Mid~Atlantic Koi The Magazine of the Mid-Atlantic Koi Club
October 2013
Chapter Meetings - great way to see beautiful ponds and share the Koi hobby.
Mid~Atlantic Koi The Membership Magazine of the Mid-Atlantic Koi Club
Volume 27, Number 4
October 2013
—Upcoming Event Saugerties Chapter Meeting . . . . . . .27
Beginner’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 MAKC Corporate Members . . . . . . . . . . .7
—MAKC News President’s Message . . . . . . . .4 From the Editor’s Desk . . . . . .6 MAKC Health Hotline Volunteers . . . . . . . . .6 Treasurer’s Report . . . . . . . . .27 F..A..S..T Ads . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Ad Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Why Install a Bottom Drain? . . . . . . . . . .8 Don Harrawood, Koi Health Advisor, Texas
Heat Therapy Can Work Wonders . . . .10 Ben Plonski, Laguna Koi Ponds
Increasing the Size of your Liner Pond 13 Don Harrawood, Koi Health Advisor, Texas
Chlorine and Our Koi Ponds . . . . . . . . .16 Erik .L. Johnson, DVM
Teapot Fountain Instructions . . . . . . . .20
Mid-Atlantic Koi Deadlines for articles, meeting announcements and ads Nov/Dec Issue Deadline: October 15 Available Online: November 15
Julee S., Bangor, Michigan
The Koi Days of August! Saugerties Chapter Report . . . . . . . . . . .24 RoseMarie Ehrich, New York
On the Road to a Koi Event . . . . . . . . . . .26 Jan/Feb Issue Deadline: Available Online:
December 15 January 15
Picture to Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 MAKC Membership Application . . . . .31
Saugerties Chapter meeting held at Harriet and Paul Tomasko’s Home.
Mid-Atlantic Koi Magazine Editor, Carolyn Weise
Advertising Editor, Philip Gray
(516) 486-5163
philiegray@mac.com
Meeting/Events Editor, Joyce Spears (856) 832-4922 gjs63@comcast.net FAST Ads Editor, Philip Gray
(516) 486-5163
Billing and Collections, Floyd Broussard (703) 491-4921
Page 2 Mid-Atlantic Koi
makcmag@makc.com
(239) 573-6650 x105
philiegray@mac.com fbrou2801@verizon.net
October 2013
MAKC Executive Committee President Philip Gray
(516) 486-5163
philiegray@mac.com
Cell (516) 967-4966 Vice-President Bernie Szer
(516) 241-4655
Dinah Bwint
(610) 287-9178
Anthony Vitale
(516) 420-0740
gasssman246@aol.com
Secretary sanke@verizon.net
Treasurer nyssba96@aol.com
Central Chapter Vice-President
Remember to Renew Your Membership
Looking for a Volunteer Long Island Chapter Vice-President Bruce Levine
(516) 735-2644
bruce@li-koi.com
North Chapter Vice-President Dan Bitcon
(973) 699-2186
DanVideo@aol.com
Saugerties (NY) Chapter Vice-President Herb Ehrich
(845) 247-7105
koiking15@yahoo.com
South Chapter Vice-President Chuk Nixon
(301) 717-7702
chuknixon@aol.com
Standing Committe es Membership Barry Hixson
(610) 262-5184 makcmembers@verizon.net AKCA Representative
Philip Gray
(516) 486-3807
philiegray@mac.com
MAKC Sales Ruth & Gene Rice
(304) 725-2333
sew4Koi@comcast.net
MAKC Notice Group Manager Michael Snyder
(301) 762-2059
makc@imsnyder.com
WebMaster Wayne Orchard
(828) 693-3851 waynesorchard@gmail.com Japanese Cultural Coordinator
Floyd Broussard
(703) 491-4921 fbrou2801@verizon.net
Exe c ut ive B o ard Adv is or y Committe e Joe Zuritsky
(215) 575-4001 jzuritsky@parkwaycorp.com
Betty Roemer
(828) 697-2692
roroemer@mchsi.com
Art Lembke
(410) 867-0270
artsKoi1@aol.com
Mike Riordan
(732) 747-6089
Koidog1@verizon.net
Gene Rice
(304) 725-2333
RiceGene@comcast.net
Eric Wilson
(613) 421-7890
wilseric@rogers.com
Ellie Cooper
(610) 865-1163
mamakoi@verizon.net
Don’t Wait – Do it Today. Renewal form you can print out is on page 31.
Ja p a n es e Cul tur a l Adv is er Misa Sitterly
(703) 490-0770
sitterly@comcast.net
MAKC Home Page: http://www.makc.com
Production: Cindy Graham, NextUp Creations
October 2013
Mid-Atlantic Koi is the magazine of the Mid-Atlantic Koi Club. Material is selected for its interest to Koi keepers. MAKC accepts no responsibility for accuracy of content. Reproduction of uncopyrighted articles is permitted as long as this magazine is credited as the source. Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 3
President’s Message by Philip Gray Suggestions4MAKC@gmail.com
Hello All:
Please join me in recognizing Wayne Orchard for an exceptional job as Web Master and much more (like Koi Show Chairman and Koi America Event Chairperson) over the past 17 years with the Mid-Atlantic Koi Club. Wayne Orchard and his wife, Susan Boland, were early MAKC members and have been a huge driving force behind the success of MAKC. We greatly appreciate all of the work, time and service you have dedicated to MAKC. We are still in search of volunteers to take on the responsibilities of Web Club Sales Coordinator and Advertising Editor. If you have an interest in taking on these roles, please reach out (Suggestions4MAKC@gmail.com or 516-967-4966). Don’t wait your club needs you. As always, I welcome your partnership in our upcoming collaborative events, as well as your suggestions regarding events and topics you would like to see MAKC provide to its members in 2014. Let’s make it another great year! I want to thank everyone again, who joined us in making the Club BBQ a success and look forward to seeing you all soon. Philip
Page 4 Mid-Atlantic Koi
October 2013
Beginner’s Corner Ask a question and we will get you an answer.
Question
the mix, these are primarily fiberglass, and they should be pond neutral.
Hi, I have just added another pond to my property. The pond has a smaller upper pond feeding the lower pond. This upper pond is for plants and such. I am thinking of adding decorative fountains directly into the top pond. This way water flowing down will flow into the pond. A major manufacture uses Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete in there fountains. I've also seen how to turn an ordinary vase into a bubbling water feature. I am concerned about toxins contaminating my water leaching from the clay or concrete.
Your whole idea sounds great, hope you find something to fit your idea. Note: This column offers suggestions only; the ultimate care of your pond and fish is up to you.
Wanted – Your Questions Please email your questions to makcmag@makc.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Craig S.
Answer Dear Craig, Adding a fountain to your pond should be very nice. But you have to be very careful about the type of material in the fountain. You mentioned fiberglass reinforced concrete. Good choice, but you should soak it in Muriatic acid for a day then rinse it with lots of water. This will neutralize most of the lime in the concrete. If you don’t the lime will make your pH go way up quickly, BAD for the fish, quick changes in pH up or down are very stressful for the fish. Other choices for the fountain are fired clay or composite material that doesn’t have concrete in October 2013
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 5
From the Editor’s Desk by Carolyn Weise makcmag@makc.com
MAKC Health Hotline Volunteers Tom Burton
Hi, Koi Friends!
Middletown, NJ
732-671-7045
Jan & Bill Fogle Wayne, PA
610-687-3105
Floyd Broussard Woodbridge, VA
703-491-4921
There’s so much to learn about pond and Koi ownership. It seems the more you know, the more you want to learn, right?
Terri Janas
Ashburn, VA
703-729-2988
Jeff Nicholson
Odenton, MD
301-912-1928
Well, if you didn’t install a bottom drain the first time, I’d seriously suggest one for your next pond. Don Harrawood, KHA, was kind enough to give us an article on Bottom Drains for this issue.
All members have microscopes and health books. In the event of a recorded message, please suggest a time when you're home to receive a return call or when you'd like to call back.
Also, if you plan to increase the size of your pond, we have another of Don’s articles to guide you.
Please remember that advice is given based on your input–the ultimate responsibility and treatment must remain with you.
Well, what about water quality? That’s probably the number one issue for all of us. Chlorine is a no-no in a Koi pond. Chloramine isn’t wanted either. But it will be okay to have a little in a Teapot Fountain if there are no fish (and maybe no plants). What about those of you with sick fish? See what Ben Plonski of Laguna Koi Ponds says about using Heat Therapy in treating fish. Now, I wish I had a good article on re-lining a hard-lined pond, such as gunnite or, as my pond is, Diamondbrite (what they make the Florida pools out of). I just keep having more problems with my pond that you would not believe! The fish are happy and so far, healthy, but the darned pond, gee whiz. Now, the flaking of the lining is clogging my pump, stopping the filtration… Stay tuned. Together in Koi, Carolyn Page 6 Mid-Atlantic Koi
October 2013
M A KC
Corporate
Members
www.mazuri.com
Quality Koi Company Nisei Koi Farm 856-299-7564 info@qualitykoi.com
www.qualitykoi.com
Interested in becoming a Corporate Member?
East Coast – Patio Ponds, LTD 301-874-8440 West Coast – Laguna Koi Ponds 949-494-5107
www.MatalaUSA.com October 2013
Reasonable one time fee for the year – includes a Business Card size ad in all issues in this section and on the MAKC website. Contact Barry Hixson at 610-262-5184 or makcmembers@verizon.net Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 7
Why Install a Bottom Drain? by Don Harrawood, Koi Health Advisor, Texas
any pond owners have found that adding a bottom drain helps keep a pond cleaner. Fish waste and other muck that accumulates on a pond bottom, can be easily removed by a bottom drain. Some pond builders still insist on building ponds without bottom drains, either because it is easier, or they have been erroneously informed that one is unnecessary. Fish health requires the circulation and filtration of pond water from the bottom of the pond.
M
No matter how small a pond installation, it is always to one’s maintenance advantage to install a Page 8 Mid-Atlantic Koi
October 2013
bottom drain or a bulkhead fitting where one can be added. The installation can be gravity fed away from the pond, or it can be connected to the suction side of a pump. Even if you do not plan to install a filter system right away this plumbing can be capped for eventual hookup. Bottom drains are critical in ponds with heavy fish loads. The single biggest mistake people make in their rush to see the finished result of a new pond is omitting the bottom drain. All the waste in the pond will collect near the deepest location at the bottom. Without a bottom drain, this waste collects and rots. Continual build-up of this rotting material produces hydrogen sulfide gas, and will ultimately cause poor water quality and health problems for the fish. This condition is generally not seen in very new ponds. The result is seen as a gradual buildup of waste material on the pond bottom. It is generally most evident after the first year.
should have a minimum flow rate of at least 1000 gallons per hour. Fish waste and fish respiration produce ammonia. Ammonia is heavier than water and will accumulate in the bottom of the pond. Ammonia is toxic to fish when it begins to accumulate in the pond. Functioning biological converters will break down the ammonia to harmless products through the Nitrification cycle, however ammonia must first be removed from the pond bottom and fed into the bio-converter, hence, the function of the bottom drain. Remember, a quality Koi pond must consist of a mechanical filter, a bio-converter, a bottom drain and a skimmer. Also a waterfall for aeration, a U. V. sterilizer for green algae control, and a minimum water depth of 3 feet is highly desirable. ď ś SKAPA Newsletter April 2013
The most commonly reported reason for failure to install a bottom drain is an apprehension to put a hole in the liner. Drain bulkheads can successfully be installed in pond liners. In liner or concrete ponds without bottom drains, drains can be retrofitted with external plumbing and do an excellent job. The tremendous amount of time you will save in maintenance, and the improvement of fish health, by adding a bottom drain are well worth the effort. The bottom drain should not be confused with an outlet to a sewer. A bottom drain functions as part of the pond's re-circulation system. It is generally accepted that bottom drains are a must for Koi and should be fitted to all ponds under construction, those ponds being modified, or those having alterations such as fitting a new liner. A bottom drain connected to a filter is recommended any time you want the cleanest pond possible. Drains should be spaced no further apart than 10 - 12 feet. Each drain October 2013
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 9
K oi Hea lt h
Heat Therapy Can Work Wonders by Ben Plonski, Laguna Koi Ponds
oi are not truly a cold-water species. Although they can live in very cold water, their metabolism functions better when the water temperature is near 76°F. A Koi’s immune system is very slow below 65°F. Many Koi ponds throughout the world never reach the prime temperature for Koi.
K
Heating a pond may not be practical or economical. However, an indoor tank, complete with heater and filter system, is within most hobbyists’ grasp.
Viruses, bacteria, and parasites all cure more quickly when the Koi’s immune system is functioning properly. When a Koi is weak or diseased, he can go into heat therapy with or without medication. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites all cure more quickly when the Koi’s immune system is functioning properly. In essence, this is what happens when people get a fever. It is [a] warm-blooded animal’s natural response to activate the immune system. Koi, being cold-blooded, do not have this advantage. We have maintained an insulated room with 8 warm tanks at Laguna Koi Ponds for years now. Most Koi respond very positively to the warmer water.
Page 10 Mid-Atlantic Koi
Viral Viral infections like lymphocystis (white globular growths) can be cured at 80-84°. Viral diseases are only treated by the fish’s natural defenses. There are no effective medications.
Bacteria Bacterial diseases like aeromonas, “hole in the side,” mouth rot, etc., are often cured without any antibiotics at 80-84°F. In this situation, a combination of factors are in effect; the aeromonas bacteria does not live well in elevated temperatures and the Koi’s immune system is very high.
Bacterial diseases like aeromonas...are often cured without antibiotics... The most severe cases do receive antibiotics incorporated into the food. Salt at 0.3%-0.5% (2.5-4 lbs/ 100 gallons respectively) is usually maintained during therapy. Recovery is rapid (1-3weeks). Some cases of bacterial dropsy (bloat) have been cured. Koi which receive too much pellet food in the winter can become congested and acquire bacterial dropsy symptoms. Food is not being digested at low temperatures and begins to ferment. The body bloats and the scales will protrude and show bleeding (a pine cone effect). Heat therapy gets the digestive enzymes working. October 2013
Feeding with a medicated food in warmer water has cured some cases of dropsy. This can be a difficult disease to treat due to its complex nature; early treatment is necessary and the heat should be considered.
...raise the temperature very slowly However, depending on the actual disease organism, heat therapy can speed its growth and kill the Koi sooner. A better method would be to raise the temperature very slowly to only 70° and initiate antibiotic therapy with salt at 0.5%.
Parasites Parasites will be treated more quickly in warm water. Weak Koi will gain vitality and strength and will have an enhanced ability to cope with the parasitic infestation. Some parasites are
encrusted on the Koi and chemical treatments are infectual. Warm water speeds up the parasite life cycle, releasing the cysts allowing the medication to kill the subsequent free swimming “spores.”
Caution Do not raise the Koi’s water temperature too fast. Parasites and bacteria can also grow more quickly in warm water. The fish’s system takes time to adjust but the disease organisms do not. Raise the temperature from an ambient at 3 to 5° intervals every 24 hours to 80-84°F. Maintain a stable temperature for 4 to 6 weeks after cure, then slowly drop the temperature to match that of the pond water. This will ensure a stronger Koi and ease the fish’s transition back to the pond. We would highly recommend serious hobbyists use a heated tank for medication purposes. Heater wattage should be approximately 2 to 3 watts per gallon. Aquarium style heaters work well with submersible or non-submersible types available. Use as large a treatment tank as possible, minimum of 100 gallons. Always provide an established biofilter so waste products do not accumulate. Stability of all environmental factors is the key. Try heat therapy. Your Koi will warmly thank you! To find other articles from this author Ben Plonski, Laguna Koi Ponds, see the Laguna Koi website for their complete library of articles - go to www.lagunakoi.com. Re-printed from the Mid-Columbia Koi & Pond’s newsletter.
October 2013
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 11
Page 12 Mid-Atlantic Koi
October 2013
Increasing the Size of your Liner Pond by Don Harrawood, Koi Health Advisor, Texas
Original pond with new area dug out. (Photo courtesy of USA Koi.)
f you are planning to increase the size of your liner pond, here are some suggestions that you may want to consider:
I •
placed inside the pond. Used carpet makes a good padding for this, and can generally be had for free when getting it from a company that sells and installs new carpet.
Dig your pond before trying to select the liner size. Buy a new larger liner instead of trying to splice two liners together.
Make your new pond at least 3´ deep in some area to help protect your Koi from predators.
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Calculate liner size to include at least 24˝ excess liner in all directions. This leaves an excess of 12˝ on all four sides of the pond.
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When buying a new liner, consider the 0.045” thick EPDM rubber liner only. This material is the very best and is warranted against deterioration for 20 years.
•
Rubber liners should have an under padding to protect the liner from being damaged when October 2013
•
While modifying your pond, you may want to put your fish in a large tank for survival until the new pond is finished. A six or eight foot diameter child’s above ground plastic swimming pool provides an economical choice. Here are some suggestions after setting up a tank: o Put some of your old pond water in the tank to start. o Place a net over the tank to prevent Koi from jumping out of the tank. o Provide aeration in the tank for the Koi. Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 13
o If possible, connect your pond filter to the tank to take advantage of the beneficial bacteria in the filter. o If you cannot provide filtration in the tank, you must check ammonia level frequently and make a water change when ammonia appears during the test. o Make sure to add de-chlorinator when adding city water, and keep an aerator running to provide needed oxygen for the Koi.
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Feed the Koi sparingly once per day. This will decrease the amount of ammonia expelled into the water in the tank.
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A skimmer should be placed as far away from the water fall as possible. Pond surface water should flow from the water fall to the skimmer at the other end of the pond. The skimmer will collect leaves and other debris that float on the pond’s surface.
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Koi Ponds require aeration. One good way to provide oxygen is with a water fall. A long cascading water fall will provide more oxygen to the water than will a simple water fall that merely spills over into the pond. The longer the water surface is exposed to the air, the more oxygen the water will pick up from the air. Shallow streams running into the pond is a good source of oxygen.
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Make sure there is a ridge all around your pond that is at least 6” high to prevent run-off water from the yard from entering the pond. This prevents fertilizers, yard chemicals, etc. from running into your pond and poisoning your fish.
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Do not allow nooks and crannies to be built in the pond where the water will become stagnant. If such occurs, provide a means of water circulation, such as a venturi, in those areas.
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Do not allow water from your roof or overhang to run into the pond. To do so will invite all kinds of toxins that have accumulated on the roof to enter the pond during rains.
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Construct one or more bottom drains running to a filter to remove waste accumulations on the pond bottom. Slope your pond bottom towards the drains in order to make them more effective. In a Koi pond, it is essential to have a bottom drain in order to filter the water from the pond’s bottom. Bottom drains should be placed near the center of the pond. In larger ponds, bottom drains should be placed 10’ to 12’ apart. Do not place the bottom drain just beneath the water fall. This will cause water circulation dead spots elsewhere in the pond.
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Do not cover the pond bottom with rocks or gravel. This causes debris to accumulate and decay and impedes the ability of debris to flow into the bottom drain.
Page 14 Mid-Atlantic Koi
The filter system should be sufficient to filter the complete pond volume every hour. Ideally, both the mechanical filter and the bio-converter should have at least this flow rate. More is better. When re-building your pond, do some homework in order to select the best pump for your application. Select a pond pump designed for constant running duty, and one that will furnish your required flow (gallons / hour) with the least amperage or wattage ratings. Koi pond pumps, filters and waterfalls should run continually in order to supply needed filtration and oxygen. A submersible pump properly placed can replace a bottom drain.
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When considering water flow rates, don’t forget that most filters will allow only so much water to pass through them. A filter can become a water flow restriction even though the pump is rated with much higher flow rate. Determine the October 2013
Pond with new large addition completed. (Photo courtesy of USA Koi.)
filter flow rate from the manufacturer’s specification data for the device.
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Add an ultraviolet light to the system to prevent green water and to help keep the water clean.
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Don’t guess at the water volume. After the pond is built, check it with the salt method. Gallons = pounds of salt added to the pond times 12, all divided by the change in percentage of salinity (an accurate salinity meter is required for these salinity readings). This volume will include the entire system. Another accurate means of determining pond volume is filling the pond through a water flow metering device.
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Many Koi are killed or seriously stressed because owners add too much medication or pond additives, thinking their water volume is much different than it actually is. When determining the amount of pond additives, remember that decimal points can and do kill.
October 2013
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If pond water shows high in ammonia or nitrites, make sufficient water changes to get it down to acceptable level until the bio-converter is established. This may take weeks and several water changes depending upon water temperature. Do not forget to add sufficient de-chlorinator to the added water.
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It is important that the pond owner has water test kits capable of testing for Ammonia and Nitrites. These two substances, plus lack of sufficient oxygen, are the most likely killer of Koi. Should you have any questions regarding the above, or any other pond or fish related items, please send me an email at dharrawo@elp.rr.com Thank you to Mark Bodycott for the pictures USA Koi, 463 Fish Pond Rd., Glassboro, NJ 08028 856-881-7088 • www.usakoi.com Aritcle re-printed from the SKAPA newsletter. Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 15
Chlorine and Our Koi Ponds by Erik .L. Johnson, DVM
he experimental use of chlorine began in the 1890's to combat water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. It quickly gained widespread acceptance because of its low cost and high efficiency in killing just about everything hazardous in water.
T
The problem with chlorine is that it is a known toxin and the implications of drinking this toxin over the long-term (i.e. your lifetime) is highly uncertain. Chlorine disinfection of water works by the formation of Hypochlorous and Hydrochloric acid. It is an extremely reactive substance and may also chemically bond with other substances in water, depending on the conditions to form further toxins. For example, it is known that chlorine reacts with naturally occurring phenols in water (which are naturally produced by plant life in water) to form Chlorophenols which are highly toxic to all aquatic life. Chlorine also combines with other natural organic substances to form potent, cancer
causing compounds known as Trihalomethanes (THMs). Trihalomethanes include such carcinogens as chloroform, bromoform, carbon tetrachloride, bischloroethane and others. The amount of THM's in our drinking water is theoretically regulated by the EPA. Although the maximum amount allowed by law is 100 ppb,(parts per billion) a recent study showed 31 of 112 municipal water systems exceeded this limit. Many believe that Disinfection By-Products (DBP's) are the single greatest threat in our water supplies, risking both human health and our
Page 16 Mid-Atlantic Koi
October 2013
aquatic environments. DBP's are contaminants, most of them cancer causing, that are left behind by the very chemical (chlorine) that is used to make water drinkable. Trihalomethanes are associated with an increased risk of bladder and rectal cancer, possibly accounting for 5,000 new cases of bladder cancer and 8,000 new cases of rectal cancer every year in the United States. Other disinfection by-products can cause adverse effects on the liver, nervous and reproductive systems. Over 2100 contaminants have been detected in U.S. drinking water since 1974 with 190 known or suspected to cause adverse human health effects. In total, 97 carcinogens and suspected carcinogens, 82 mutagens and suspected October 2013
mutagens, 28 acute and chronic contaminants and 23 tumor promoters have been detected in U.S. drinking water. The remaining 90% of the organic matter present in drinking water has not been identified to date. Approximately 230 million Americans (that's 90% of the population!) drink chlorinated water which also could contain hundreds of disinfection by-products. A new study on cancer risks in chlorinated water conducted by the Ontario Treatment and Research Foundation and the University of Toronto found: •
Long-term consumption of chlorinated water increases the risk of bladder and colon cancer. Between 10% to 13% of all Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 17
THM's are a big pollutant because of the amount of chlorination used. They are a separate class of chemical from chlorine itself. Just because a drinking water system removes chlorine does not mean that it will remove THM's. In the last 60 years more water authorities world wide have been combining Chlorine with Ammonia when treating water supplies which creates Chloramine. Chloramine, whilst less toxic than chlorine is a very stable substance and therefore provides long term disinfection properties whereas chlorine is quickly dispersed. Chloramine is more difficult to remove from your water supplies than chlorine and is still very damaging to aquatic life. At low levels, chlorine and chloramine will stress your Koi, burn fins and gill tissues and strip mucus. They will also cause irreparable internal organ damage. Safe levels of chlorine and chlorine derivatives in water for fish life are less than 0.10mg/litre according to the EA in the United Kingdom.
So beware The message is clear bladder and colon cancer in Ontario may be attributed to disinfection by-products in chlorinated water. •
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There is a 60% increase in the risk of bladder cancer for people exposed to high levels of disinfection by-products for more than 35 years as compared to people with little or no exposure. Long-term drinking and bathing in chlorinated water likely causes a 34% increase in the incidence of bladder and colon cancer. The risk increases with the length of exposure and the concentration of disinfection by-products in the water.
Page 18 Mid-Atlantic Koi
•
Ensure that when you top up your pond you do so via a purifier utilizing activated carbon
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Always use a dechlorinator when adding water to your pond, even if you use a purifier.
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Test your water for the presence of chloramines – especially during the summer when chlorination levels are increased.
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Stop drinking water and drink more beer! October 2013
Happy Halloween!
Are you getting your pond ready for the fall/winter? Winter will be here before you know it. October 2013
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 19
Teapot Fountain Instructions by Julee S., Bangor, Michigan www.hometalk.com Here are the instructions of how we made my teapot fountain. Hope it helps with all of you who are interested!
2. We then built a support for the gold pan
and dropped the unit into the whiskey barrel. We added a fountain pump and inserted tubing up through the tee on the bottom of the pipe that supports the teapot and into the teapot.
1. We drilled a hole in the
teapot and then threaded it. We attached flanges to a solid concrete block to support both the teapot and the gold pan. The block is heavy enough to support the weight of the unit underwater.
Page 20 Mid-Atlantic Koi
October 2013
3. Add water and you’re done! The unit is free standing so it can be leveled and no holes are drilled in the whiskey barrel. I put it all away every winter and take it out and set it up in the spring.
4. Last year we poured a
concrete base that the whiskey barrel sits on so it doesn't sink into the dirt. See the final fountain placed in the garden on the next page.
October 2013
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 21
Teapot Fountain
ď ś
Page 22 Mid-Atlantic Koi
October 2013
Books Available on Amazon.com KOISHI by Mamoru Kodama Learn about Japanese Koi Breeding, Farms and the Breeders. Read the history of Koi varieties and great insights to Koi in Japan.
ABC’s of Ponds – Have a friend interested in building a pond? Are you a beginner? This beautifully illustrated hard cover book is packed with pond & water feature fundamentals plus many little known secrets to successful pond keeping!
The RISE Method Want to learn how to make your pond projects look more natural? Written by Rick Bartel, international acclaimed pond builder.
October 2013
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 23
The Koi Days of August! Saugerties Chapter Report by RoseMarie Ehrich, New York
earning how to split plant material was the topic which dominated the meeting on Sunday, August 18, 2013.
L
The Saugerties Chapter held their meeting at the home and pond of Harriet and Paul Tomasko. Their home is located near Woodstock in a wooded area surrounded by nature at its best. The meadow directly behind their pond is home to many Page 24 Mid-Atlantic Koi
October 2013
different creatures. It was a delightful way to enjoy a summer afternoon. Herb and Paul demonstrated how to split water lilies, arrowheads and iris plants. Later these plants were auctioned and all proceeds were sent to MAKC. Herb played the “identification game.” Along with Paul and other members, certain Koi were selected and then identified. October 2013
During the afternoon meeting, Harriet shared with everyone her homemade tomato pie, and pinwheels, both were delicious and quickly disappeared! Soon it was time to close the meeting, but everyone agreed it was a wonderful afternoon. Our next meeting was on September 22 at the home and pond of Edda and Richard in Pleasantville, New York. Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 25
On the Road to a Koi Event October 4–6
South Carolina Koi & Goldfish Show Simpsonsville, SC, Contact: Jim Suerth, Co-Chair 864-879-1369
October 11-13
21st Annual Texas Koi & Fancy Goldfish Society - ZNA Show Latest information on Texas Koi and Fancy Goldfish Society - ZNA on facebook. Or contact Ray Jordan at rjordan8@swbell.net
November 9-10
Southern Arizona Koi Association 34th Koi Show Tucson, Arizona Show Chairperson Brent VanKoevering bvankoevering@longrealty.com www.sakoia.org Visit SAKA on Facebook
2014 March 1–2
Koi Club of San Digeo 27th Koi Show San Digeo, California Check club’s website for updates www.koiclubsandiego.org
March 7–9
magazine or at www.makc.com. We always need volunteers for meetings and shows. We hope to see more of you visiting shows, attending club meetings, and volunteering to help at Koi events this year. It is amazing how much you can learn by helping. Take advantage of being an MAKC member and participate in the club events. See you soon at a Koi event.
Central Florida Koi Show 2014 Orlando, Florida www.cfks.org Have an upcoming Koi event, please send the information to makcmag@makc.com. We will be glad to include it in future articles. Don’t forget your own MAKC Club has events coming up that can be found in our digital Page 26 Mid-Atlantic Koi
Send your meeting and event information to Joyce Spears 856-832-4922 or gjs63@comcast.net. Deadline October 15th for the Nov/Dec 2013 issue. October 2013
M A KC E v e n t s Saugerties Chapter Meeting Sunday, October 20 Hosted by Jack Paparo Woodstock, NY Contact Herb Ehrich for additional information (845) 247-7105 · koiking15@yahoo.com November meeting tentatively scheduled for November 17th.
Check with your Chapter Vice-President for additional upcoming events. Need to Change Your email or Home Address? Have Questions about your Membership Status? Contact: Barry Hixson 5465 Towanda Dr. Bethlehem, PA 18017 610-262-5184 or makcmembers@verizon.net Renew Your MAKC Membership by printing out page 37 and mailing it to Barry. October 2013
Treasurer’s Report Submitted by Anthony Vitale, New York Balance as of July 31, 2013 Income: Auctions Memberships Total Income
$19,103.64
55.00 82.00 $137.00
Expenses: Web Hosting Host Fees Printing/Publication Domain Registration Total Expenses
313.98 50.14 800.00 64.95 $1,229.07
Balance as of August 31, 2013
$17,511.57
Outstanding Item: Accounts Receivable Tri-State Koi Club Book Balance
500.00
$18,011.57
Reserve Account/Prepaid Memberships Interest Income
.18
Balance as of August 31, 2013 Club Total Balance
$6,409.39 $24,420.96
www.makc.com Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 27
F..A..S..T.. Ads – October Disclaimer: MAKC and its officers assume no responsibility for claims of advertisers or the quality/serviceability of goods offered.
MAKC Member Needs Your Help Non-fish-eating cats, won't hurt your pond fish! - LOVING CATS NEED GOOD HOMES. Passing of spouse forces me to find homes for both inside and outside cats. All neutered. Phone 973-390-6490 with what you are looking for and we can match you with your new best friend.
CLOSING POND/Woodbridge, VA. 25 Koi need a new home. Most are 24 to 30 inches, 2 are 32 inches. Contact Floyd Broussard @ 703 491-4921 or fbrou2801@verizon.net for apt to view. QUALITY SHOW KOI. Show quality Koi for sale. Need to thin out my pond contact philiegray@mac.com
WANTED
FOR SALE
KOI. Foster Home. Large natural pond. Happy to accept your overgrown or unwanted “children.” Call Rich Menashe in Metuchen, NJ, 732-767-0720.
Remember any MAKC member can list their Koi, pond, or related items for sale here in your magazine at no charge. Please contact Ellie today if you have something for sale.
KOI. Wanted Healthy Pond Grade KOI over 10˝. Will pay reasonable prices. I have a 750,000 gallon pond and will adopt any unwanted KOI. Call Joseph Pollock in Virginia at 540-788-9222.
BAMBOO. Winter hardy and tropical for indoors. Thinning collection. Reasonable prices. Call Ron Altman, NY 718-442-1673 (Office) or 908-658-3055 (H).
KOI. Wanted for large deep natural pond next to soon to be built wine tasting room in wine country of Northern Virginia. Happy to accept any and all Koi of any size and color. Stop by and visit them next year when our tasting room opens. Call Mark Malick in Purcellville, VA, 540-270-3399 (cell).
F..A..S..T.. Ads Policy & Deadlines F..A..S..T.. Ads are available FREE to MAKC members only; no commercial ads. Ads are limited to 10 items and must include name, phone number, town and state. Deadline is the 1st of each month. Help do you have an hour or two? We need a volunteer to manage this page. Please contact
Philip Gray • 516-486-5163 philiegray@mac.com Page 28 Mid-Atlantic Koi
KOI BITO MAGAZINES – in good condition. Send list with asking price, or call Roger Klocke 701-491-2803, E-mail at rklockejr@aol.com. Mailing address: Roger Klocke, 4805 Meadow Creek Dr., Fargo, ND 58104. KOI STORE EMPLOYEE. Looking for a knowledgeable Koi and pond hobbyist. Part-time, competitive pay. Outstanding employee discounts! Call John at Blue Ribbon Koi Products. 703-753-7566. October 2013
MAKC CENTRAL CHAPTER VICEPRESIDENT. Schedule 4 to 12 meetings per year. This includes making sure that the meeting announcement is submitted to the magazine and the MAKC website. Plenty of advice and support are available. Your "compensation" .... knowing that you have given back to MAKC and your fellow members. Please don't wait for someone else to step forward! MAKC is a membership organization. If more than one person is interested, you can share the fun! E-mail Philip Gray at philiegray@mac.com or call 516-486-5163.
To become a member or renew is easy. Fill out the form on page 31, mail it in and violia you are a member!
Mid-Atlantic Koi Ad Index Aquaculture Bead Filter Specialists . . . . . . .7, 23 Aquatic Nutrition –
Long Island Fish Hospital . . .29 Matala USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Mazuri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Blackwater Gold–N . . . . . . . .5
Microbe-Lift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Books on Amazon . . . . . . . . .23
Nisei Koi Farm . . . . . . . . . .7, 12
Hikari . . . . . . . . . .7, Back Cover
Pentair Aquatic
Kloubec Koi Farm . . . . . . . . . .9
Eco-Systems, Inc. . . . . . . . . .6
Kodama Koi Farm . . . . . . .7, 12
Quality Koi Company . . . .7, 12
Advertise in Mid-Atlantic Koi! Ad Rates from $15/issue* for a business card ad to $300/issue* for a full page color ad. Reach your target audience of Koi keepers & water gardeners each month and leave your competition in the dust!! Contact Philip Gray at 516-486-5163 (leave message) or e-mail: philiegray@mac.com to request information on our advertiser packages and/or a copy of our ad rate sheet. *With an annual 10 issue contract.
October 2013
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 29
A Picture to Share
Ken & Carole’s pond, taken during the Long Island Pond Tour! Photo shared by MAKC Member Susan Levine. Have a picture to share? Send your photos to the Editor, Carolyn Weise at makcmag@makc.com. ď ś Page 30 Mid-Atlantic Koi
October 2013
MAKC Membership Application
W
e are pleased that you have inquired about membership in the Mid-Atlantic Koi Club. The club meets monthly at convenient regional locations in the Mid-Atlantic area and also publishes an informative monthly magazine (bi-monthly in Nov/Dec & Jan/Feb).
Our dues are $30 per year, per family (includes $15.00 for a one-year subscription to Mid-Atlantic Koi Online Magazine). The club year runs June 1st through May 31st of the following year. (Dues are pro-rated per month. Those who join in January or after are also asked to join for the following year.) Join for 4 years for $100 and save - $20. Overseas Membership - $40 per year. Corporate Membership $275 per year which includes advertising and other benefits. Call Barry Hixson at 610-262-5184 or e-mail: makcmembers@verizon.net for details. Please consult the following chart for the proper amount and send your check (payable to the Mid-Atlantic Koi Club) to me, Barry Hixon, 5465 Towanda Dr., Bethlehem, PA 18017. Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
$42.50
$40
$37.50
$35
$32.50
$30
$27.50
$25
$22.50
$20
$17.50
$15
As soon as I receive your check, I will send you a "Welcome to MAKC" email and a list of upcoming meetings in your area. You will also be given the date of your membership expiration. Your email will be added to our MAKC Notice Group to allow you to receive MAKC news and up-to-date information. A great source of information is our MAKC website: www.makc.com. The MAKC membership list may be made available (upon approval by the MAKC Executive Committee) for the dissemination of Koi-related information.
Welcome to MAKC! I sincerely believe you will enjoy it as much as we all do. Barry Hixson Membership Committee Mid-Atlantic Koi Club
PLEASE PRINT (You may omit any information that may be sensitive such as unlisted phone numbers or email accounts.) LAST NAME ________________________ FIRST NAME(S) _________________________ (If Applicable) CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP NAME: ______________________________________ ADDRESS ______________________________ CITY__________________ STATE _____ ZIP______ TELEPHONE ______________________ E-MAIL ________________________________ OCCUPATION(S)______________________ Do you have a pond?____ Dimensions____________ Gallons________ Type filter________________ Do you keep Koi or Goldfish?__________ Type______________ Size___________ How Many? ______ Are there any Koi related problems you need help with?_________ If so, what kind?_______________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Do you have special talents, knowledge or interest you would be willing to share with us? _________ If so, what kind? __________________________________________________________________ Would you be willing to have a Koi Club meeting at your home? _______________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________ DATE ____________ AMOUNT PAID ___________ October 2013
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 31