plants have been damaged for years. I always blamed the Turtles, and they have , of course.
My only concern is my pond being only 4000 Gallons.  Will it be large enough?  The 2 ft depth is not the best, but so far so good.
I have Shiners in there too. The reproduce like mad. Maybe some are eaten by koi and turtles?

if I had it to do over again I'd have built a lake!
I would still like too a rural area.  Make it a place where one could take kids to see the sights and catch fish and charge by the inch!!  I may do it in another life.

[reddad35]

Don't freak out. There is a difference in raising show quality koi vs the 5 or 6 you have in your pond. Feed them just like the are shubunkins. You will keep the size down. Looking at the size of the koi in your pond I would say its still the turtles bothering your plants. I have 5 at and above 24"'s and my plants do fine. Lily''s, water hyacith, parrots feather. I am sure your little koi are not causing havok.

[reddad35]

btw I have a total of 38 koi in my 5500 gallon pond. Filtration is the key. I gave away 10 this spring.

[Jerry]

my 100 gallon Skippy may be okay?

[miguynmkoi]

Glad you figured that out...Koi!  You probably got a real good deal too!  You'll need lots more filtration when they get bigger.  Food wise you're fine, unless you aim to raise prize koi and even then you sort of have to start with named ones.  Lots more filter cleaning with my koi.  Got rid of mine since they were growing out of the small space I had for them.  Sure miss them.

[Jerry]

Annette, you can come visit mine.
I am not opposed to having less fish.

[tranquility]

like others have said continue to feed what you always have....they will be fine..
Lawanna

[Jerry]

I am toying with the idea of a huge tub in the pond, jusy high enough to keep the fish out.  I could have a few colorful lillies at last

[reddad35]

As long as the turtles don't get in. You new koi are not the problem.

[reddad35]

I have colorful lillies zero turtles and 24" koi.

[Marilyn C]

Don't let hoity toity koi club members worry you about taking care of your fish.    I hate to remind them....they are carp...the most plentiful fish in the world.   Now, if you pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for a fish, I can see a little concern, but regular koi....Jerry, your koi are probably happier and healthier than the fancy smacy ones owned by the folks in the koi clubs.

[Jerry]