Hi,

I am busy re-writing the Health Manual for SAKKS. We wrote the original one back in 1992.

I am doing a little research on the different sections - at the moment its Quarantining koi

I asked the question should you quarantine koi before you put them into the pond in a previous post on this forum. All replies said yes you should. BUT read on ....... there are two sections to this post -

Section 1
Your input please -
WHAT are you quarantine facilities? i.e how big, filtration?, oxygenation?, temperature control?
HOW do you quarantine?
HOW LONG do you quarantine for?
WHAT procedures and chemicals/medications do you use during the quarantine period.
AFTER quarantine and you place the new fish into your pond have you experienced any problems?

Second section:
Whilst we all say we should quarantine the reality is quite different. In all honesty - how many people do you know who have koi ponds? And how many of these koi keepers actually have quarantine facilities? How many can actually afford a secon system on their properties.

You will be amazed at the ratio. Getting figures on about 600 ponds less than 5% have quarantine ponds and actually go through a quarantine procedure.

So the next question when faced with this reality .....

If you are one of the 95% of koi keepers with out quarantine facilities and introduce koi directly to your pond what procedure would you follow?

Section 3 (just remembered another one)
Do you trust the dealer you purchase koi from?
If the dealer you have formed a relationship with has a quarantine procedure, goes to the trouble of testing for various things (KHV and bacteria) do you think it is worth doing your own quarantining?

You are welcome to email me directly with your ideas and comments if you have any reservations about your personal feelings on this subject.

I want to collate this information together with the information I already have. Should be an interesting exercise.

Thanks,
Regards,
Chris

Chris,

Quote :

Your input please – Question:-
1:
WHAT are you quarantine facilities? i.e how big, filtration?, oxygenation?, temperature control?
2:
HOW do you quarantine?
3:
HOW LONG do you quarantine for?
4:
WHAT procedures and chemicals/medications do you use during the quarantine period.
5
AFTER quarantine and you place the new fish into your pond have you experienced any problems?

Answer:
1:
6 000lt pond, sand filter+ 2 x 10lt Ultra Zap Bio filters + 6watt UV light, one bottom drain, 2 inlets (one a spray bar) No temperature control
2: -
3:
60 days or longer until temperature is above 22 deg.C
4:
There are always one or two fish in the pond ( to keep filter active)
Salt 3kg/1000lt is added to the pond three days before the new fish arrive.
New fish left for seven days – before scraping for parasites.
If any parasites are found – treat accordingly
5: Before placing new Koi into the pond, they receive a salt bath – as I use garlic the Koi in the pond is free of any parasites.

Quote :

Question:
6:
If you are one of the 95% of Koi keepers without quarantine facilities and introduce koi directly to your pond what procedure would you follow?

Answer:
6:
I would scrap and check if the Koi in my pond is free of any parasites and treat accordingly.
Furthermore read answer 8....................

Quote :

Question:
7:
Do you trust the dealer you purchase Koi from?
8:
If the dealer you have formed a relationship with has a quarantine procedure, goes to the trouble of testing for various things (KHV and bacteria) do you think it is worth doing your own quarantining?

Answer:
7: No, because no Dealer could guarantee a “problem” free fish
8: Yes, you should quarantine the new fish yourself. Remember your fish in your pond could kill the new fish! So if you trust the Dealer, make sure that your own fish are fit and sound. A salt bath could do no harm either!
Most new fish that died after introduced to a pond, do so because of “sick” fish in the pond!

Hi peter
can you tell me more about the salt bath.
how and what ratio of salt
thank's

He said 3kg/1000 litres

Hi David,

The strenght of a salt bath varies, standard doses are between 85-100g per 4,5 litres for ten minutes.
Thoroughly mix and dissolve the salt.
Always check on the fish, if it turns on it's side or when the scales turn "white" or appear to be stressed don't be alarmed by this.
This is the effect of the salt. Leave the fish for the duration of the bath.
After the designated time remove the fish and return it to the pond. The fish should make a quick recovery.

Pond treatment dose rate:
The amount of salt used; 1kg -5kg per 1000lt water.

WARNING: NEVER USE SALT AND FORMALIN TOGETHER!

camo
He said 3kg/1000 litres for the pond not the bath

Sorry didn't read properly

cam0,

Friday moment!

What if you buy your koi from 2 dealers religiously and no one else? This to me seems like a safer option should you not be in a position to have a second pond?