Very
valuable learning experience for koi/goldfish keepers, Getting involved in a
show opens up a new “world”, True quality evaluation by competition and
judge’s insight, A recruiting and teaching opportunity for potential fish
keepers.
The
payoff is healthier fish - Must have consistent excellent water quality, Can be
a lot of fun - Takes several months to do it right, Potential show winner with
less money spent
Select a “potential” group of show candidates
It’s
hard to know exactly which fish will improve and show best the most, Can plan
for a few shows if not too close together, Which fish to take is always
difficult to decide
Several months before
the Show (depends on the seasonal temperatures)
Feed limited and reduced amounts of “Fresh” wheat germ or lower protein staple pellet foods - Add fresh veggies and shrimp as treats, Increase water changes to 20-30% per week - Increase filter/pond Maintenance - Avoid Unnecessary Treatments
2-6 weeks before
the Show
Taper
down feeding to only pellet food lightly once daily then every other day and
finally every 3rd day - Increase water changes and filter cleaning to
20-30% twice or three times per week Avoid Unnecessary Treatments
1
week before the Show
Stop
all feeding, Water changes 10-20% every other day - filter/pond
cleaning every other day or every day - Avoid Unnecessary Treatments
Show Day
Final
decision on which fish make the trip at final viewing, Double or triple bag and
box with O2, bag buddies, cold pack, clean water. Bring extra supplies of each
of the above to the show. Load boxes sideways in vehicle.
Assemble
all your equipment close to where you will be catching your fish.
Proper Koi Net - sized for your fish and pond
Koi Sock net –
Tub – able to hold your largest koi
Bucket for dipping water
Proper sized bags- at least 18 inches longer than your koi
Cooler – at least 6 inches larger than your koi
Oxygen tank & regulator
Rubber Bands – Size 32
Bag Buddies – to keep your koi calmer and the water cleaner
Cold pack – to keep koi calmer and less stressed
Insert one bag inside the other and roll down the open ends together
Add
high quality pond water or mix “new” dechlorinated and aerated water for
longer trips. Easier to add water after the koi are in the bag if needed than to
take water out.
Use
koi net to “corral” koi and gently move it to the side of the pond where it
can be slipped into the sock net. Never lift a koi out of the water with the
net.
Hold
the sock net in both hands with the net stretched out and gently transfer the
koi from the sock net to the double bags in the cooler
Make
sure koi can relax without touching the sides or bottom of the cooler.
If
needed add just enough water to allow the koi to barely float in the bag and no
more. You want lots of room for oxygen.
Gather
the ends of the inner bag and twist as tightly as you can. Bag should be tightly
filled with oxygen and twisted end should be rock hard. Loop two rubber bands
over the twisted end of the bag.
Double
over the twisted end to form a knuckle and start looping and twisting the rubber
bands around the knuckle as tightly as possible.
Secure
the outer bag in the same manner
When
finished the secured double bags should fit snuggly inside the cooler. Insert a
cold pack inside the cooler but outside the bags if traveling in warmer
temperatures.
Go directly to benching area - Float bags with
fish in show tanks. Catch and release fish into show tanks and dump used water
as directed. Do not leave area until your fish are registered/benching is
complete.
After the Show
(Reverse the bagging and transport process)
Ask for assistance if wanted - Use new water if available. Double Bag with oxygen and load coolers in vehicle sideways for trip home. Drive directly home if possible
Back at Home after
the Show
If possible quarantine fish returning from the show. If returning to pond be as gentle as possible handling and releasing fish. Watch very carefully for signs of damage
Feed very lightly and slowing increase feedings to normal levels over next week or two