During the past few weeks, the enquiries we are getting have changed from the usual warm weather bacterial/ parasitic/ water borne problems to low temperature related difficulties.

This week, we have encountered a Koi on its side in an above ground vat at Southampton (water temp 2.2deg.C.), visited Milton Keynes with a similar Koi on its side in a shallow pond (water temp measured at 1.0 deg.C) and as we write this article, we are dealing with a 24” ‘sided Koi’ in Cheshire – again almost sub-zero pond water temperatures.

Despite what you may have read, once the water temperature gets below 2- 3 deg.C., your Koi are at risk. At this temperature, all the life giving functions have slowed right down and survival is a challenge to any Koi who is not in a good healthy condition. One major problem which often occurs is chilling of the swim bladder which impairs the buoyancy of the Koi. The only way to correct this is to warm up the pond water slowly, if possible or alternatively, transfer the affected fish to a warmer environment (i.e. quarantine tank). If the Koi is left on its side, it will deteriorate and often, fungus takes hold.

Should you start to have problems:

In an emergency

1. If fish are on their side, undertake a 25% water change. Your tap water will be in the region of 8- 9 deg.C. at the present time. Remember to use a purifier or de-chlorinator.

Precautions you can take include:

• Put in a small heater (if the energy costs are affordable!).
• Bypass any waterfall to avoid further cooling and turn off any fountain (provided they are not the only sources of air)
• Turn down the air but make sure you leave a reasonable amount in your pond. There is still an oxygen demand in the winter by your Koi, filters and system.
• Cover the pond to reduce heat losses but make sure that you leave an air gap of at least 4” and ventilate under the cover.
• Should the surface freeze, melt a hole in the ice. Do not smash a hole through the surface.

If you are not sure what to do, give us a call and ask for advice. We are only a ‘telephone call’ away. If you do not have an accurate digital thermometer, we have many inexpensive ones here that we can send you one.

Good luck with the winter.

Rod & Gerry Isted

“Koi Health and Welfare is not a ‘clip-on’ to your hobby of Koi Keeping, something you start to think about when your first fish seems to be behaving strangely. By then, its far too late”.

“Koi Health & Welfare must start from the time you first think about your new pond. It must be an integral part of your planning, design, filtration, materials, construction, water & air supplies, the stocking, the environmental conditions, quarantine facilities and your planned maintenance regime. Get all this right (which none of us rarely manage), then you will have reached the goal that all of us Koi Keepers strive to achieve and you should have a relatively ‘trouble-free’ experience.”

Rod, Gerry & Dave from ‘Healthy Koi’ will be undertaking the usual Autumn Health Seminar at their local Koi Club – the South Hants Koi Club. At the Seminar, they will look at aspects such as how to tell if your Koi is unwell, the water supply, testing, the ‘medicine chest’ & medication, stages of anesthesia, topical treatment, bowling up & lifting, feeding, water quality problems, diagnostics & parasite identification/ microscopy. They will also talk about the latest detection advances and some of the most common problems we have encountered throughout the UK this year.

Following the discussion, there will be hands-on practical work where you can take mucus scrapes (under guidance) and use the microscope for parasitic identification. They also want you to have a go at anesthising a Koi and topical treat any wounds requiring attention, under of course, strict supervision. In all cases, the welfare of the Koi will be paramount. The amount of practical work will depend on the number of unwell Koi available on the day.

Although this talk was previously aimed at South Hants Club members who are new to Koi Keeping, the scope has been widened which should be interesting to all those who are more experienced.

The South Hants Koi Club always welcomes prospective new members to their events. Should any non-members wish to attend, please could you phone us on 01243 572762 in advance as numbers are strictly limited and the South Hants members will have priority. There will be a charge of £10.00 per person to help cover the costs of the venue and refreshments.

Rod & Gerry Isted

Kusuri Klear

Kusuri Klear

Healthy Koi are now selling the New Kusuri Klear & PreCondioner filter start.

Kusuri Klear contains beneficial nitrifying bacteria essential for filters, plus denitrifying bacteria to cope with any nasty ammonia.

Kusuri Klear, as its name implies, will increase water clarity and reduces protein discoloration and foam in ponds. Kusuri Klear is a highly concentrated liquid culture and weekly use is thoroughly recommended as a filter pro-biotic that reduces Ammonia, Nitrites, Nitrates and soluble Phosphates.

Phosphates as well as Nitrates are the major nutrients needed for blanket weed growth, using Kusuri Klear will reduce these nutrients, suppressing blanket weed growth.

Kusuri PreConditioner (use with Kusuri Klear)

Kusuri PreConditioner

Used in conjunction with Kusuri Klear. Will pre-activate Kusuri Klear, in a heated container, with 1 litre of Kusuri Klear.

See Bio-Reactor kit.

1 litre of Kusuri Klear and 500ml of Preconditioner with 10 litres of pond water at 30 C for 2 to 7 days.

Should you require any further details or would like to order Eco Active please call on 01243 572762.

Kusuri Eco Active

Healthy Koi are now selling the New Eco Active Chemical Free ‘WATER TREATMENT’ made by Kusuri. Kusuri have come up with an ecological alternative to chemical medications. Chemical treatments can cause more harm than good to your filter biomass, but they are steeped in Koi keeping legend and tradition.Eco Active is based on natural herb extracts. It is a Non-toxic, chemical free treatment for reduction of pathogenic bacteria in a pond.

Eco Active stands for Ecologically-friendly Active ingredients.

This plant and herb product has been researched and developed over the past three years, enabling Kusuri to release into the market a cost-effective alternative to harsh chemical treatments. This is a water treatment and not a medicinal product. This product must not be confused with Sabbactisun or Parazoryne previously sold by Kusuri; this is a brand new formulation, allowing us to pass on substantial savings to our customers.

Many trials with independent Koi keepers have resulted in a unique formulation that will improve the aquatic environment. This water treatment will aid the recovery of fish suffering from Ulcers, Dropsy, Fin Rot and parasite infestation.

For best results use between 18°C and 22°C either in a quarantine system or pond. 5 Litres will treat 2000 gallons over a ten day period, one application per day. If there is a large amount of organic matter/blanket weed in the pond, this will reduce the effectiveness of Eco Active.

Store at room temperature preferably in the dark, do not freeze. Shake well prior to each application. Dilute each dose prior to application and add slowly to the system over a thirty minute period.

At the moment 5 Litres can be used as a ten day application for a 2000 gallon pond. If the demand is there, Kusuri will bring out a more concentrated version which could be used in a 5000 gallon pond over a ten day period.

Should you require any further details or would like to order Eco Active please call on 01243 572762.

Healthy Koi are pleased to announce that they will again be attending the FBAS Festival of Fishkeeping this year. Said by many to be one of the UK’s top aquatic shows displaying coldwater and tropical fish from all over the world, it is the Federation of Aquatic Societies showpiece for the year. In addition to extensive coldwater and tropical fish displays, there will be a Koi festival taking place and attended by the South East, Middlesex & Surrey Borders, Worthing & District and the South Hants Koi Clubs. The Show will be open to the public from 10.00am to 5.00pm on Saturday and Sunday 11th & 12th October, 2008. The event will be held at the Mill Rythe Holiday Village on Hayling Island, Hampshire and the route will be signposted from the A27 Havant junction southwards.

In addition to our water quality management and bio- security roles, we will again be having our trade stand and our enthusiastic and friendly staff will be in attendance to help you with any queries that you may have on Koi health matters and Koi diseases. Our stand will include a full range of Koi health products including microscopes, water test meters, medications, topical treatments, swabs and many other interesting items, all at special show prices.

In addition to our usual products, you will be able to look at some of our range of equipment including the New 2008 Hanna Water Testing C203 Meter and our power supply and temperature monitoring system.

Should there be any specific items you are interested in, please do not hesitate to give us a phone call on 01243 572762 in advance and we will ensure that these will be available for you to look at on show day.

Hanna has just launched the new 2008 model of the C203 water test meter for aquatic use. The C203 multi-parameter meter proved very popular with Koi Keepers. Like its former model, the meter will precisely measure ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, total chlorines, dissolved oxygen, copper and phosphate levels. All of these will have an impact on the long-term health of your Koi.

The new model has many improvements including a far more sophisticated optical system and with a new cuvette compartment, its accuracy is increased. Other improvements include a graphic backlit LCD with a display which takes you step by step through the testing process. When your water testing is complete, the USB connectivity allows you with the optional software to transmit & store all your records on your pc or laptop.

Healthy Koi, who are distributors for Hanna, have been given the first two meters to be imported. Having tested the new instrument and been very pleased with its performance, we have put together a range of packages which allows you to undertake quick & easy professional water testing at an affordable price. The new meter can be purchased on its own for £345 or with reagent starter kits from £415.

If you would like to find out more about the new test meter or see one, contact Healthy Koi on 01243 572762.

©Healthy Koi Ltd

DEFRA have recently stated that in all probability, England will be declared an Eradication Zone for KHV.

What does this mean you may ask: When this takes place, several outcomes will naturally follow. These include:

1. Imports of fish vaccinated against KHV will not be permitted.
2. Fish will only be allowed to be imported from Countries, Zones or Fish Farms which are proven to be free from KHV. At this stage, the exact method in determining KHV free stock has yet to be finalised by the European Commission.
3. In view of the proposed classification, new restrictions will apply when exporting fish. Any fish exported from England will only be able to be transferred to ‘diseased Zones’ unless the exporting ‘site’ can be established to be free from KHV. This will obviously impact with Koi trade with Scotland, Northern Island, Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey, depending upon how these regions classify themselves with regards to their KHV Status.

At the present time, DEFRA are looking to implement the legislation by the 1st October However looking at progress, this seems to be slipping and the more likely date through the ‘grapevine’ will be the 1st April, 2009.

We are 100% behind any effort made by Central Government to help reduce the incidence of KHV. However in order to really beat this problem, it needs to be tackled by all of us in the ornamental fish industry. As part of the measures, all Koi imported into the UK must be subjected to an approved heat cycling quarantine protocol at some stage during their journey from the fish farm to the fishery, lake or pond.

Although we hold a UK State Vetinary Service ‘Animal Transport Authorization’ which allows us to move fish worldwide by road, sea and air, the proposed regulations will, rightly so, impose restrictions on fish movements we can undertake to and from certain destinations. Should you wish to move your Koi from England to a ‘disease free’ Zone, we will be able to carry out all the testing required which will (hopefully) allow your Koi to be certified ‘free from KHV’.

Should you require any assistance or advice, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Healthy Koi are delighted to introduce the new water resistant single parameter meters with CAL Check TM from Hanna. An advanced optical light system and CAL Check TM feature not only assures accurate readings every time, but also the ability to verify the accuracy of the instrument and to recalibrate it if necessary. The meters are available on their own, or as a kit with cleaning cloths and scissors in a hard-shell carrying case.

Peace of Mind
The CAL Check TM feature from Hanna allows you to check the accuracy of your own meter with the factory calibrated standard of a known concentration and to verify that your instrument is accurate.

The HI 95 series of single parameter photometers

Range: 0.000 to 0.500 mg/l
Resolution: 0.001 mg/l
Accuracy: +-0.004mg/l @ 0.200mg/l

Total Chlorine Photometer Kit
Includes CAL CHECKTM standard cuvets, cuvet cleaning cloth and scissors (when applicable) bundled in a deluxe hard-shell carrying case.

HI-95761C Trace Chlorine Colorimeter with CAL CHECK Includes Case

RRP £352.44 inc. VAT
Our price £317.00 (incl)

The HI 96 series of single parameter photometers

Similar to the Hi-95 series of instruments, Healthy Koi have recently introduced to their range, the new water resistant 96 Series of single parameter photometers. Using new technology with an advanced optical light system and ‘Cal Check’, these instruments with certified calibration and verification standards, bring in improved accuracy and versatility for the fishkeeper, especially for out of doors use. The instrument has been designed to accept large diameter cuvets (glass phials) making it easier to load the pond water samples and reagents. Powered by a long life battery , the ‘96’ Series also displays codes to aid the user in routine operations and include a low battery warning.

Range: 0.000 to 0.500 mg/l
Resolution: 0.001 mg/l
Accuracy: +-0.004mg/l @ 0.200mg/l

The standard Kit Includes CAL CHECKTM standard cuvets, cuvet cleaning cloth and scissors (when applicable) bundled in a deluxe hard-shell carrying case.

HI96761C Waterproof Trace Chlorine ISM w/CALCHECK includes kit

£411.19 inc. VAT
Our price £370.00 (incl)

Total Chlorines LR Reagent

Total Chlorine LR Trace Reagents – 100 tests

Our Price £21.00

Unfortunately the first outbreak this year of KHV in a fishery has been announced by DEFRA. Being in a fishery this may not have direct contact with our ornamental Koi Carp sector at all.

Movements of fish in and out of a fishery in Kent have been restricted, following the confirmation of Koi Herpesvirus (KHV) Disease. Defra has issued a Designated Area Order prohibiting the movement of fish to and from the premises at Woodchurch, Nr. Ashford.

The diagnosis was made after samples were taken by CEFAS from the affected fishery following reported deaths of fish. This disease affects common carp and carp varieties such as Koi. It can result in high rates of fish mortalities.

It became a legal obligation to notify suspicion of KHV Disease on 6th April 2007. The measures developed in partnership between government and industry to help combat outbreaks were announced on 21st May.

Given that the weather has only recently got warmer and the likelihood of outbreaks of KHV in the ornamental sector is high, we urge everybody to apply the highest possible biosecurity when purchasing new fish or dealing with your existing stock. Should you require any assistance or advice, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Healthy Koi will be attending the MSB Show carrying out water quality management and will have a stand with a wide range of products, including Koi health products, secondhand serviced microscopes, test meters and reagents, medications, topical treatments, swabs and many other interesting items.

Should there be any specific items you are interested in, please do not hesitate to give us a phone call in advance on 01243 572762 and we will ensure that these will be available for you to look at on show day.

Healthy Koi would like to congratulate all the exhibitors at the South Hants Koi Show last weekend for putting on such a stunning display with some of the UK’s finest Koi.

In particular, we would like to congratulate Tim Fisher from the South East Section, who won the Healthy Koi sponsored ‘Adult Championship’ trophy with his breathtaking Size 5 Showa. In addition to the Adult Championship, Tim also successfully gained awards in:

First in Size 5 (Showa ), First Size 5 Showa, First Size 5 Hikarimoyo, First Size 4 Kohaku, First Size 4 Utsurimono and Second Size 4 Sanke.

Well done Tim for such an excellent result.

Healthy Koi are pleased to announce that they will again be attending the South Hants Koi Show this year. Reputed to be one of the UK’s top regional Koi shows, the South Hants 17th Open Koi Show will be held again at the Southdowns College, Waterlooville, near Portsmouth on Sunday 25th May and Monday 26th May, 2008. The Show, which opens to the public from 10am until 5pm, will host an exciting range of Koi trade stands and craft stalls and will include bonsai & aquarium displays. For the first time, the ‘Harry Potter’ Owl will be there and you will have the opportunity to be photographed with this stunning creature sitting on your shoulder.

In addition to our water quality management and bio- security roles, we will again be having our trade stand and our enthusiastic and friendly staff will be in attendance to help you with any queries that you may have on Koi health matters, care, welfare and Koi diseases. Our stand will include a full range of Koi health products including a new range of top value secondhand serviced microscopes, water test meters and reagents, medications, topical treatments, swabs and many other interesting items, at special show prices. You will have the opportunity to look at the new Hanna C203 multimeter with improved accuracy.

Should there be any specific items you are interested in, please do not hesitate to give us a phone call on 01243 572762 in advance and we will ensure that these will be available for you to look at on show day.

Healthy Koi will be giving a talk to members of the South Kent Koi Club on Sunday 20th April. It will be held at the Mongham Village Hall, Mongham, Kent, CT14 9LL starting at 2.30pm

The seminar will cover all aspects of Koi Health including disease diagnostics and recent developments in testing technology. A small trade table displaying some of their products will also be set up. If there is anything in particular you wish to see, please let HKL know in advance on 01243 572762 and they can bring it along to the meeting.

Should any non-club members wish to attend, please do not hesitate to contact Pam Woodcock, the South Kent Club Secretary/Membership Secretary on 01303 813 478 – new/ prospective members are always welcome.

Should you require any further details, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Koi Bac, which we have used for some time in conjunction with our pond side services, has just been added to the range of products we market in order to provide an instantly active, industrial strength nitrifying bacteria available to our clients. This will help to provide a rapid solution to the problems of ammonia and nitrite should you have filter ‘start-up’ problems in your pond.

Developed & manufactured by Hydrotech, Koi bac is a very effective filter start/ booster. It is used by the Trade to help maintain water quality and reduce shock filter loadings during the arrival of new fish at their premises. We find it particularly useful when moving Koi for our Clients to re-stock in new ponds.

The additive contains a highly concentrated pure bacterial culture, designed to provide instant nitrification. This is ideal for adding to new filter systems, when adding new fish and for the quarantine system.

The product will be chilled when sent out to you by courier and should be fine for at least 10 days if kept in a fridge at 4 deg.C. However, we recommend that it is used as soon as possible and should be applied evenly over three successive days, storing the unused portion of the Koi bac in the fridge during treatment. A 500ml bottle treats approximately 1000 gallons (4500 litres) and can be seen in the water treatment part of our Products Section.

Should you require any further details, please do not hesitate to contact us.

CEFAS have detected the virus which causes SVC during the routine screening of imported ornamental fish. The sample, which was taken in the middle of February was confirmed positive earlier this week.

Mainland UK is classified as an eradication zone for SVC whilst in Ireland and the off shore islands of Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man, these areas are classified as disease free zones. The fish originated from a source in Hong Kong and the Chinese authorities have a control plan for their fish farms. There may be some import restrictions as a result of this that DEFRA may wish to implement.

Although it is most unlikely that anybody reading this notice will ever come across this disease, we must all be aware and vigilant in our fight to protect our freshwater fish stocks from SVC.

What is Spring Viraemia of Carp?

Spring Viraemia of Carp or SVC is a contagious viral disease of carp and other fish of the cyprinid family (goldfish, roach, rudd, tench) pike and Wels catfish. The disease generally develops as water temperatures rise above 7°C – hence the name spring viraemia. There is no cure for the disease. Fish of all ages are susceptible if they have not previously been exposed to the virus. The UK is normally free of SVC so our fish are very vulnerable to it.

Does SVC affect carp only?

SVC affects common carp (including all variants, such as mirror, leather and koi carp), grass carp, bighead carp, silver carp, crucian carp, goldfish, orfe, pike, roach, rudd, tench and Wels catfish. Fish of all ages are susceptible if previously unexposed to the virus. The disease is transmitted from fish to fish by contact. Carrier fish spread the virus through their faeces, urine, reproductive fluids or external mucus secretions.

When does it occur?

SVC outbreaks generally develop as water temperatures rise above 7°C, i.e. in spring. Most deaths occur between 10°C and 15°C. Above 17°C, deaths reduce significantly. Above 23°C, death is rare but the virus can remain viable within the fish.

How do I recognise the disease?
Signs of the disease vary but can include darkening of the skin, swollen eyes, abdominal swelling (dropsy), pale gills, trailing faeces casts and protrusion of the anus. Infected fish may be lethargic and show signs of bleeding from the gills and skin. They tend to gather in the margins and around inlets and feeder streams. Of course, not all suspicious deaths are caused by SVC. Virus isolation in the laboratory is needed to confirm the disease.

What’s the cure?

There isn’t one! The only protection from SVC is prevention. There is no treatment or licensed vaccine available in the UK.

What must I do if I suspect my fishery is infected with SVC?

If you suspect the presence of SVC, or any other notifiable disease, then you must inform the Fish Health Inspectorate who can be contacted at:

England and Wales
Fish Health Inspectorate
Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture
Science (CEFAS), Weymouth Laboratory
Barrack Road, The Nothe
Weymouth
Dorset DT4 8UB
Tel: 01305 206673
Website: www.efishbusiness com

Scotland
Fisheries Research Services
Marine Laboratory
PO Box 101, Victoria Road
Aberdeen AB11 9DB
Tel: 01224 876544
Website: www.frs-scotland.gov.uk

If you are at all worried about your Koi, their behaviour or any other matter relating to your pond, do not hesitate to call (01243 572762) Rod, Gerry or David. Help is always on hand.

Days are starting to get longer and the pond temperatures are getting warmer – Spring, at last, is on its way.

For Koi keepers, there is a host of work to be carried out at this time of year in preparation for the warmer weather with increased activity of our Koi and our pond ecosystem. Time spent now will reap large rewards later in the season. The last thing you (or your Koi) want is an equipment breakdown in mid- summer when you are away on your holiday and the neighbour is doing his best to look after your treasured Koi.

Looking at the Pond & Environment now is the time to:

• Clean and vacuum the pond.
• Strip and clean pumps.
• Check all valves and pipework – now is the time to undertake those changes before the heavier feeding starts and the filtration system builds up efficiency.
• Re-direct / re-connect waterfalls which have been bypassed during the cold winter spells.
• Clean and flush the filters – use pond water and clean alternative biological bays at weekly intervals.
• Reinstate any reduced air supplies.
• Replace the UV clarifier tube so its at peak performance when during the summer.
• Test the water – this is most important when the feeding protocol changes (ie increased feeding rate or food type).
• Remember that it will take time for the biological filter to build-up again.

Your Koi

Sit by the pond, have a cup of tea or coffee and just watch the Koi for a while – they will tell you if there is a problem.

• Look for any surface blemishes, marks or changes in behaviour.
• If there are any changes, bowl-up and carefully inspect the Koi – invert and look at the underside of the body and the gills.
• Do not treat the pond as a matter of course.
• If you think you may have a parasite problem, check with a microscope and mucous scrape first. If it’s confirmed, select the best medication to treat the problem, bearing in mind water temperatures.
• Keep an eye on the water temperature and feed accordingly. If temperatures look like dropping again, slow the feeding rate.

If you are at all worried about your Koi, their behaviour or any other matter relating to your pond, do not hesitate to call (01243 572762) Rod, Gerry or David. Help is always on hand.