Mid~Atlantic Koi The Magazine of the Mid-Atlantic Koi Club
Judging Showa
July 2014
Mid~Atlantic Koi The Membership Magazine of the Mid-Atlantic Koi Club
Volume 28, Number 1
July 2014
—Upcoming Events Long Island Chapter Pond Tour . . . .31 Saugerties Chapter Meeting . . . . . . .31
Beginner’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 MAKC Corporate Members . . . . . . . . . .7 ZNA Judging Seminar - Showa . . . . . . .8
—MAKC News
Jim Reilly, Art Lembke, & Nicole Lembke
President’s Message . . . . . . . .4 From the Editor’s Desk . . . . .6 MAKC Health Hotline Volunteers . . . . . . . .18 Sunshine Column . . . . . . . . .30 Treasurer’s Report . . . . . . . .30 F..A..S..T Ads . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Ad Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Koi Stress Cause and Prevention Part 2 . . . . . . . .12 Ed Keene, DCAS
Summer Pond Tips – Part 1 . . . . . . . . .14 Ray Jordan, Texas
How Many Fish Can I Have? . . . . . . . . .18 Don Harrawood, Texas
Euthanasia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Mid-Atlantic Koi Deadlines for articles, meeting announcements and ads August Issue Deadline: Available Online:
July 1 August 1
September Issue Deadline: August 1 Available Online: September 1
Jo Mead, New York
Toxic Plants for Your Pond Fish . . . . . .22 Linda Montgomery, KHA
Harmony Grove Fire Koi Rescue . . . . .26 John Svelan, California
Mosquito Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Carolyn Weise, Florida
Picture to Share - Chalk Koi . . . . . . . . .32 Learn about judging Showa from the ZNA Judging Seminar. Starting on Page 8.
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Mary Schraffenberger, The Michigan Koi and Pond Club
On the Road to a Koi Event . . . . . . . . . .31 Sanke Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 MAKC Membership Application . . . . .35
July 2014
MAKC Executive Committee President Philip Gray
(516) 507-0528 philiegray@mac.com Cell (516) 967-4966 Vice-President Looking for a Volunteer Secretary
Dinah Bwint
(610) 287-9178
sanke@verizon.net
Treasurer Anthony Vitale
(516) 420-0740
Remember to Renew Your Membership
Time t o Renew
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
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 Committees Richard Douglass
Membership (845) 723-4373
ewey38@aol.com
AKCA Representative Philip Gray
(516) 486-3807 philiegray@mac.com
Don’t Wait – Do it Today.
MAKC Sales Looking for a Volunteer MAKC Notice Group Manager Michael Snyder Sarah Johnson
(301) 762-2059 makc@imsnyder.com WebMaster (732) 567-6678
sarranna@yahoo.com
Renewal form you can print out is on page 35.
Executive Board Advisor y C ommittee Joe Zuritsky (215) 575-4001 Betty Roemer (828) 697-2692 Art Lembke
(410) 867-0270
jzuritsky@parkwaycorp.com
Mid-Atlantic Koi Magazine
roroemer@mchsi.com artsKoi1@aol.com
Editor, Carolyn Weise
(239) 573-6650 x105
Advertising Editor, Philip Gray Mike Riordan (732) 747-6089
Koidog1@verizon.net
Japanese Cultural Adviser Misa Sitterly
philiegray@mac.com
Meeting/Events Editor, Carolyn Weise (239) 573-6650 x105 makcmag@makc.com FAST Ads Editor, Philip Gray
(516) 486-5163
philiegray@mac.com
(703) 490-0770 sitterly@comcast.net
MAKC Home Page: http://www.makc.com
Production: Cindy Graham, NextUp Creations
July 2014
(516) 486-5163
makcmag@makc.com
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
Dear Members, I write this newsletter with mixed emotions, I recall the moment, in 2012 when I received the news that I would be the President of the Mid-Atlantic Koi Club. The news filled me with both happiness and pride to be affiliated with such an amazing organization whose members are so passionate about this amazing hobby that I love so much. Today I can proudly say that we have done a great job. We have had some amazing shows and events throughout my 2 year tenure with the organization. Personally I think we have made remarkable
Page 4 Mid-Atlantic Koi
strides as an organization and I hope that we continue in our advances to make great contributions to the hobby and the club. I appreciate all of the members and have profoundly enjoyed my time as President, but my term has come to an end. You will always be able to count on my affection, my gratitude and my most sincere friendship. I wish both the organization and the newly elected President nothing but success. Sincerely, Philip Gray
July 2014
Beginner’s Corner Ask a question and we will get you an answer.
Question I’ve had my pond for 5 years and never had this much trouble with Algae. Any idea what is causing it? And how can I control it without using chemicals?
Answer First has anything changed in the last year? Something could have affected the balance in the pond.
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!
Do you have a UV light and is the bulb new? Remember to run the water through it slowly. Did you add any new fish? Any of these things could increase the level of Nitrate and be driving the Algae to grow more than normal.
To become a member or renew is easy.
Remember it takes three things to produce Algae, Phosphorus, Nitrate, and sunshine. Cut any or all of these down or eliminate them and no more Algae.
Fill out the form on page 35, mail it in - it’s that quick to become a member!
Adding plants to the pond will help. They compete with the Algae for the Nitrate and can add shade to cut the sun. Eventually the Algae will run out of food and die.
Your best bet is to do water changes (about 10% of the pond every 3 or 4 days); get some shade on the pond. You can put up a sail (triangular shaped cloth with ropes tied to each corner, to string to trees or posts around the pond). July 2014
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 5
From the Editor’s Desk by Carolyn Weise makcmag@makc.com
hhh, we have made it to July! Gardens are blooming, birds keep emptying the feeders, and all babies have fledged. The season got a late start this year but summer is finally here and it feels good. My own Koi are doing nicely here in Florida in their shaded pond. Yes, Koi can get sunburned if they have no shelter (especially down here, close to the equator).
A
Please check out the Judging Showa article. Each month we try to highlight one of the Koi varieties and bring you the finer points of each of these highly developed fish. Ed Keene has another great article for us, this one on Fish Stress, part 2.
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It isn't disease or parasites which kill Koi, it's the stress that opens them up to disease and parasites. Linda Montgomery has a great article on Toxic Plants. This is something that every pond owner should review from time to time. And Joann Mead has given us an article on how to humanely euthanize fish when there is no other option. Great articles, lots to learn and interesting input from Don Harrawood and Ray Jordan. Finally, see the San Diego Club's koi rescue. Until next time. Yours in Koi! Carolyn
July 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 July 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 Philip Gray at 516-486-3807 or philiegray@mac.com Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 7
ZNA Judging Seminar - Showa 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 2010, 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 second 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 Showa! Judging the five Showa that Mat gave us at Quality Koi was very difficult for most of the participants. All the fish were from the same parents, so they all had similar genetics. For the Showa we asked the participants to list the fish with the best hi and the worst hi. We also had them select the best sumi and the worst sumi. Then they had to place the fish in judging order for today from 1 to 5. Page 8 Mid-Atlantic Koi
July 2014
The judges looked at the fish together before the participants. Judging the best hi was very difficult because all the Showas’ except Koi D had a very similar hi plate. For us, and the majority of the participants, we chose Koi A. Koi A seemed to have the thickest, smoothest texture and most uniform hi. We also chose the same fish to have the best sumi. The sumi had a shine to it and was the most organized and thick.
fish. Again this was very difficult as the fish all had the same parents.
Koi B had the worst sumi. As you can even see in the photo the sumi was all faded and spotty. The worst hi was on Koi E. You cannot see it in the picture but the hi was a different color on the front half of the fish than on the back half of the
Our Second Place Koi was Koi C. We all noticed it had a slight curve in the spine, but compared to the rest it had the next best quality skin. It had more white showing, which showed off the colors better and had good edge to its colors.
July 2014
For our final order most people agreed that were there. We selected Koi A as number one, First Place. It had the best hi, had the best sumi and had the best pattern. It was a very nice little fish, which had good quality skin. It also has a good body with growth potential, for the size.
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 9
Our Third Place Koi was the Kindai Koi D. It had a different hi than the rest, but it was very uniform from front to back. Body shape was good and had a good pattern for hi. We all wanted to see this fish in a few years when the sumi is more finished and organized. Next for the Fourth Place Koi we chose Koi B. It had the next best pattern but the colors for today were not very tight and organized. If the sumi can come together this may be a better fish in the future. The last place fish, the Fifth Place Koi, was Koi E. You may ask why looking at the pictures but in person it was obvious to the trained eye and Mat said he put it in, to see if everyone would notice Page 10 Mid-Atlantic Koi
and learn. It had a severe head defect. The mouth is off center and points to the left. The forehead of the fish is concave and misshaped, and the eyes are not even on the head. Because of these conformation problems, this fish was not considered for placement. In all, the Showa brought some good discussion.
Winning Showa First Place: Showa A Second Place: Showa C Third Place: Showa D Fourth Place: Showa B Fifth Place: Showa E
ď ś
July 2014
It's as easy as A B C . . . Pond Basic Concepts . . .
Koi Stress - Cause and Prevention Part 2 by Ed Keene (DCAS) Adapted for Ponds by Carolyn Weise udden changes in water conditions can also be stressful. Within limits, most fish can adjust to suboptimal water conditions, for example, the wrong temperature or the wrong pH level. However, all fish have difficulty adjusting to a sudden change in water conditions. If you were to suddenly raise or lower the temperature in the pond, or suddenly change the pH level, or suddenly change the water hardness, etc., the fish will become greatly stressed. By maintaining fairly consistent water conditions, your fish will not become stressed.
S
Three nitrogen compounds, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, have varying degrees of toxicity and can be stressful at all levels. Ammonia can be toxic in low concentrations and severely stresses fish under any concentration. Consequently, a healthy pond must have an adequate biological filter that quickly converts ammonia to nitrite and then to nitrate. Nitrate also will stress fish, although significantly less toxic than ammonia or nitrite. Finding a method of removing excess nitrate will help to keep a pond and your fish healthy. The most common way to remove the excess nitrate is by making regular water exchanges. Fish need oxygen, and some pond fish are more tolerant of lower oxygen level water than others. Water with an inadequate oxygen supply stresses fish. One important thing to remember is that as the water temperature goes up, the amount of dissolved oxygen in water goes down. Poor nutrition also causes stress. A healthy diet is a varied diet, and one should avoid using old Page 12 Mid-Atlantic Koi
foods in which vitamins and other nutrients have broken down. Old food includes food that has been stored in hot places, been exposed to the air, and so forth. The custom of adding medications to ponds can often lead to conditions worse than that of the original reason for medicating. Medications that kill bacteria, parasites, etc., are usually not too discriminating in that they may also kill your nitrifying bacteria or be toxic to the fish themselves. Some species of fish do not tolerate certain types of medicines at all. Adding such medications may weaken healthy fish to the point that they become susceptible to the original disease. Keep in mind, that if you kill your nitrifying bacteria, you will have a major problem on your hands. Adding untreated water to your pond may introduce chlorine or chloramine, both of which are toxic to fish. Be sure to treat all water prior to adding it to your pond. As you can very well see, there are many factors which lead to fish stress. By totally eliminating, or at least minimizing to the best of your ability, all sources of stress, you will greatly increase the probability of keeping your pond and fish healthy. The exact amount of stress an individual fish can withstand depends greatly on what type it is, its age, its size, etc. Keep in mind that a stressed fish is a weakened fish. Although it may appear healthy to the casual observer, it will be more susceptible to disease, injury, etc. In contrast, healthy and unstressed fish will be able to ward off disease and infection on their own. The appearance of disease in a pond is usually July 2014
brought about by poor water conditions that leave fish with weakened immune systems.
How Do I Know My Fish Is Stressed In short, stressed fish simply don't act normal. In this case, normal means according to the usual mannerisms of the particular species of fish. Once you have had fish for a little while, you will notice that each species behaves in its own distinctive way. Some fish tend to always stay near the top of the water, such as Golden Orfes, while others near the bottom, others in the middle, and yet others will be all over the pond. Some fish swim continuously, others stay in one place. Deviation from their norm usually indicates stress.
Common signs indicative of a stressed fish include but are not limited to: • Fish staying near the surface gasping for air, indicating that it has trouble getting enough oxygen. Bear in mind that the concentration of dissolved oxygen is highest near the water’s surface. Possible causes include low oxygen concentration due to poor water circulation, toxins that have damaged its gills, high ammonia or nitrite levels, etc.
• Fish has a disease of some type, e.g. parasites, fungus, etc. Of course, the disease itself is a major problem. But in most cases, a healthy fish's immune system keeps it from getting sick or catching the disease in the first place. Getting sick or catching a disease is a very good sign that the fish is stressed.
In Conclusion Many pond hobbyists know about stress, its causes, and how to prevent it. On the other hand, quite a few hobbyists fail to think about all the possible causes and in their haste, will inadvertently forget one or two. I trust I have opened your thought process to additional possibilities and maybe, even mentioned one that had previously slipped from your mind. And finally, to the beginners of the hobby, I trust I have not stressed you out with all this additional information. Fish stress is indeed a very important item you need to take into consideration, and is one which should not be ignored.
• Fish won't eat, or doesn't eat as aggressively as in past. • Fish stays hidden continuously and won't come out where it can be seen. Possible causes: a predator has been around your pond, there is insufficient cover or hiding places to make fish feel "safe" while swimming about, e.g. plants, wood, etc. • Fish has nicked fins or open flesh wounds that don't seem to heal. Possible cause: fish is the target of night visitors. Normally, minor nicks and cuts heal quickly. If they don't, stress levels may be suppressing the fish's immune system. July 2014
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 13
Summer Pond Tips (for Warmer Climates) Part 1 by Ray Jordan, Texas Advice on the best individual care of your Koi depends on many factors including your local climate, source water perimeters, pond and filter system dynamics, stocking rate, and your personal goals as a Koi hobbyist. All of these factors are interconnected and making small but consistent improvement in multiple perimeters can have a significant impact on your ponds water quality and Koi development.
Photo of Ray and Martha’s 9,000-gallon Koi pond
Foreword The focus of this information is for warmer climates but it will benefit a broader audience as well. Koi are best raised as a four-season animal, which is how their common carp ancestors evolved. As seasons progress important hormonal and environmental signals prepare Koi to develop to their genetic potential. Perpetual summer or eternal winter temperatures have their own individual unique disadvantages on the growth and health of our Koi. Understanding seasonal variations in terms of temperature, light, and feeding techniques and working to moderate the inherent stressors can be an effective method to improve the health and beauty of your Koi. In warmer climates with intense summers efforts to moderate the effects of intense sunlight and provide milder seasonal temperatures can be beneficial. Page 14 Mid-Atlantic Koi
It is critical to the health and development of your Koi to maintain as clean an pond/filter system as possible regardless of season: If you do not have effective bottom drains, skimmers, and a method to separate and remove solids from your water before it clogs your biological filters please consider how best to retrofit these important elements without delay. Yes, it is possible (with a lot of daily effort) to remove debris and sludge the old fashioned way. It is important to understand that without a clean pond/filter system 24/7 you will likely continue to struggle to keep your water quality at a high level and your Koi healthy. Koi ponds/filter systems should be DESIGNED and MAINTAINED to easily remove waste from your pond.
Warmer Climates South Texas summers can be brutal with peak daily high air temperatures well above 95F and up to low triple digits and morning lows in the lower 80’s. There is a fair amount of information on how to care for Koi in conventional cooler climates, however, there is not as much written about techniques for Koi care in warmer climates. Koi keepers need to think about how to minimize the stress of rapid daily temperature changes and also how to care for your Koi July 2014
according to the local climate conditions. Koi keepers need to understand that Koi stressed by summer heat will have their health and overall development adversely affected. Your individual pond situation, this summer, will depend on several factors including the success of previous seasons. An outdoor Koi pond/filter system is a dynamic changing environment. Keeping Koi is primarily about keeping your pond water clean, stable and healthy. Here is a description of key seasonal goals for keeping Koi successfully in warmer climates. Following are suggestions that will hopefully help you manage your pond and Koi through a trouble free summer, which will help prepare your Koi for a healthier fall and winter. Each of these topics merits a greater in depth discussion than found in this article. I urge you to explore these issues in more detail depending on your needs.
Oxygen The biggest hazard and challenge to your Koi in warmer climates is lower oxygen levels in the summer. Air breathing creatures like us live in a relative oxygen rich environment that is ~ 21% oxygen. However the amount of oxygen that can be dissolved in water is so tiny it is measured in parts per million (ppm). One of the most important concepts in maintaining healthy Koi requires understanding the effects that temperature has on oxygen content of water. At 85°F only about a maximum of 6.1 ppm of dissolved oxygen can be maintained in fresh water. Realize it will take a lot of aeration to get your ponds oxygen level to near saturation and the goal is to be at least 80% saturated at all times. 6.1 ppm is about 35,000 times less oxygen than found in the air we breathe. At elevations well above sea level the amount of oxygen would be even lower. There is very little safety cushion when you consider that Koi become stressed at oxygen levels of less than 5.0 ppm and start dying at 3.0 ppm. July 2014
Season Key Seasonal Goals of a Successful Koi Keeper in Warmer Climates
Spring
Transition from winter without experiencing episodes of poor water quality or Koi health problems. Avoid tendency to overfeed and overstock.
Summer
Take advantage of early summer growth period and minimize mid to late summer heat and sunlight stress while maintaining water quality.
Fall
This when your adult Koi should experience their major annual growth and body development and prepare to enter winter in peak condition
Winter
Transition from fall growth to winter fasting and rest plus resetting their biological clock for next year’s cycle of growth and development.
Temperature effects on oxygen levels are twofold. First, temperature affects the ability of water to hold dissolved oxygen as seen in the chart on the next page. Second, the rate of metabolism doubles for every 10°C (18°F) temperature change in cold-blooded animals. This means the metabolism decreases by 50% for each drop in temperature of 18°F and conversely doubles for every increase of 18°F. For example, increasing water temperature from 70°F to 88°F means that the requirements of fish, biofiltration bacteria, algae, in fact all living things are increased by 100% for nutrients, oxygen, and everything else. At the same time the oxygen content of the system would decrease not only because of warmer water’s reduced ability to dissolve Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 15
Tem p
Fresh Water
°F
ppm/sea level @80% saturation
50
9.0
55
8.5
60
8.0
65
7.5
70
7.1
75
6.7
80
6.4
85
6.1
90
5.7
oxygen but also because of the increase in the oxygen demand. If you were to compare the amount of oxygen and the oxygen demand at 52°F degrees vs. 88°F degrees the difference is even more significant. At 88°F your pond oxygen level would be about 1/3 less however the oxygen demand would be 4 fold greater than at 52°F. Is it any wonder that a pond’s water quality and Koi can suffer during the relatively hot summers in warmer climates? Here is a chart that shows the amount of oxygen (at 80% saturation levels) at different temperatures at sea level. Remember that the beneficial bacteria that live in your filter are also dependent on the amount of oxygen in the water to thrive and do their job of converting ammonia to nitrites and nitrates. Page 16 Mid-Atlantic Koi
Lower oxygen levels can suppress the population of “good” bacteria and let ammonia and nitrite levels increase to stressful or even potentially lethal levels. The aquatic submerged plants like algae in your pond are both beneficial and detrimental to oxygen levels. During the day aquatic plants such as algae in your pond produce oxygen. However, at night, they consume oxygen and compete with your fish and filter bacteria for the limited supply of oxygen in the water. This is why fish die offs usually happen in the early morning hours. This is why oxygen testing should be done in the early morning to determine lowest levels. Sadly, I have had too many calls from pond owners that experienced the majority of their fish dying over night during the hottest summer months. These summer fish kills are usually the result of a sequence of events. A combination of warmer water, increased plant growth, accumulation and decay of organic matter, and an ever growing biomass of fish causes increased oxygen consumption at night to the point where the drop is significant and lasts long enough to cause the death of most if not all your Koi. When Koi are stressed by chronic low oxygen problems they will be much more likely to succumb to diseases and lose their pretty colors. Here are some tips to prevent low oxygen levels. It is important to determine your pond’s lowest oxygen level and increase it if needed. The cheapest method to measure dissolved oxygen (commonly just called DO) is to buy an oxygen test kit. Be sure to get a test kit for fresh water. You fill a test tube with pond water to a predetermined level and then add a reagent and match the color to a chart. You also, need to know your pond’s water temperature to determine how “saturated” your pond is with oxygen. The goal is to meet or exceed 80% saturation point at a given water temperature. Precise measurement with a drop test kit is not possible but July 2014
will give you a good idea of how much DO is in your pond. Remember you should be measuring about sunrise to get the lowest level of the day. You can also buy an oxygen meter to get more accurate measurements. DO meters are more expensive and require calibration and constant cleaning to be accurate. How much aeration should you have in a healthy moderately stocked Koi pond? The amount of aeration created from a waterfall is difficult to calculate. I suggest that all Koi ponds use air pumps rated at 80+ liters per minute per 3,000 gallons of water. Use air stones positioned in your pond, waterfall area, or bio-filters. Most common air pumps utilize rubber diaphragms, which will wear out in two to three years. Heat is a critical factor in how long they last. Also these air pumps have a filter to prevent dust from damaging the pump. Be sure to clean this filter twice a year as a clogged filter makes the pump run even hotter. If you have hard water it can clog the pores in air stones and cause your air pumps to work even harder and hotter. Clean air stones used in harder water at least twice per year with muriatic acid diluted with three parts water. Air stones can improve pond water circulation by moving water from the bottom to the surface and also eliminating dead zones of stagnant or slow moving water in your system. Also consider installing passive air venturi’s, which is a fairly easy DIY project. Venturi’s save the cost of additional air pumps and electricity but they also reduce the return flow rate somewhat.
Backup Automatic 12 V Battery system to power air pump during power outages
actually increase the surface area of your pond which not only improves the oxygen absorption but also helps with degassing carbon dioxide and other dissolved gases in the pond. It is almost impossible to supply too much aeration to a Koi pond as long as the aeration occurs in less than 8-10 feet of depth. Injecting air at deeper depths can potentially cause problems with air bubble disease in your fish in certain situations. Power outages. Realize if your electricity goes off for any reason during the hottest summer months you will have much less time before oxygen is depleted from your water particularly if the oxygen was already near critical levels. Please consider installing some type of battery backup system to power an air pump/air stones in your pond during power outages. Check back next issue for part two where we will discuss water temperature and shade.
Some types of Koi pond filters such as those with moving bed filters require aeration to tumble the media and this counts towards your total aeration needs. Shower filters or trickle towers also increase aeration based on their above water media designs. In general, the deeper your pond and the less relative surface area to total pond volume the more supplemental aeration you are likely to need. Trickle towers and shower filters July 2014
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 17
How Many Fish Can I Have? by Don Harrawood, Texas
id you ever wonder how many fish you can safely have in your pond? If you ask this question from three different koi people, you are likely to get three different answers. One may say, you can have one fish for every 100 gallons of water in your pond. Another may say you need 500 gallons for every 12˝ of fish.
D
The truth is, you can have as many fish in your pond as your filtration and biological system will safely handle. The biological system is the collection of bacteria that will dispose of the ammonia that the fish emit into the water. The “beneficial bacteria” adhere to objects and are not free flowing in the water. They will be attached to walls, stones and other objects in the pond. The main colony of bacteria will be found in filtration systems, such as a pressurized tank filter, where all the pond water flows through a media. The ammonia and nitrite (a by-product of bacteria absorption of ammonia) concentration in the water can be determined by checking a sample of the pond water with the appropriate testing kits. To reduce content of these chemicals, you will likely need to make a water change in order to reduce the ammonia concentration. In the long run, you can add a bag of media inside the waterfall basin or other areas where most of the water flows. It will take approximately 3 to 4 weeks for this new media to be concentrated with beneficial bacteria, after which Page 18 Mid-Atlantic Koi
more ammonia and nitrites can be absorbed from the water. The reduction of ammonia will allow the pond owner to add fish to their collection without the fear of overloading the ammonia content in the water. I am not recommending that the pond owner add so many fish that they will be overly crowded. It is better to give them some space. I am recommending that you use your test kits.
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.
July 2014
Euthanasia by Jo Mead, New York
stores, so we recommend ordering it online to have it on hand for emergencies. However, in countries outside the US, you may need a prescription to buy it. Sources for obtaining Tricanie-S include in the States: Http://Pentairaes.Com Http://WWW.Wchemical.Com/
erhaps the kindest thing you can do for a pet fish that is extremely ill or severely injured is to induce its death humanely through euthanasia.
P
There are many misconceptions on the web on how to euthanize a fish. Our recommendations follow the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommendations of overdose as a preferred and humane method for euthanasia. The following four methods are recommended in order of preference:
Tricanie-S (MS-222 or Tricaine Methanesulfonate) is a fish sedative and an anesthetic. Choose a container large enough that the fish can move around freely. Use equal amounts of Tricanie-S and baking soda (to buffer the solution as Tricanie-S can make the water acidic). Mix 1/2 teaspoon of Tricanie-S and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda per 1 gallon (3.84 liters) of dechlorinated water in the container and then add the fish. If the fish is still moving around after 10 minutes you can add another 1/2 teaspoon of Tricanie-S and and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda predissolved in some water from the container. Once the fish turns on its side, watch the opercular movements (respiration/gill movements). The fish should be removed from the solution after at least ten minutes have passed since the last observed opercular movements (respiration/gill movements).
Tricanie-S (MS-222) also known as Finquel** Tricanie-S is our preferred method for euthanizing a fish. With Tricanie-S the fish should fall asleep peacefully. The three other acceptable methods include clove oil, baking soda and Alka Seltzer. Please note that these methods may be irritating and cause stress prior to death. You won't be able to find Tricanie-S in your local pet July 2014
**Finquel was manufactured by Argent Chemical Laboratories. The owner and president Dr. Eliot Lieberman, passed away suddenly January 5, 2013. The company was sold to Thomas Sawtell and Carl Glessner and they formed Argent Aquaculture LLC. Argent Aquaculture LLC currently has applied to the FDA to manufacture Finquel. Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 19
Tricaine-S also known as Finquel.
Oil Of Clove Add 12 drops of Oil of Clove per 1 gallon (3.84 liters) of dechlorinated water. Oil of clove is very hard to mix so you may want to emulsify the clove oil by placing it in a smaller amount of water in a glass jar and shake well. Place the fish in a container large enough for it to move around freely along with an airstone on the highest setting and add the clove oil solution. The airstone will help keep the clove oil in solution. Once the fish turns on its side, watch the opercular movements (respiration/gill movements). The fish should be removed from the solution after at least ten minutes have passed since the last observed opercular movements (respiration/gill movements).
Baking Soda When dosed properly, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) causes rapid loss of consciousness and death by increasing the amount of carbon Page 20 Mid-Atlantic Koi
dioxide in the water. Place the fish in a container large enough for it to move around freely. Mix a solution of 3 tablespoons of baking soda to each quart (0.9463 liter) of water and then pour into the holding container. Once the fish turns on its side, watch the opercular movements (respiration/gill movements). The fish should be removed from the solution after at least ten minutes have passed since the last observed opercular movements (respiration/gill movements).
Alka-Seltzer Alka-Seltzer can be also be used to produce carbon dioxide in the water and induce loss consciousness and death. Choose a container large enough so the fish has room enough to move freely. Use 1 tablet/5 gallons (18.93 liters) or 2 tablets/ 10 gallons (37.85 liters) of dechlorinated water and then add the fish to the solution. Once the fish turns on its side, watch the opercular movements (respiration/gill movements). The July 2014
fish should be removed from the solution after at least ten minutes have passed since the last observed opercular movements (respiration/ gill movements). The following methods are NOT recommended
Freezing Freezing is very painful to the fish as ice crystals are formed in the body tissue and bloodstream.
Vodka And Oil Of Clove The combination can be used IF done properly but the majority of the cases of at home euthanasia the fishes gills are burned by the vodka causing a violent death. ď ś
Euthanasia Policy References: 1. Canadian Council on Animal Care, Guide Vol. 1 (2nd Ed.). 1993. Chapter XII Ă? Euthanasia.
July 2014
2. Report of the AVMA Panel of Euthanasia. 2000. Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association 218(5): 670-696. 3. Report of the AVMA Panel of Euthanasia. 1993. Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association 202(2): 230-249. 4. Stoskopf, M.K. 1993. Fish Medicine. W.B. Saunders Co. Philadelphia. 5. The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. 1996. National Academy Press, Washington, D.C. 6. Noga, E.J. 1996. Fish Diseases: Diagnosis and Treatment. Mosby-YearBook, Inc, St. Louis. 7. Casebolt, D.B., D.J. Speare, and B.S. Horney. 1998 Care and Use of Fish as Laboratory Animals: Current State of Knowledge. Lab Animal Science 48(2): 124-136. 8. Burns R, McMahan B. Euthanasia methods for ectothermic vertebrates. In: Bonagura JD, ed. Continuing veterinary therapy XII. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Co. 1995: 1379-1381.
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 21
Toxic Plants for Your Pond Fish by Linda Montgomery, KHA
reprinted from Northwest Koi and Goldfish Club Newsletter
e heard that many people were interested in this subject, so we wanted to have some information for you. I have compiled this list from a variety of lists and reports from different sources. One source was compiled by Jayne Cuny and originally published in Practical Koi Keeping Volume ll. However, since the original source and authenticity of many of the lists and entries cannot be traced back, it makes it much easier for a plant to be on the list than to get off of it.
W
Some of the plants listed can be extremely toxic in all parts of the plant (i.e. Laurel, Ivy) and others in select parts of the plant (i.e. Elephant Ear-stems and leaves). Just how toxic these plants are and at what strength it takes to make them toxic is not documented in these lists. You may have one or several of these plants listed planted around your pond and your fish are doing just fine. This could be due to many reasons, some of which could be: you are a great pond owner and diligently keep all leaves, berries, flowers of plants out of your pond, you have a great skimmer and your system is designed well or there is not enough of the plant to do harm (but it may accumulate over time and eventually do damage). Also, the size of your pond vs the amount of the toxic plant would also be a factor, for example…a pond owner with a very large pond with an Azalea planted next to it may not see any issues with their fish but another pond owner with a small pond that is not maintained very well may have very sick fish. There Page 22 Mid-Atlantic Koi
could also be degrees of toxicity with water parameters such as water temperatures, pH or kh. Another thought to consider is that some of the plants on this list may have parts such as berries or leaves that the fish may be interested in eating and they are only harmful if ingested, other plants may have toxic sap and be extremely dangerous if the fish just swims through it. Years ago KHA Jan Jordan told me about a pond owner in her area that was cutting back Myrtle Splurge by her pond and some dropped into the pond, the fish swam by and died immediately. Another thought to consider is that whatever goes into your pond will have an effect on the water quality of the pond water. Have you had unusual water chemistry that you just cannot seem to fix? Another area of concern would be bark dust and mulches. Do not use dyed mulch, pine mulch, western red cedar or cocoa mulch around your pond! Untreated hemlock mulch is safer to use. This statement did seem strange to me as hemlock is on the toxic plant list, but that is for certain types of hemlock (especially Poison and Water). Sources on the internet say that people that wonder “is hemlock mulch safe to use,” are usually mistaking the poison hemlock for the conifer hemlock, which is not toxic. However if you are questioning the safety of any mulch don’t use it. Be sure to also be aware of unsafe “sour” mulch. Sour mulch smells like vinegar, ammonia or sulfur. Good mulch smells like freshly cut wood or has the earthy smell of a good garden soil. Another way to determine if July 2014
mulch is sour is to test its pH. Toxic mulch will have a pH of 1.8 to 2.5. Often I will hear a pond owner say “but its organic and can’t hurt my fish!” Not true! There are many, many poisons in nature. You never know what you are going to find out when searching the internet and this is a bit off track, but just so interesting that I had to share it with you. I had no idea that plants had been used by Native Americans in fishing for centuries to stun/poison fish. It is believed that Native Americans found out that some plants could stun fish when they used certain plants for making lather or suds. The discovery probably occurred when the native cultures that used the plants for their soap-like properties in the streams and rivers noticed the effect on the fish that swam close by. So do not think that just because something is organic, it is safe for your fish! When plant shopping, always look for aquatic plants that are safe for ponds and fish. As mentioned above, the stems and leaves of Elephant Ear can be toxic to your koi and all parts of Taro are also toxic. Do a little research for planting around your pond, such as those listed here. This is not a complete list of plants but a good list for toxic plants which may cause death or do damage to your pond fish. And for goodness sake…do not plant Marijuana close to your pond! It is on the list and all parts of it are toxic!
List of Potentially Toxic Plants for Ponds with Fish AconitumTUM (Aconite, Monkshood) roots, flowers, & leaves Allamanda – all parts Allspice- leaves,seeds Alocasia leaves and stems Aloe leaves Amaryllis bulbs Anemone – all parts
July 2014
Angel Trumpet Tree (Datura Arborea) flowers & leaves Anthurium all parts Apple seeds contain hydrocyanic acid Apricot leaves Atropa Belladonna all parts, especially black berries Autumn Crocus (C. Sativus, Saffron Crocus) bulbs Azaleas (Rhododendorn) Leaves Balsam Pear Seeds, Outer Rind of Fruit Baneberry berries, roots Beach Pea (Lathyrus Maritimus) stems Betel Nut Palm all parts Bird of Paradise Seeds Bittersweet (Celastrus) berries Black Locust Bark, sprouts, foliage Black walnut hulls Bleeding Heart (Dicentra, Dutchman’s Breeches) foliage & roots Bluebonnets (Lupinus) all parts Blue-Green Algae Some forms toxic Bottlebrush (Callistemon, possibly Melaleuca) flowers Boxwood Leaves, stems Buckeye (Aesculus, Horse Chestnut) sprouts and nuts Buckthorn Fruit, bark Buttercup sap, leaves, bulbs Cactus Caladium – whole plant California tern roots seeds Calla Lily Leaves Carolina jasmine – all parts Castor Bean (Castor Oil) Beans, Leaves Challice Vine All parts Chenille plant Cherry bark, twigs, leaves, pits Cherry seeds contain hydrocyanic acid Cherry Laurel (Prunus Varieties) all parts, seeds contain hydrocyanic acid Cherry Tree Bark, twigs,l eaves, pits Chinaberry (Melia Azedarach) berries are poisonous Choke cherry – all parts, especially the cherries Christmas Berry (Heteromeles Arbutifolia, Toyon) berries are poisonous Christmas Candle Sap Colocasia all parts Columbine (Aquilegia) all parts Common Privet (Ligustrum) black or blue wax coated berries and leaves Coral Berry (Symphoricarpos) seeds Coral Plant Seeds Crpcus all bulbs
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 23
Croton seeds Daffodil Bulbs Daphne Berries Datura (Brugmansia) flowers, berries, & seeds Day lily very poisonous to cats Deadly Amanita All parts Deadly Nightshade (Solanum Nigrum) all parts, unripe fruit & foliage Death Camas All parts Delphinium All parts Destroying Angel (Amanita Phalloides, Death Cup) all parts Dieffenbachia Leaves Digitalis – all parts Dogwood (Cornus) fruit slightly poisonous Dumbcane (dieffenbachia) – all parts Easter lily (also very poisonous to cats) Egg Plant All parts but fruit Elderberry (Sambucus) red fruit poisonous, black & blue fruit o.k. Elephant Ear (Colocasia, Taro, Caladium) stem & leaves English Ivy Berries, leaves Euphorbia (Splurge, Gopher Plant, Mole Plant) roots, sap False Henbano All parts Fly Agaric (Fly Amanita Mushroom) whole plant Four O’Clock whole plant Foxglove Leaves, seeds Gelsemium (Carolina Jessamine) whole plant Gloriosa lily – all parts Golden Chain All parts, especially seeds Hellebore (Ranunculaccea) all parts Hemlock (Tsuga) all parts, especially roots Hemlock, water All parts, especially roots and seeds Hemlosk, poison All parts, especially roots and seeds Henbane Seeds Holly Berries Honeysuckle Leave, flowers Horse Chestnut Nuts, twigs Hyacinth Bulbs Hydrangea Flower bud Impatiens (Balsam, Touch-Me-Not, Snapweed) whole plant Indian Turnip(Jack-in-the-Pulpit) All parts Iris (Blue Flag) Bulbs Ivy (Hedera) all parts Jack-in-the-pulpit – all parts Japanese laurel – all parts Jasmine berries
Page 24 Mid-Atlantic Koi
Java Bean (Lima) Uncooked bean Jerusalam Cherry (Solanum Pseudocapsicum) fruit & leaves Jimsonweed Leaves, seeds Juniper (J.virginiana) Needles, stems, berries Lanbkill (Kalmia Angustifolia, Sheep Laurel) leaves Lantana Immature berries Larkspur (Delphinium) foliage & roots are dangerous, seeds may be fatal Laurel All parts Lily of the Valley All parts, including water Lobelia leaves Locoweed All parts Locust bark,leaves, seeds Lords and Ladies All parts Lupine (Lupinus) seeds Machineel all parts Marijuana all parts May Apple (Podophullum) all parts Mescal Bean Seeds Milkweed (Asciepias) all parts, especially sap Misteltoe Berries Moccasin FLOWER (Lady Slipper, Cypripedium Spectabiles) all parts Mock Orange Fruit Monkshood Leaves, roots Morning Glory All parts Mountain Laurek (Kalmia Latifolia) young leaves & shoots, can be fatal Mushrooms wild types Mustard – roots and seeds Murtle Splurge- All parts especially Sap Narcissus Bulbs Natal Cherry (Solanum) berries Nicotiana (Flowering Tobacco) leaves Nightshades (all) Berries, leaves Oak Acorns, foliage Oleander – all parts Oleaner Leaves,branches,nectar of blossoms Peach, seeds Pear, seeds Peony (Paeonia) all parts Periwinkle (Vinca, Myrtle) whole plant Philodendron Leaves, stem Pikeweed Leaves,roots,immature berries Pine sap Pinks (Sweet William, Carnation, Dianthus) all parts Plum, seeds Poinsettia Leaves, flowers
July 2014
Poison Ivy Sap Poison Oak Sap Pokeweed (Phytolacca, Pokeberry) roots are dangerous Poppy (Papaver) all except California Poppy can be dangerous Potato Eyes and new shoots Privet berries, leaves Prunus (many varieties) seeds, some parts Ranunculus all parts Redwood sap (from decks also) Rhododendron All parts Rhubarb Leaves Rosary Peas Seeds Rosemary (Rosemarius Officinalis) leaves of certain varieties are poisonous Sage (Salvia) leaves of certain varieties are poisonous Scotchbroom (Cytinsus Scoparious) seeds, invasive Senecio whole plant of some species Skunk Cabbage All parts Snapdragon all parts Snow Drops All parts, especially bulbs Snow on Mountain All parts Solanum (Nightshade) all, especially some berries Squirrel Corn (Dicentra Canadensis, Bleeding Heart) all parts Stramonium (Jimson Weed, Datura) all parts SUMAC (Rhus) all parts Sweet Pea Seeds and fruit TANSY (Tanacetum) all parts Taro – all parts Tiger Lily all parts Toadstools can be fatal Tobacco Leaves Tomato foliage & vines Trumpet vine – all parts Tulip bulbs Virginia Creeper Sap Wisteria All parts Yam Bean Roots, immature polds Yew (American, English, Japanese) Needles, seeds
Note: If you do not see a particular plant on this list, please realize that the omission does not in any way indicate the plant is not potentially poisonous/toxic to your fish! Please let me know if you have any personal experience with toxic/harmful plants to your koi so that the list can be undated. July 2014
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 25
Harmony Grove Fire Koi Rescue by John Svelan, California
Greetings Koi Club of San Diego Members! Thanks to the quick response by our Club members we were able to save 45 beautiful fish from certain death. When we arrived on Saturday morning we knew it would be a challenge reviving and stabilizing them over the weekend especially in the midst of all the devastation. With the help of the Cal Fire, the Humane Society, SDG & E, a generous water tanker and our dedicated Club members we were able to meet the challenge. We kept our sump pumps running with a generator and by Monday morning after some tlc, lots of oxygen, some clean water, ClorAmX, salt and hydrogen peroxide the fish were revived enough to transport. At the general meeting on Sunday we took up a collection (using a burned bucket Page 26 Mid-Atlantic Koi
and Koi statue retrieved from the fire) and asked for volunteers for the Monday rescue. After the meeting Paul, Jerry and I went to Jerry’s “Santuary” and set up Buck’s 18’ above ground pool and got water and pumps ready. On Monday morning Jerry and I arrived at the burned out pond early, checked the fish and prepared everything. By 10am a half dozen Club members showed up (along with news media thank you Mike) and the rescue was underway! When we ran out of clean water and O2, the firefighters jumped right in. It seemed everyone loved koi that day or maybe it was just the idea that these beautiful creatures survived and were a glimmer of hope for the Spiritual Center that was burned to the ground around us. July 2014
set up an appointment with Jerry and I’m sure he will be more than happy to have you over.
We loaded up the smaller koi in bags and the larger ones were released in a 225 gallon transport tank with lots of O2. The trip from Escondido to Lakeside was an adventure with over a ton of water and koi sloshing around in the back of my truck (not to mention I forgot to latch my hood and had to pull over on the freeway). Upon arrival we floated the bags and began the catch and release of the larger ones with a sock net. Jerry’s prep work of their new ‘foster home’ paid off and the transition was seamless. By Wednesday we had two bio filters cranked up and the ammonia remains totally manageable (with the help of ClorAmX for now). Tomorrow (Friday) we’ll take the next step where Koi Jack will conduct a health assessment of all the new Vagabond Koi. We made a commitment to the owner, Rev. Chris Meradeth that we would care for his koi as long as is needed and I (or our next President) will keep you posted. If you would like to come visit these beautiful koi please feel free to July 2014
You may be wondering, how did these guys know what to look for and what to do in an emergency situation like this? I’ve been in the Club over 10 years and have asked a ton of ‘dumb’ questions and have learned from the best. The lectures, guest speakers and also independent study really pays off and you’d be surprised how much you retain if you practice this stuff on a regular basis with your own pond. What to look for when a fish is stressing? Does it affect just one fish or is it ‘systemic’ and affect the whole pond? There are a few courses you can actually sign up for that are low cost, self-paced and very beneficial. Below is a link to our website where we are consolidating all the pictures and videos taken at the fire rescue thanks to our Secretary and Club Photographer Phyllis (who was there to document this). Ok… I’ve done enough babbling so I’ll quit for now but as always I just want to keep you informed of what’s going on in Your Club. Take care and Keep Koiing! www.koiclubofsandiego.org Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 27
Mosquito Facts by Carolyn Weise, Florida ere are a few mosquito facts everybody should know. First, they are all egg-layers, although the eggs are laid differently depending upon which specie of mosquito. Next, there are some very effective larvacides on the market that everybody with a pond or birdbath, fountain or flower pot with saucer should use. These target the mosquito and do not kill beneficial insects like the nonselective chemical sprays. Some species’ eggs will hatch into larva within 3-4 days. Others can take up to 18 days. Even others are well adapted to drought areas and can remain viable for many years until activated by water.
H
Yellow Fever was found to be spread by the brindled Aedes aegypti mosquito. Malaria is carried by Culex pipiens, the common gray house mosquito. The primary carrier of Equine Encephalitis Virus is the Culiseta melanura, a species of “swamp mosquito” that breed in hidden bodies of water cavities, such as under the trunk of a swamp tree at water level, especially the white cedar. Curiously, the mosquito will feed on a bird, and then another will act as vector when it bites an infected bird AND transfers to a human host. Now, I am going to simplify this by Page 28 Mid-Atlantic Koi
not giving the Latin names of specific mosquito species, but just to let you know that 1) There are different mosquitoes responsible for carrying specific diseases. 2) There are EPA registered and approved larvacides on the market (such as biological Bti). 3) You don’t have to wait for your town or county to kill the mosquitoes for you. 4) Nobody has to wait until a deadly mosquito-carried virus strikes home to take action. 5) Mosquitoes are not just bothersome pests. 6) Mosquitoes breed primarily in flower pots, old tires, sea shells, and anything else that holds water. It’s not just about ponds… 7) Those swarming types you see flying around your pond are non-biting aquatic midge, not the troublesome mosquitoes. And they breed in the mulm in your filter as small red worms. July 2014
Picture to Share
Photo provide by Mary Schraffenberger, The Michigan Koi and Pond Club – Koi found in
Have a picture to share? Send your photos to the
South Korea wandering up the stairs.
Editor, Carolyn Weise at makcmag@makc.com. ď ś
July 2014
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 29
Sunshine Column
Treasurer’s Report Submitted by Anthony Vitale, New York Balance as of May 1, 2014 Income: Memberships Tri-State Koi Club Total Income Expenses: Printing/Publication (2 issues) Total Expenses
Anthony Vitale is being treated for 5 herniated discs and lumbar spine problems resulting from a "T-bone" car accident he suffered while in Florida. Keep him in your prayers and drive safely. The Sunshine Column is more then get well’s, it also is for acknowledging accomplishments like a new baby, graduations, special birthdays - for example, Carolyn Weise who just turned 70!! Send in news to share with the club, we would love to hear from you. Send submissions for our Sunshine Column to Carolyn Weise, Editor makcmag@makc.com
www.makc.com Page 30 Mid-Atlantic Koi
$15,445.34
442.50 500.00 $942.50
1,600.00 $1,600.00
Balance as of May 31, 2014
$14,787.844
Reserve Account/Prepaid Memberships Balance
$6,410.51
Outstanding Deposit - Membership Club Total Balance As if May 31, 2014
130.00
$21,198.35
It’s Time to Renew 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. July 2014
On the Road to a Koi Event July 11–13 Midwest Pond & Koi Society 17th Annual Koi & Goldfish Show http://www.mpks.org
July 19-20 Santa Clara Valley Koi & Water Garden 23rd Annual Pond Tour www.sckoi.com
July 26-27 North Idaho Koi Keepers 1st ZNA Koi Show, Hoshi Koi in Tacoma, Washington www.northidahokoikeepers.com
September 5-7 20th Annual ZNA Potomac Koi Show Held at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna VA. http://www.znapotomac.org
September 19-21 Carolina Classic Koi Show East Coast Koi Imports, New Hill, NC http://carolinaclassickoishow.com 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. See you soon at a Koi event. July 2014
M A KC Eve nt Long Island Chapter Pond Tour Sunday, July 20 The Chapter has openings for future Koi meetings. Please contact me. Please call Bruce at cell 516-477-1823 or email kuba1953@aol.com
Saugerties Chapter Meetings Sunday, July 20 3:00 pm Contact Herb Ehrich for further information about upcoming meetings koiking15@yahoo.com This year’s meetings August 17 October 19 Dec 14
Sept 21 Nov 16
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 516-640-6490 or makcmag@makc.com Deadline July 5th for the August 2014 issue. Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 31
F..A..S..T.. Ads – July Disclaimer: MAKC and its officers assume no responsibility for claims of advertisers or the quality/serviceability of goods offered.
HOUSE FOR SALE. 519 Claremont Dr. Flat Rock, NC 28731
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.
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 Philip 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).
• • • • • •
Price: $599,000 Beds: 3 Bed Baths: 3 Full, 2 Half Bath House Size: 4,067 Sq Ft Lot Size: 1.1 Acres Year Built: 1994
http://www.wncrmls.com/wnc/ maildoc/sd_Q8u1QO20130923150730.html
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 32 Mid-Atlantic Koi
Contact Patricia Shub, dunedog@bellsouth.net or phone 954-208-4600. QUALITY SHOW KOI. Show quality Koi for sale. Need to thin out my pond contact philiegray@mac.com.
WANTED KOI. Foster Home. Large natural pond. Happy to accept your overgrown or unwanted “children.” Call Rich Menashe in Metuchen, NJ, 732-767-0720. July 2014
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. 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 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.
www.makc.com July 2014
Mid-Atlantic Koi Ad Index Aquaculture Bead Filter Specialists . . . . . . . .6, 7 Aquatic Nutrition –
K.O.I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Matala USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Mazuri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Blackwater Gold–N . . . . . .13
Microbe-Lift . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Hikari . . . . . . . . .7, Back Cover
Nisei Koi Farm . . . . . . . . .7, 21
Kloubec Koi Farm . . . . . . . . .25
Pentair Aquatic
Kodama Koi Farm . . . . . . . .4, 7
Eco-Systems, Inc. . . . . . . . .25
Long Island Fish Hospital . . .5
Quality Koi Company . . .7, 21
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.
Mid-Atlantic Koi Page 33
Next Issue Judging Sanka
Get a head start on the next issue’s judging article. How would you rank these four Sanke?
Page 34 Mid-Atlantic Koi
July 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 ___________ July 2014
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