Mid~Atlantic Koi The Magazine of the Mid-Atlantic Koi Club
August 2014
Mid~Atlantic Koi The Membership Magazine of the Mid-Atlantic Koi Club
Volume 28, Number 2
August 2014
—Upcoming Events Long Island Chapter Meeting . . . . . .31 Saugerties Chapter Meeting . . . . . . .31
Beginner’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 MAKC Corporate Members . . . . . . . . . .7 ZNA Judging Seminar - Sanke . . . . . . . .8
—MAKC News
Jim Reilly, Art Lembke, & Nicole Lembke
President’s Message . . . . . . . .4 From the Editor’s Desk . . . . .6 MAKC Health Hotline Volunteers . . . . . . . .24 Sunshine Column . . . . . . . . .30 Treasurer’s Report . . . . . . . .31 F..A..S..T Ads . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Ad Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Blood Worms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Don Harrawood, SKAPA, KHA
A Visit with a Premier Japanese Koi Breeder – Dainichi Koi Farm . . . . . . . .12 Courtesy of Hikari
Test Kits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Ed Keene, DCAS
Summer Pond Tips – Part 2 . . . . . . . . .20 Ray Jordan, Texas
Mid-Atlantic Koi Deadlines for articles, meeting announcements and ads
Relevant Koi Diseases . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Courtesy of AKCA
September Issue Deadline: August 1 Available Online: September 1
Common Water Testing Errors . . . . . . .26
October Issue Deadline: September 1 Available Online: October 1
MAKC Annual Meeting Time for a Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Ken Austin, Certified Koi Keeper
RoseMarie Ehrich, New York
On the Road to a Koi Event . . . . . . . . . .30 Have a picture to share? Send them in! We would love to see them. Photo by Phyllis Spoor
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Pronunciation Guide for Japanese Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Picture to Share - Koi Cake . . . . . . . . . .34 Phyllis Spoor, California
MAKC Membership Application . . . . .35
August 2014
MAKC Executive Committee
Don’t Miss Out
President Joann Mead
(845) 389-5712
jo_mead@earthlink.net
Vice-President Herb Ehrich
(845) 247-7105
koiking15@yahoo.com
Secretary Looking for a Volunteer Treasurer Anthony Vitale
(516) 420-0740
nyssba96@aol.com
Central Chapter Vice-President Looking for a Volunteer Long Island Chapter Vice-President Bruce Levine
(516) 735-2644
bruce@li-koi.com
Saugerties (NY) Chapter Vice-President Herb Ehrich
(845) 247-7105
koiking15@yahoo.com
South Chapter Vice-President Chuk Nixon
Membership (845) 723-4373
Richard Douglass
ewey38@aol.com
MAKC Sales Looking for a Volunteer MAKC Notice Group Manager Michael Snyder
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If you have never visited Mohonk Mountain House I strongly urge you to! They have beautiful award-winning formal gardens, rose and herb gardens, children's garden, wildflower and fern trails, rare specimen trees, heirloom plants, and Victorian.
(301) 762-2059 makc@imsnyder.com WebMaster (732) 567-6678 sarranna@yahoo.com
Executive Board Advisor y C ommittee Joe Zuritsky (215) 575-4001 Eric Wilson
he beautiful historic Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY will be hosting their 79th Garden Holiday week from Sunday August 24-29, 2014. During the show on Thursday August 28th at 2:00 pm. our very own Club members will be hosting a lecture, Water Gardening and Koi. Herb Ehrich VP, Paul Tomasko, and Frank Almquist will be giving the inside scoop on how to build a stunning backyard pond and how easy it is to keep koi as your favorite pond denizens.
(301) 717-7702 chuknixon@aol.com
Standing Committees
Sarah Johnson
MAKC on the Move!
jzuritsky@parkwaycorp.com
(443) 203-6486
wilseric@comcast.net
MAKC Home Page: http://www.makc.com
Production: Cindy Graham, NextUp Creations
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.
Remember to Renew Your Membership Don’t Wait – Do it Today. You can find the Membership Application on page 35.
Mid-Atlantic Koi Magazine Editor, Carolyn Weise
(239) 573-6650 x105
Advertising Editor, Joann Mead
(845) 389-5712
makcmag@makc.com jo_mead@earthlink.net
Meeting/Events Editor, Carolyn Weise (239) 573-6650 x105 makcmag@makc.com FAST Ads Editor, Carolyn Weise (239) 573-6650 x105 makcmag@makc.com
August 2014
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 3
President’s Message by Joann Mead Suggestions4MAKC@gmail.com
Dear Members, I would first like to thank retiring MAKC President Phil Grey for helping the Club during this time of transition. Thank you to our Treasurer, Anthony Vitale and Long Island Chapter Vice President, Bruce Levine for their continued hard work and dedication. I also want to thank Richard Douglass for taking over the Membership and Directory. The Club has a new Web-Mistress, Sarah Johnson. In the coming weeks the website WWW.MAKC.COM will be overhauled. In the mean time you will be able to see changes along the way. Another big shout out to Herb Ehrich my running mate and new Vice President. If I left anyone out please forgive me and I want to say thank you to all the members who make this Club great!
registration for the trailer were found this week by Susan Boland and she is mailing the paperwork directly to me. This way the trailer can be insured and registered in New York State. I am personally handling the issue of non-billing of advertising and will be sending out bills to our vendors. There have been many requests for MAKC merchandise. Herb is currently working on transporting the Club merchandise from Virginia. Once sorted and tagged it will be listed on the website. I am hoping in the near future that we will have a shopping cart on the new website for ease of ordering merchandise and renewing club memberships. I look forward to working with you in the upcoming year and if you have any questions or concerns please contact me. Joann Mead
I am looking to improve the way we communicate with our members through email and Facebook. I understand the concerns some of our members have with Facebook and I am looking into an announcement page for the website. Regarding the Club’s magazine, I am looking into bringing the magazine subscription back to print, in addition to it being digital. I’m a Luddite when it comes to magazines and I prefer a hard copy to digital. I also want to acknowledge Carolyn Weise and Cindy Graham for their hard work in publishing our beautiful magazine. I know that there are concerns over the trailer and the clerical error of the non-billing of the advertising in the magazine. The title and Page 4 Mid-Atlantic Koi
August 2014
Beginner’s Corner Ask a question and we will get you an answer.
Question My pond keeps getting foam on it, by the waterfall. I’ve been using a de-foamer. That works well, but the foam keeps coming back. It doesn’t seem to bother the Koi, but it doesn’t look good. What is the problem and how can I get rid of it once and for all?
Answer Your problem is called too much D. O. C. (dissolved organic compound). This makes the bubbles stick together and last for a long time. This is best overcome with water changes and the use of a foam fractionator. These can be hard to
August 2014
setup and to make it work well. Also try increasing you’re filtration by adding more particulate filtering material (fine matting). 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!
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 5
From the Editor’s Desk by Carolyn Weise makcmag@makc.com
nicely marked and balanced Sanke is a fish to be admired in any pond. So, we have a ZNA Judging Seminar in this issue that will help you to understand the finer points of the Sanke. I'll bet more than one member will add a new Sanke to their pond this season.
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In addition, I'm sure you will enjoy a Visit with a Premier Japanese Koi Breeder, Dainichi Koi Farm, sent to us by Hikari this month. A trip to meet the Japanese breeders is still on my bucket list. We bring you tips on water testing, common testing errors that you want to be aware of, courtesy of Ken Austin, and Relevant Koi Diseases (from AKCA). We've got more Summer Pond Tips from Ray Jordan who always has a lot of great information to share. Everything in this magazine is intended to help us become better Koi keepers and more capable at pond management. If you missed the MAKC Annual Meeting, please take a look at RoseMarie Ehrich's article. We have new leadership and many changes have already been made to benefit the club. There is more to come. Sanke Anyone? What’s in your pond?
If you hear of outside events, please let me know. I will add them to the On The Road column. Yours in Koi! Carolyn
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August 2014
MAKC
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 August 2014
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 Joann Mead at 845-389-5712 or jo_mead@earthlink.net Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 7
ZNA Judging Seminar - Sanke by Jim Reilly, Art Lembke, and Nicole Lembke, ZNA Judges
This is a continuation from last issue of the
MAKC-ZNA Style Judging Seminar In August, MAKC hosted a ZNA Style Judging Seminar with the help of Mat McCann and Quality Koi. This seminar was free to our ZNA Members and open to our other members for a fee. The judges for this seminar were three of our MAKC members who are local certified ZNA Judges: Jim Reilly, Art Lembke and Nicole Lembke. This is the third of three articles sharing what was learned that day. Our sincere thanks go to Mat for providing the Koi for this seminar. Thanks also to all of the people who attended, and to Jim and Art for joining me as Judges for this event. Nicole Lembke
Today we judged five very nice, albeit very different Sanke! or the last group of fish we judged, Mat provided a very nice choice of Sanke. As with the Showa, we asked the group to choose the Koi with the best quality hi and sumi and the lowest quality hi and sumi. Then they recorded their choices for 1st to 5th place.
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When judging Sanke, we look at Color, Skin Quality, Conformation, and Pattern. It is preferred to have a pure white background with a pleasing Kohaku pattern of hi. The depth of hi should be uniform from nose to tail, and the edges of the hi should be clean. Page 8 Mid-Atlantic Koi
August 2014
The sumi should appear as stepping-stones floating on top of the Koi, and the depth of sumi should be consistent throughout. The judges chose Koi A as having the best hi and Koi B as having the lowest quality hi. We chose Koi C as having the best sumi and Koi B as having the lowest quality sumi. We then judged the entire group of Sanke for ranking 1 through 5. Our choice for first place was Sanke A. Its conformation was very pleasing. It had the best white from head to tail. This fish had the best quality skin. The hi pattern was a little boring, but it looked good on this fish and will look even better as the fish continues to grow and fill out. The hi stopped just before the tail and balanced August 2014
well with the hi on the nose. The kiwa and sashi were both acceptable. Although the sumi was not the best of all the Sanke, the placement was very nice and the depth of color in the finished areas was good. As this fish continues to develop the sumi should become better. Our choice for second place was Sanke E. The conformation was comparable to fish A. However the white was not as pure as seen by the yellowish tinge on the head and pectoral fins. The hi was fairly even in depth with a slight weakening near the tail. The kiwa was good but the sashi (the leading edge of the pattern) was slightly uneven. The sumi was not as well developed as on Koi A and it would have been better to have some sumi on the shoulder. Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 9
Third place went to Sanke C. The conformation was good. The white was slight yellow as on fish E. The hi was nicely developed but there are some stray spots of hi on the body, and the menkaburi (hood on the head from below and behind the head to the mouth) on the head was not pleasing. This fish did have the best sumi. Fourth place went to Sanke D. The conformation was not as good as on the previous three Koi. The head is triangular, the mouth is small, and the body narrows too quickly behind the pectoral fins. The white background was good. The hi was not even throughout. The sashi was messy and the stray spot of hi on the face and pectoral fins was distracting. The sumi was not as nice as that on the other fish. Page 10 Mid-Atlantic Koi
Last place went to Sanke B. Of all the fish, this one received the least points for conformation. The white was not as good as the other fish, the hi plate was not even and the sumi was uneven and scattered.
Winning Sanke First Place: Sanke A Second Place: Sanke E Third Place: Sanke C Fourth Place: Sanke D Fifth Place: Sanke B ď ś
August 2014
Blood Worms by Don Harrawood, SKAPA, KHA What are those "red worms" on my filter media? This is a question we frequently hear this time of year. Read the answer here. Do not worry about the tiny red worms that may appear in your pond filter. These harmless creatures are Blood Worms and they can be beneficial to the pond. They can be a source of food for small fish. Johnnie Summit submited photo on www.koiphen.com
August 2014
Blood Worms are the larvae stage of chironomid midges - a very small fly that resembles a mosquito but does not bite. The photo shows a blood worm on a fingertip. ď ś
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 11
A Visit with a Premier Japanese Koi Breeder – Dainichi Koi Farm A Nutritional Success Story Compliments of Hikari® Want the best results for your Koi? Follow the advice of a master Koi keeper and famous dealer!
Introduing Dainichi Koi Farm
cho in Niigata and 10 cho in Aichi – note: 1 cho equals 2.45ac), they specialize in breeding Gosanke (Showa Sanshoku 60 %, Kohaku 30 %, and Taisho Sanshoku 10 %).
Today we visit another top Koi breeder to discuss their focus and technique. We’re pleased to spend
The late Mr. Minoru Mano, the originator of the Dainichi Gosanke, was instrumental in the development of the size and superb qualities of these varieties. His ardent love of Koi has been carried
(L to R) Mr. Shigeru Mano, Mr. Futoshi Mano and Mr. Hiroshi Mano
New Greenhouse 2012
time with Mr. Futoshi Mano, president of Dainichi Koi Farm, and Mr. Shigeru Mano, the managing director. They are famous for the production of Gosanke but they also render services to others for the development of the Nishikigoi industry.
I. About Dainichi Koi Farm History For more than 50 years in Nishikigoi’s native place, the city of Ojiya, in the Niigata prefecture Dianichi has been synonymous with quality Koi. They also have a branch in Aichi Prefecture. In 120 field ponds on the premises of 50 cho (40 Page 12 Mid-Atlantic Koi
An excellent example of their continuous push to develop new technology and efficient breeding methods is the use of a MicroNanobubble system in their new greenhouse. August 2014
Three Grand Champions bred by Mr. Minoru Mano
Inazuma Showa (Showa Sanshoku) The 23rd show in 1991
Dainichi Zakura (Taisho Sanshoku) The 25th show in 1993
Monroe (Kohaku) The 28th show in 1996
Three Grand Champions bred by the Brothers
Sakura (Showa Sanshoku) The 38th show in 2007
August 2014
Satsuki (Kohaku) The 41st show in 2010
Showa Sanshoku The 43rd show in 2012
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 13
on by his three sons, who are producing outstanding specimens at both the Niigata and Aichi farms. Their newly-built indoor ponds are equipped with micro-nanobubble generators. They have devoted themselves to advancements in breeding technology and superior selection skill. An excellent example of their continuous push to develop new technology and efficient breeding methods is the use of a Micro-Nanobubble system in their new greenhouse built in 2012. Memorable Koi – Father’s three Grand Champions and Sons’ three Grand Champions Their goal is to surpass their father’s greatest achievement – winning the grand championship with the three Gosanke varieties of his homebred Koi. This is a grand undertaking unparalleled in history. (Look on prior page to see the beautiful Grand Champions - page 13.) Though each of these Koi is superb, the sons feel they can surpass their father’s success. Even after winning three grand championships with the Gosanke, their dream has not been satisfied. Every year only one outstanding Koi can win the grand championship and the next year a better Koi from another Koi farm will appear on the scene to have their chance at being a winner. No matter how highly the Dainichi Koi may be praised or respected, the sons continuously seek improvement and perfection.
Members of the Dainichi OB-kai Marudo Koi Farm (President, Niigata), Nogami Koi Farm (Niigata), Hirasawa Koi Farm (Niigata), Maruyama Koi Farm (Yamanashi), Shotoku Nishikigoi Center (Saitama), Koizumi Fish Farm (Tokyo), Kachi Koi Farm (Fukui), Kohara Koi Farm (Fukui), Omosako Koi Farm (Hiroshima), Rikoen (Fukuoka) and Daishin Nishikigoi (China)
continuously improving, through a friendly rivalry, to be their best, which is the secret of Dainichi-brand Koi’s evolution.
III. Production Style of Dainichi Koi Farm Q: What sort of Koi do you intend to breed? A: We intend to breed larger-sized Koi with a specific form and noticeable quality so that they can be easily distinguished from others. However, it is difficult to explain the peculiarity of our Koi’s unique characteristics, especially that of the
II. Long-established Tradition and Development of Koi Breeding —Dainichi OB-kai The late Mr. Minoru Mano built his Koi breeding skill along with ever increasing expectations to attain his championship goal. These objectives have been firmly ingrained in his sons and many pupils. After extensive first hand training on the farm, each is now an independent Koi farmer and member of the Dainichi OB-kai. Each is Page 14 Mid-Atlantic Koi
August 2014
sumi. As you know, sumi markings change greatly as Koi grow. For example, at the age of two, even professional Koi farmers cannot reliably identify potentially good or bad potential sumi candidates. After the Koi have reached four years of age, their sumi markings become matured and darken. We hope many Koi lovers learn to enjoy the evolution of changing sumi markings. We further hope that our Koi will touch and inspire their owners through a beauty worthy of their living jewels reputation.
IV. Daily Koi Feeding and the Finishing Touches to their Koi Q: What do you require from the Koi food you use? A: We always choose Koi diets whose quality is managed as a priority. We want diets we know will help to increase flesh for Koi we plan to enter in Koi shows, but also those which offer Koi parents a healthy and productive lifespan. We know Kyorin has a keen focus on ingredient quality and through research at their laboratory verifies and confirms that quality. We put our highest confidence in their diets and would like to recommend them to both Koi farmers and Koi lovers as the most consistent, reliable and readily available Koi diets on the market. ď ś
Mr. Futoshi Mano and Mr. Shigeru Mano
Dainichi Koi Farm http://dainichikoifarm.com August 2014
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 15
It's as easy as A B C . . . Pond Basic Concepts . . .
Test Kits by Ed Keene (DCAS) Adapted for Ponds by Carolyn Weise he primary function of each of the numerous types of pond test kits on the market today is to test the quality of the water in some way, shape or form. Bad water quality will create unnecessary stress to your fish, and eventually will be the reason for their premature deaths. Bad water quality will also lead to many other harmful circumstances for your pond in general and your fish in particular.
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Are test kits a necessity? Absolutely not! I have heard more than one hobbyist claim to have never used them, in fact, never own any. Do I feel a tug on my leg? Mayhaps, however, I'm only telling you what they told me. In theory, I suppose it is very possible to maintain a healthy pond without ever buying a test kit. Personally, I wouldn't do without them! Water quality is one of the most important factors involved when maintaining a pond. Hence, I feel it is advantageous to have anything that would help in determining the quality of my pond water. If a fish was to die unexplainably or appear to be stressed for an unknown reason, without test kits, I would merely be guessing if I thought the water quality was bad. By having, and more especially using test kits, the guesswork is eliminated. Why would you want to change the water to improve the quality of it, when you possibly have another problem brewing which is unrelated to water quality? Beats me!! Test kits are available from a wide range of manufacturers and vary in price from a few dollars each for the most inexpensive types on up to prices exceeding $100.00 for the electronic Page 16 Mid-Atlantic Koi
versions. You can also purchase a kit containing several of the most common test kits - all in one convenient storage container. Some type of a clear vial is generally provided in each test kit for the purpose of holding your test water. Some test kits have you compare your test results to a preprinted multi-color strip of paper while others provide a multi-colored, yet transparent slide which is part of the test vial. I find the paper strip kits harder to work with when trying to determine test results. Also, one must keep in mind the fact that the printed colors might be slightly off, hence, they are the least dependable when it comes to accuracy. The transparent slides are much easier to determine your results when you hold them up to a light source. Additionally, they are more accurate than their colored paper counterparts. The electronic versions supposedly provide you with nothing less than pinpoint accuracy. I say supposedly based upon the reading I have done about them rather than my personal experience.
Water Quality Conditions To Test There are many different types of test kits available. Test kits are available to check the levels of pH, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, general hardness, carbonate hardness, calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, copper, chlorine, phosphate, alkalinity, calcium, chloramine, dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, iron, iodine, iodide, silicate, and I'm sure others which I cannot think of. Many experienced hobbyists are familiar with most of the test kits available and what to use them for. The beginner, however, may feel as though they are just an added expense and, unfortunately, ignore them. In this article I am not going to August 2014
discuss any of the salt water specific kits, nor am I going to explain all of the kits. I will, however, explain several of the most common test kits available and why you should consider using them. I will also point out the test kits I feel are 'must have' and those I feel are 'might like to have'.
pH Test Kit In my opinion, this is a 'must have' test kit. Different species of fish require different pH levels in order to survive. First, you need to test your tap water to see what the pH level is. At least you will know for sure if the fish you are going to purchase requires the same pH level as your tap water. It is all right if they don't match, however what this means is that you will have to either raise or lower the pH level of the water in your pond to match the requirements of the fish. This can be done several ways which I won't get into at this time. The bottom line is, however, that if you change the pH level of your pond water, you will need to test it again to ensure that you have created the proper level. Additionally, you will want to check your pond's pH from time to time to ensure that it stays stable and doesn't rise or fall over time, more especially if you are altering your tap water. You should check the pH level of your pond at least once a month - no matter what.
Ammonia Test Kit I feel this is a 'must have' test kit too. Ammonia is highly toxic to fish and will cause their near immediate demise. If you are just starting up a pond, there will be an ammonia spike as the water goes through its nitrogen cycle process. Ammonia is the first byproduct of the nitrogen cycle and should be carefully monitored during phase one of the cycle. However, you should never be able to detect a positive reading in a well-established pond when testing for ammonia. If your pond water does test positive, the ammonia levels are too high and August 2014
immediate action is required to eliminate the ammonia. The first thing to do is a partial, mayhaps as high as 50%, water change. The second thing to do is add an ammonia reducing chemical to your water. This type of inexpensive product is available in most pond shops under various names. Just ask the store personnel. The ammonia reducing chemicals will greatly help to neutralize the effects of the ammonia on the fish. Note: this product does not eliminate the ammonia, it simply neutralizes it, and therefore, your test kit will still show a positive reading after completing such a treatment. A word to the wise - get some of this stuff and keep it on hand just in case. The third thing you need to do is find the cause of the ammonia. Generally speaking, your filter may very well be the culprit for a couple of commonly occurring reasons. If you do not regularly clean your filter, it may have become clogged. If this is the case, there is little or no water circulating through it. The nitrifying bacteria live in your filter and eliminate the ammonia. Well, guess what? A clogged filter means no circulation through the filter, which means nothing for the bacteria contained therein to eliminate, which means an ammonia build up and major problems in your pond. Other possible causes of ammonia might be too many fish having been recently introduced into the pond or overfeeding the fish. In either event, there is suddenly an over abundance of waste, be it fish and/or food, which is more than the
Reading this on issuu.com? Be sure to join our club. You do not have to live in the Mid-Atlanitc area; we have members across the country. We hope you will join today. A membership form can be found on page 35. Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 17
bacteria in your filtration system can eliminate. The build up will continue to increase well, well, well before the bacteria can catch up to it and absorb it all. Although other possibilities exist for ammonia build up, make sure the plug on your filter has not accidentally been unplugged. Sounds pretty silly, but hey, sillier things have been known to happen!!
higher levels. Nitrate is the final byproduct of the nitrogen cycle and should be occasionally monitored in a well established pond. Excess nitrates need to be removed from your pond and the way you do that is by making partial water changes. How often you must make partial water changes will vary from pond to pond, however, a nitrate test kit will help you in determining your water change intervals.
Nitrite Test Kit I feel this is a 'might like to have' test kit. Nitrite is less toxic than ammonia, however, toxic none the less. If you are just starting up a pond, there will be a nitrite spike as the water goes through its nitrogen cycle process. Nitrite is the second byproduct of the nitrogen cycle and should be carefully monitored during phase two of the cycle. Fish will survive the lower levels of nitrite although it will cause them stress. At higher levels, just like ammonia, the results are fatal. I have a nitrite test kit. The only time I have used it was when I was first starting up a new pond and that was only to verify I had reached the end of the second phase of the nitrogen cycle. Generally speaking, if my nitrite levels were bad, my ammonia levels would more than likely be worse. They seem to run pretty much hand in hand. When testing water where unknown problems exist, you should check the ammonia first. If a nitrogen cycle problem exists, it will be found during the ammonia cycle or the nitrate (the next test kit I will talk about) cycle. If you clear up the ammonia problems, you can feel secure that your nitrite problems have been corrected as well. So why have a nitrite test kit if you seldom, if ever, use it? Well like I said earlier, and you may mirror my thoughts, this is one test kit you feel is a 'might like to have' test kit, not a 'must have' kit.
Nitrate Test Kit I feel this is a 'must have' test kit, and I'd suggest you have one. Nitrates will become toxic at Page 18 Mid-Atlantic Koi
Test your water and, if the nitrate level is rising, do a partial water change. Continue testing every couple of days until the nitrate level rises again, and proceed to make another partial water change. What was the interval between water changes? Continue this pattern until you have made 4 or 5 partial water changes. You now can determine an average number of days between water changes. To prevent any minor problems from becoming major ones, I would schedule my partial water changes several days earlier than the average you have just determined. From this point forward, you might only want to use your nitrate test kit once every month or so.
General Hardness (GH) Test Kit Personally, this is a kit I want to have on hand. For the average hobbyist, I feel this is a 'might like to have' test kit. Some of the fish I maintain will do better in soft water (and not develop shimis). Bimonthly, I use this test kit, along with my carbonate hardness test kit, to ensure my levels are staying consistently soft. If the fish you are maintaining require neutral water, i.e. not hard nor soft, you can probably get away without having hardness kits of any type.
Carbonate Hardness (KH) Test Kit Again, this is a kit I want to have on hand. For the average hobbyist, I feel this is also a 'might like to have' test kit. This kit is a big help when pH stabilization becomes a problem. If you have live plants in your pond, this is a kit you should have to constantly monitor your water. If the fish you are maintaining require neutral water, i.e. August 2014
not hard nor soft, and your pond does not contain live plants, you can probably get away without having hardness kits of any type.
Phosphate Test Kit Personally, this is a kit I have on hand, but have used it very few times. I feel this is a 'might like to have' test kit for the average hobbyist. If you have algae problems, one thing to check is the phosphate level. A terrible water condition combination to have is a high nitrate level in conjunction with a high phosphate level. This type of condition will create a tremendous algae bloom. Unless you prefer green water with slime green covered walls and slime covered green plants and decorations, and well, I think you understand what type of bloom I'm talking about here. ď ś
August 2014
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 19
Summer Pond Tips (for Warmer Climates) Part 2 by Ray Jordan, Texas
Water Temperature You can assume your fish will be significantly stressed if your water temperature goes over 85 degrees or your pond temperature changes by more than +/- 10 degrees during 24 hours. Find a way to shade at least part of your pond from the hottest part of the afternoon sun. Plant a tall hedge on the west side of your pond or locate some tall potted plants or patio umbrellas to help provide some shade. Consider building an arbor, trellis, or place shade cloth over your pond. Also, if your filter system is exposed to the sun create shade for it as well. Increase your water circulation. If you have a waterfall or fountain increase the water flow. If your fountain can be adjusted try for a fine mist type effect. Another method is to modify your pond water return into a spray bar. Spray bars are pipes with small holes drilled along the bottom that create a curtain of water as it is returned to the pond. Spray bars can drop water temperatures by 5-8°F degrees when they are built large enough and enough water is pumped through them. Maybe this is the time to consider getting a larger water pump. Increased circulation will encourage evaporation, which will have an additional cooling effect. Another method to cool the area around your pond is to use one of the water “mist” products you might have noticed at some restaurants and amusement parks. We bought one at Home Depot for about $13. You connect the mister to a garden hose and several tiny nozzles create a fog like mist that can cool the immediate area by up to twenty degrees. This mister could be placed on a timer to come on for an hour or so every afterPage 20 Mid-Atlantic Koi
Spray bar water return created with 2˝ pvc pipe with 1/4˝ holes spaced 1/4˝ apart
noon in the hottest part of the day. A side benefit to this is you can be more comfortable and able to enjoy your pond on even the hottest afternoons. The amount of water used is minimal, perhaps a few gallons an hour.
Shade Koi can get sunburned and develop skin problems and even eye cataracts in shallow ponds. Many Koi keepers also believe that hikui, which is a skin disease of unknown cause might very well be related to excessive sun exposure. In warmer climates, it is important to provide some shade for your fish. Shade will also help keep your pond’s water temperature cooler and help control excessive algae growth. Next issue we will cover Pond & Filter Maintenance, Dissolved Organic Compounds and Feeding.
August 2014
Relevant Koi Diseases
reprinted from 1994 AKCA Seminar Binder
Ich: Ichthyophthirius multifilis. Freshwater Ich causes small white spots all over the fishes body. In some cases, Ich spots may not be grossly visible, but you may see then under the scope. This has to do with a fishes' immune response or lack thereof. The disease is a ciliated protozoan , and it kills smaller fish, while sparing the larger ones. Damage to the gills is the primary way it kills. Its life cycle is roughly 2-5 days, but can be longer (5+ weeks) if the water is cool, much shorter if the water is warmer. To treat, elevate water temps and add salt. Using salt may harm plants, so if you are looking for an alternative, I would use Formalin 37% and Malachite Green, applying 1cc Formalin 37% per 10 gallons water every 3rd day after a 30% waterchange. The Malachite green is not that important in this, but would be used to give the Formalin an emerald color. Overdosing is unlikely with the Malachite fraction, used this way. Three or four treatments covering 10-14 days would be necessary. I always urge people to use salt first. Simply remove the plants and treat them outside the tank with Formalin 2cc per lOgal for 6 hrs before re-adding them to the system, to remove any latent Ich.
Chilodinella Chilodinella is one of the hottest fish killers there is. Under the scope you may see a beanshaped organism, or a large round organism full of tiny bubbles. Alive, the Chilodinella resembles a heart shaped onion with a flizzy end where you could imagine the onion’s roots would be. These are actually cilia. Dead, Chilodinella are motionless round balls full of tiny bubbles. They may August 2014
resemble Ich but they do not have crescent nucleus nor do they move in their dead, rounded state. Chilodinella clears EASILY with salt. Leave the salt in for 14 days, and be sure to supplement aeration, as gill damage from Chilodinella may be severe in the survivors. Chilodinella should be suspected anytime large numbers of fish are dying on the surface or who roll over on their sides except when disturbed, the Koi dash madly.
Costia/Ichthyobodo Costia or lchthyobodo necatrix, is a ciliated protozoan parasite of freshwater fish that also has the capability to kill flsh in great numbers and in no short time-span. The only good fortune in this is that it perishes readily when salted. Costia may be attached or freeswimming. Attached Costia look like little commas stuck into the skin (or gill) by the thin end. Freeswimming Costia are graceless wobbly swimmers that look like commas or almost like half open Conch shells. Costia clears easily with salt, and this infection should be suspected when alot of fish are dying, fins may be reddened, and Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 21
it appears that the fish cannot breathe very well. Spiderweb lesions in rapidly dying fish are also characteristic; as well as excess mucus on the skin.
what? You guessed it, Salt. Epistylis is obvious under the scope because it has a long, sticklike stalk.
Lernea Trichodina This saucer-shaped parasite is over-rated in its pathogenicity although, I have seen it cause spiderweb lesions in the skins of Koi. The most serious damage it may do is to the gills of smaller fishes. This is one of one of two or three parasites that causes scratching in Koi, with no serious side effects. The most important thing about Trichodina, is that when it is discovered, it belies a problem in the System Housekeeping department. You can bet your license that there is some accumulation somewhere of mulm, and lots of it. TRICHODINA clears easily with SALT, and in very short order. You need only leave salt in for a few days to clear Tricho for good. Here again, if salt cannot or will not be used, Formalin is the next choice.
Lernea elegans, the most common type of Anchor worm affecting Koi, is a real threat. They attach ventrally, they hold on for about 14 days, and they reproduce copiously. The wounds they create almost always infect with Ulcer diseasse bacteria, Aeromonas, and then you have two problems. Treatment can be undertaken with Malathion, Fenthion, Trichloffon, Dylox, Dimilin, and Salt. Salt works by killing the freeswimming reproductive forms. Malathion just kills the Lernea dead, but is dangerous to the fish. Fenthion is slow but safer. Dimilin is great if you can get it. EPA and FDA will trounce you for having and using it. I do recommend removing any adults you see attached and swabbing the wounds with Iodine or mercurochrome. I do recommend also feeding an antibiotic food when you see Lernea to head off problems.
Oodinium Argulus
Oodinium is the causative agent in Velvet disease. This pearshaped sessile organism gives a velvety, gold dust look to affected Kol. It is reported that this may not clear with Salt, but I have yet to see this type of resistance. If it didn'tclear with Salt, I would use Formalin. I have only encountered Velvet/Oodinium very rarely in Koi. It would be more common in freshwater aquariums or on recently purchased Goldfish.
Argulus lice are obvious when they hit. They are greenish, disc shaped parasites that 'suck' onto the fins and sides of the fish. They can cause damage great enough to permit Ulcer formation. They do NOT respond well to Formalin. They DO respond very well, and very quickly to Organophosphates like Fenthion and also Dimilin.
Epistylis
Gyrodactylus
Epistylis is relatively uncommon, but, like Trichodina is more common under circumstances of poor water management, especially where water changes are not, or not frequently, done. Epistylis will live opportunistically in wounds and ulcers, and looks alot like Saprolegnia (Fungus). It forms white tufts in smaller wounds. Epistylis clears on its own when you begin good water quality practices, and can be helped out of the system with a good dose of
Flukes, of the class Gyrodactylus and Dactylogyrus, have long been separated into Skin Flukes and Gill flukes. There is no need. Because while there are even subdivisions within Gyrodactylus and Dactylogyrus, and they came be distinguished by their eyespots and Hooks and embryos; they all die the same. Flukes cause flashing in Koi and other species of fish, more than any other parasite. Rarely fatal to any but the smallest fish, Flukes eat slime and create
Page 22 Mid-Atlantic Koi
August 2014
bleeding microscopic wounds on the gills and skin of fish. These wounds can, and often do become infected with Aeromonas bacteria, which is far worse than the original Fluke problem. Their lifespan is roughly 14 days, but they complete a reproductive-maturation cycle in 4 days, and they can be treated with Formalin 37%, Salt, Organophosphates, Droncit (Praziquantel) and Potassium. I recommend salt first, and if that has not cleared the problem, (as proven microscopically) then use Formalin as a clean up. Dactylogyrus has eyespots, Gyro does not. Gyro has an embryo inside, Dactylo does not.
Dropsy/Bloater Dropsy, also known as Bloater or Pinecone disease, is usually caused by bacterial invasion of the fish’s kidney. A herpes virus may also contribute. There is a sporozoan parasite that can damage the Kidney this way, called Mitraspora cyprini, but I have yet to see this on a necropsy. Dropsy is, for all intents and purposes, untreatable, based on 2 years experience, using the following drugs: Azactarn, Baytril, Chloramphenicol, Gentamicin, and Amikacin. I have tried a Sulfa drug, brand name Albon, and that did not resolve the problem either. Bacterial dropsy is usually caused by Aeromonas or Pseudomonas bacteria. I have also seen cases infected with Mycobacteria. By the time the scales protrude from the body, the damage to the kidney is so profound that recovery is impossible. If you must try to save the fish, isolate the specimen, elevate temps while elevating oxygenation, and begin injecting antibiotics intraperitoneally. You could also feed the antibiotics in a medicated feed.
Saprolegnia Fungal infections of Koi and other ornamental fish are usually caused by Saprolegnia, a common, if not ubiquitous fungus. Other types include Achlya, Dermatocystidium1 and Branchiomyces. None of the fungal infections I have EVER diagnosed from Koi in 2 years of August 2014
A microscope may be a good investment for a Koi Keepter.
clinical practice have been anything other than Saprolegnia, and NEVER has Saprolegnia struck where there was not SOME sort of stressor. Surviving 'jumpers', (fish that have cleared the pond and flopped around), are always affected. Healing ulcers often become infected with fungus. The disease looks like cotton-wool protruding from the lesion, and may become stained with algae. Diagnosis is by microscopy, and this is important, as very often, Flexibacter columnaris will look just like this, and it will not respond to anti fungal agents, because IT is a bacteria! Treatment of fungal infections is only possible where immaculate water quality and good diet prevails. Then, a variety of drugs are effective, to include my favorite, Methylene Blue. Formalin is effective but only worsens stress on Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 23
the fish. Malachite green can be swabbed on fungal lesions if the specimen can easily be captured daily. Potassium permanganate effectively kills fungi, perhaps better than anything, but this is a VERY dangerous drug to use on fish, unless you have great experience and don't mind a risk.
Scoliosis Scoliosis is caused by a variety of conditions, none of which is infectious. The most common cause of scoliosis is Vitamin C deficiency. But there are 3 other causes. 2) Tryptophan deficiency: An amino acid protein building block that may be absent in foods due to improper formulation, hyper extended storage, excess heat in processing, or because no variation was permitted in the diet. To avoid this, always use two different high qualtiy staple diets, and supplement periodically with earthworms or other bait worms. Mealworms and crickets may
MAKC Health Hotline Volunteers Tom Burton
Middletown, NJ
732-671-7045
Jan & Bill Fogle Wayne, PA
610-687-3105
Terri Janas
Ashburn, VA
703-729-2988
Jeff Nicholson
Odenton, MD
301-912-1928
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. Please remember that advice is given based on your input–the ultimate responsibility and treatment must remain with you. Page 24 Mid-Atlantic Koi
also be accepted, especially if partially crushed. 3) Trauma: The muscles of Koi and other teleost fish are assorted in bands called 'somites.' When a somite is damaged, by intra Muscular injection technique, for example, or a sharp blow, the somite may die, which then shrinks, and kinks the fish, especially when swimming. It may straighten at rest. 4) Organophosphates, like Fenthion, Trichlorfon, or Malathion to name but a few, can cause kinking of the body due to hyper contraction of the muscles. (A side effect of these drugs on the fish is to prevent relaxtion of muscles) and this may kink, or break the fishes back. Vitamin C deficiencies may be avoided by feeding a varied diet to include the following greens: Spinach, Turnip greens, Broccoli heads, and Dark leaf lettuce. NOT PLAIN LETTUCE!!! Additionally, store no food longer than 90 days, and be sure the label has added ASCORBIC acid. Once scoliosis is noted, the fish is better removed to fresh water, and better attention to diet is advised. As a side note, the biggest, fastest growing fish are most likely to kink, as they need the most Vitamin C and calcium in their diet, to support their rapid growth.
Ulcer Disease Ulcer Disease is almost always caused by Aeromonas bacteria or more rarely Pseudomonas bacteria clinically, I wouldn't know which because I rarely culture the pathogen. Why not? Because the results could take a week to return, and by that time, all the affected specimens would be dead. I have treated ulcer disease with the following drugs: Enrofloxacin, Chloramphenicol, Gentamicin, Amikacin, Tetracycline, and recently, Azactam. I inject these drugs. Suffice it to say, that to save these fish, my core recommendations would be to get the fish into a heated environment, provide impeccable water quality, swab the wounds with iodine or Mercurochrome, Feed Romet chow, Inject Enrofloxacin and or Chloramphenicol, and hope August 2014
that the next spring that the fish does not bloat due to retention of latent bacteria in the kidney after clinical cure.
Lymphocystis Of all the viruses affecting Koi, perhaps the most common is LYMPHOCYSTIS. This is a viral pathogen that is poorly transmissible between your specimens. It strikes fish when some damage has occurred to mouth or fin, and sometimes on the body. The lesions are warty and rough. They may be singular or numerous. I see this viral infection in fish in immaculate waters, and so I cannot verify that this is a stress related disease. I do know that it is merely disfiguring, not fatal. Lesions may be scraped off; but this could open the skin or fin to bacterial invasion. The only lesions that should be addressed surgically are mouth lesions that interfere with eating. Often, the lesions clear spontaneously, usually, but not always, the SECOND summer after infection, at the peak of the heat. There is a commercial remedy sold for this, but it does not work, and is being sold purely to flim-flam the trusting hobbyist. It is merely acriflavine which is a useless dye.
British try to call Spring Viremia of Carp, which is the grossest misnomer; that tries to bundle a multifactorial process involving cold water, depressed immunity, opportunistic pathogenic bacteria, and then, only possibly, a virus like Rhabdovirus carpio into a simple viral disease. Rhabdovirus carpio has several other names, as several scientists have found the same particle and given it different names. We do know that it can cause swim bladder inflammation and a reddening disease of the skin called Carp Erythrodermatitis. You should know that Rhabdovirus carpio, and Spring viremia of Carp, have not been isolated from any fish on the North American continent, so before you cry VIRUS, read a little. Almost always, Aeromonas bacteria, (and a septicemia from same), are concurrent players with this virus, and it is hotly debated whether Rhabdovirus carpio can even act alone. ď ś
Carp Pox Carp Pox is another virus of a dermatological nature, that also has a low transmissibility from fish to fish, and is again, not fatal, merely disfiguring. The lesions are soft and waxy, not warty and rough. The lesions should not be scraped. They may be differentiated from Lymphocystis because they do NOT cause the cells to become huge (megaloblastic) in size. The way Lymph does. There is no treatment, and lesions do not resolve as well as Lympho lesions do. You should be aware that CARP POX lesions are very, very rare in North America.
Rhabdovirvs Carpio Rhabdovirvs Carpio was reported to be a primary pathogen of cyprinid species, particularly Koi and Carp. The virus causes what the August 2014
To become a member or renew is easy. Fill out the form on page 35, mail it in - it’s that quick to become a member! Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 25
Common Water Testing Errors by Ken Austin, Certified Koi Keeper Koi Organisation International
ll fish keepers should test the tank or pond water their fish live in. This is key to maintaining a healthy environment for your pets. It is not difficult to do, but needs to be done correctly for good results. This guideline covers the common mistakes that should be avoided.
A
Sampling Location The sample of water should be representative of the pond water in general. Water within a few inches of the surface is affected by contact with the atmosphere and any air or water currents at that interface. This can make the water in that zone slightly different than most of the pond water. The same is true of water close to the point where circulating water returns to the pond such as streams, waterfalls and jets.
Page 26 Mid-Atlantic Koi
August 2014
Draw your sample away from such locations and at a depth of 6 inches or more.
The Person Doing the Testing Yes, you too can be part of the problem. For example, did you read the instructions? Even for tests that you have done so many times that you have the procedure memorized, manufacturers often change the procedure and different manufacturers have different procedures. Other human errors such as letting the sample sit too long before running the test, the water level (meniscus) in the vial not exactly on the line, not mixing reagents correctly or for the correct amount of time, dirty test vials or covering the vial opening with your finger instead of a cap all contribute to bad sample results. Reagents can be spoiled by leaving the caps off for long periods of time or switching bottle caps on the dropper bottles. Always follow manufacturer's procedures and good lab procedures. Also be aware if you have any color blindness, as this can affect your interpretation of the test results.
The Water Chemistry Remember, you are trying get a representative sample of your normal pond water. If you just added a water treatment chemical or a medication then that will change the water chemistry and that is not a good time to be testing the water. Water additives can also interfere with color development and cause the color comparison to be off. After adding water treatments, always wait at least two filtration cycles before testing the water. This would be the time it takes to run the entire volume of the pond through the filtration system twice.
The Testing Tools It is best to buy test kits and test equipment from reliable manufacturers. But each of these will have a limited sensitivity range. Let's say you buy a pH test kit that has a range of 6.0 - 7.6. That is not going to work very well in EI Paso municipal water that often has a pH of 8.0 or greater. Be aware that the liquids, powders, tablets and even vials from different manufacturers cannot be interchanged.
The Lighting
Many tests require matching the color of the water in the sample vial with the color on a chart or a color chip in a wheel or slide. This should not be done under artificial lighting and don't try to do this wearing tinted glasses. Go to a good source of natural light and take the sun glasses off. Daylight simulator lights can be used for running water tests indoors.
Also note that reagents all have a limited shelf life. The better manufacturers date stamp the test kits and reagents and provide guidelines on when they should be replaced. Replace any stained, faded, scratched or discolored test vials because that makes interpreting the sample color more difficult. ď ś SKAPA NEWSLETTER August 2012
August 2014
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 27
MAKC Annual Meeting - Time for a Change by RoseMarie Ehrich, New York
Demi Fortuna, Atlantic Water Gardens, guest speaker at the Annual Meeting. He talked about the proper size hose for your pump.
ongratulations to Joann Mead and Herb Ehrich our newly elected President and Vice President. Also a congratulatory note to Anthony Vitale for being reelected Treasurer and Bruce Levine being reelected Long Island Chapter Vice President.
C
The annual meeting was held on Sunday, June 29, 2014 in Huntington, Long Island. Page 28 Mid-Atlantic Koi
Jo and Herb attended the meeting both traveling from the northern part of New York to meet and greet the MAKC members who were in attendance. The new President and Vice President spoke of working together to bring the Club to a higher level. They both spoke of their many goals for the Club, such as public outreach and reorganization. August 2014
Jo spoke about her expertise with fish and her desire to educate others through membership in MAKC. Jo brings to the Club her vast experience in the business world as an accountant. She is smart, self-motivated, and willing to work hard for our members and we are very lucky to have her as our Mid Atlantic Koi Club President. The first order of business the following morning was to begin collaborating with our new WebMistress, Sarah Johnson, on updating the website. Changes have been implemented on the website, in the coming weeks the site will be totally overhauled. The Club would like to thank Demi Fortuna from Atlantic Water Gardens for a very informative presentation on using the proper size hose for your pump. ď ś
August 2014
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 29
Sunshine Column
On the Road to a Koi Event August 22-24 3rd Michigan Koi & Pond Club Koi Show Held at the Pond Place of Michigan. Contact Teri Alexander 734-762-7068, see our website www.MKPC-SE.com
September 5-7 20th Annual ZNA Potomac Koi Show Held at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna VA. http://www.znapotomac.org arolyn Weise had septoplasty surgery on July 8th and is healing well although it kept her out of work longer than she expected. She now has all the symptoms of being able to breathe "on her own" (LOL). For anyone who doesn't know what that is, it opens up the nasal passageways of any obstructions, which in her case, have been troubling for years. We wish her well!
C
September 6-7 - WK&WGS 23rd Annual Koi & Water Garden Show Bothell, WA Contact Nancy Moore at showchair@washingtonkoi.org www.washingtonkoi.org
September 12-14 Idaho Water Garden & Koi Society 21st Annual Koi Show Boise, ID - Contact Sot Chimonas 208-286-0288 sotchimonas@msn.com • www.iwgks.org
September 19-21 Carolina Classic Koi Show
Please keep Anthony Vitale in your prayers, for reduced pain from the accident in Florida. And Andrea Duggan who lives minute to minute, day to day, and is a living miracle to all of us.
East Coast Koi Imports, New Hill, NC http://carolinaclassickoishow.com
SHOUT OUT: Is anybody having a birthday in September? Please let Carolyn know so we can wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Any other news is accepted as well.
www.dallaskoikichi.org/show-site/
Send submissions for our Sunshine Column to Carolyn Weise, Editor makcmag@makc.com
www.makc.com Page 30 Mid-Atlantic Koi
September 19-21 Dallas Koi Kichi Group's 12th Annual Koi Show September 20-21 Northwest Koi & Goldfish Club 34th Annual Koi & Goldfish Show Uwajimaya—in conjunction with the Festival of Japan, Beaverton, OR Contact Daren Beck 503-507-8510 or beckoi65@gmail.com www.nwkg.org
October 4-5 7th Annual Regional South Carolina Koi & Goldfish Show South Carolina Koi & Water Garden Society’s Simpsonville, SC • http://sckwgs.org August 2014
On the Road to a Koi Event - Continued 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 magazine or at www.makc.com. We always need volunteers for meetings and shows. It is amazing how much you can learn by helping. Take advantage of being an MAKC member and participate in the club events.
M A KC Eve nt Long Island Chapter Meeting Sunday, August The Chapter has openings for future Koi meetings. Please contact me. Please call Bruce at cell 516-477-1823 or email kuba1953@aol.com
See you soon at a Koi event.
Saugerties Chapter Meetings
Treasurer’s Report
Sunday, August 17 3:00 pm
Submitted by Anthony Vitale, New York
Contact Herb Ehrich for further information about upcoming meetings koiking15@yahoo.com
Balance as of May 31, 2014 Income: Memberships Total Income Expenses: Printing/Publication Total Expenses
$14,787.84
0.00 $0.00
800.00
Balance as of June 30, 2014
$800.00
Club Total Balance As if June 30, 2014
540.00
October 19 Dec 14
Meeting are held at 3 pm - 5 p.m. All places of meeting will be determined Contact Herb for further information koiking15@yahoo.com
Send your meeting and event information to Carolyn Weise makcmag@makc.com
$20,952.05
August 2014
Sept 21 Nov 16
$13,987.84
Reserve Account/Prepaid Memberships Savings Bank Account 6,424.21 Balance $6,424.21 Outstanding Deposit - Membership
This year’s meetings
Deadline August 5th for the September 2014 issue.
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 31
F..A..S..T.. Ads – August Disclaimer: MAKC and its officers assume no responsibility for claims of advertisers or the quality/serviceability of goods offered.
QUALITY SHOW KOI. Show quality Koi for sale. Need to thin out my pond contact philiegray@mac.com.
MAKC Member Needs Your Help
WANTED
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.
KOI. Foster Home. Large natural pond. Happy to accept your overgrown or unwanted “children.” Call Rich Menashe in Metuchen, NJ, 732-767-0720. 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.
FOR SALE Remember any MAKC member can list their Koi, pond, or related items for sale here in your magazine at no charge. Please contact Joann today if you have something for sale. BAMBOO. Winter hardy and tropical for indoors. Thinning collection. Reasonable prices. Call Ron Altman, NY 718-442-1673 (Office) or 908-658-3055 (H).
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
Joann Mead • 845-389-5712 jo_mead@earthlink.net Page 32 Mid-Atlantic Koi
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). 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. 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 August 2014
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 Joann Mead at jo_mead@earthlink.net or call 845-389-5712.
Mid-Atlantic Koi Ad Index Aquaculture Bead Filter Specialists . . . . . . 7, 19
Pronunciation Guide for Japanese Terms
Aquatic Nutrition – Blackwater Gold–N . . . . . . 15 Hikari . . . . . . . . . 7, Back Cover
A – Pronounced ah, as in pa, mas E – pronounced eh, as in lend, beth I – pronounced ee, as in bee, he
Matala USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Mazuri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Microbe-Lift . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Nisei Koi Farm . . . . . . . . . . 5, 7 Pentair Aquatic
Kloubec Koi Farm . . . . . . . . 19
Eco-Systems, Inc. . . . . . . . 15
Kodama Koi Farm . . . . . . 7, 11
Quality Koi Company . . . . 5, 7
Long Island Fish Hospital . . 25
O – pronounced oh, as in oak, ditto U – pronounced uu, as moo, boo ai – pronounced eye, as in pie, kite ei – pronounced aye, as in yeah, plate reprinted from The Michigan Water Gardener, The Michigan Koi and Pond Club: Southeast Chapter
Have You Renewed Your Membership Renew Your MAKC Membership by printing out page 35 and mailing it in. Do it today, it only takes a couple of minutes. August 2014
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 Joann Mead at 845-389-5712 (leave message) or e-mail: jo_mead@earthlink.net to request information on our advertiser packages and/or a copy of our ad rate sheet. *With an annual 10 issue contract.
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 33
Picture to Share
“Koi Club” cake, even I wanted a piece of that. Taken by Phyllis Spoor, Koi Club of San Diego. Have a picture to share? Send your photos to the Editor, Carolyn Weise at makcmag@makc.com. Page 34 Mid-Atlantic Koi
August 2014
Time to Renew
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 Richard Douglass at 845-723-4373 or e-mail: ewey38@aol.com for details. Please consult the following chart for the proper amount and send your check (payable to the Mid-Atlantic Koi Club) to Richard Douglass, 34 Sherow Rd., Pleasant Valley, NY 12569. 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. 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 ___________ August 2014
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