Showing Koi for the 1st Time – How to Make it a Safe and Fun Experience.

By Ray Jordan

I mentioned in an earlier article that there are many reasons newer koi hobbyists do not feel comfortable showing their koi. Lack of experience and training as well as lack of necessary equipment and supplies will be discussed in this article. Following is a list and estimated cost of the equipment you will need:

1. A real koi net. This needs to be specially designed for catching koi with fish safe netting materials and a handle long enough to reach across your pond. It needs to be about 25% larger than your largest koi. Twenty-four inch koi need a 30in. net.  Remember you will also need to bring and provide your own net for the show judging.
2. A koi sock net is really helpful in gently placing your koi inside the transport bag/cooler. You want a sock net large enough to transport your largest koi.
3. A blue viewing koi bowl/tub. This will also be needed at the show during judging.
   This needs to be at minimum as large as your longest koi.
4. Large coolers (sized to be a little longer than your koi placed in them) Be aware a 24 in. long cooler is actually about 20-21 inches long inside. This would be perfect for koi 15-18 inches. Larger koi would need larger coolers.
5. Bags – should be 2mil or 3mil in thickness and be about 12-20 inches longer than your koi to allow the open end to be securely closed. Koi should be double bagged. Each bag should be individually twisted  and closed tightly using double rubber bands. and using cost about $1 each. You should be able to buy the bags you need at your local koi or pond dealer or the club also has a supply for sale to members.
6. Rubber bands to close the bags. Large ones, say 2" lenght by 1/4" width.
7. Oxygen tank and regulator. A small used oxygen tank used for welding can be purchased, borrowed or rented. Small Tank 20-40 CF is easy to transport and will make rebagging your koi for the return home that much faster.

The estimated costs for these items:

Koi Net - $50-$125

Sock Net - $25 - $50

Koi Tub - $25-$75

Cooler - $20-$50

Bags - $2-$10

Rubber Bands - $1

Oxygen tank and regulator - $20 rental - $200 purchase

Totals - $143 - $511
 

It should be noted that most of this equipment is needed to keep your koi healthy even if you do not show your koi. Even the oxygen tank & regular can serve as a great back up source of aeration. Should you experience a power failure just a tiny trickle of pure oxygen can keep you fish alive and healthy until power is restored.