President Corner

Everyone is welcome to the 21^st Annual SAKA Koi Show and Auction. So come one come all to one of the premier Koi shows in this country. See some of the most beautiful Koi in the world.

There will also be fish vendors and ponds & garden supply vendors to help with your entire pond & water garden needs.

Don't miss this fun filled weekend. Mark your calendars for November 10, 11, & 12^th. By the way do not forget about the banquet Saturday night and "Meet the Judges" Friday evening. See you there.

Water, as a pond owner we know just how precious water is. Without it everything in our ponds will die with it we try to archive that happy balance in our ponds. What am I talking about? (Balance) That is when the ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite, pH, O2, etc all balance or fall within the approved levels they should be. This is important because if out of balance everything we have in our ponds can suffer in one way or another. Your fish become sociable to varieties of disease from unwanted bacteria. Their stress level is higher and with all these factors the fish can become sick. A happy balance is the only way to go. Please check your water at least once a week. If really doesn't take that long.

Thanks tom & Sherri Morin for letting us enjoy your aquatic sorcery. It was an n awesome experience.

This month we will be traveling to Noel & Debbie's house in the desert to enjoy their peaceful aquatic paradise. Hope to see your all there. Remember everyone has his or her own wealth of knowledge as pond design and aquatic life. Coming together allows each of every one of us to tap into this vast knowledge base of the club and gain the knowledge we seek. In this way we all gain from one another and become closer to each other.

Soon it will be that magic month of the year where, guess who, Sanke Santa appears. Mark your calendars for that special day in December. What will Sanke Santa have for you?

For the joy of Koi

Bob Panter

SAKA President

Enclosed are a few repeat stories and some new one trying to explain what goes on at our Koi Show and some of the duties. Also an article about how to take your fish to and from the show safely. I hope you will take the time and look at some of the information provided and even get a chance to learn a little about our judges and vendors. Hopefully you will be able to find time in your busy schedule and help in some part of the show. The list of were we need people will follow the "So You Want to Know What Goes on in a Koi Show?" Have fun and enjoy.

It's Show Time!

So You Want to Know What Goes on in A Koi Show?

By Debby Tibbetts, Edited by Tom Ayers

These are some of the many different jobs and activities that go on during a Koi Show. On November 10 -12, 2000 SAKA will be have its 21st Annual Koi Show. Here are some of the jobs at the show and their duties:

• Oversees all committees and makes sure they are getting things done on time

• Makes final decisions on sizes and classes and awards to be given out.

• Makes final decision on disqualification due to disease.

• Makes final decision on any controversy that may arise.

• Prepare opening speech and introduces judges.

• Selects a committee to select the AKCA Koi Award Fish.

• Procure Head Judge and at least one Candidate Judge for the show.

• Mail these judges a copy of SAKA rules and regulations two weeks before the show.

• Site must have level area about 60' X 30' and 50' X 50' for vendors

• Site must have 2 water hose bibs and 2 electrical outlets.

• Get permission for use of land on dates needed in writing

• If they need proof of insurance see your AKCA representative.

•Provide 200 feet of hoses, 2 heavy-duty electric cords and 8 -8 foot tables and 12 chairs.

• Pick up at storage and return to storage - tanks, tents, netting, clothes, pins, air pump, air lines, Tori gate, "Show" billboard, flag pole bucket, air stones, SAKA flag with poles, Tub of Towels, Clorox.

• Provide - bring a pocketknife, hammer, string or electric ties, 3 tubs/floaters and 2 nets,

• Provide tanks signs for every size and class (Japanese Style) Tank # for English Style.

• Provide tank signs for major award winners. (in computer program)

• Get with chairperson to determine what sizes, classes and awards will be given out

• Assemble or purchase trophies as needed

• Order AKCA Koi Award Trophy

• Delivery of Trophies

deliver trophies to show site Saturday 10:00am and setup display table

Deliver trophies and winners board to banquet site Saturday Night.

• Make arrangements for judges pick up and return to airport

• Make arrangements for judges hotel rooms

• SAKA will pay for Head Judge room for Friday and Saturday only and all meals Saturday and Sunday and Friday night Dinner (Judge & Spouse)

• Organize a small pond tour for about 3 or 4 ponds

• Provide transportation for the judges and spouses to view the ponds.

• Take photos of the top 6 winners on Sunday AM

• Submit Photos

• Develop film (two copies of each print

• Send a negative and snap shot of each winning fish with owner's name and award won to KOI USA no later than December 1.

• Send negative and a snap shot to Debby Tibbetts for " Koi of the Year" & "Champion of Champions"

• Obtain a large tub for photographing the fish

• Radio, Newspapers, Pet magazines about the show and action.

• Make a poster/flyer and distribute to garden centers, pet stores, and feed.

• Send flyer and/or Rules & Regulations to Tucson Koi Society and Valley of the Sun Koi Club and other clubs in the region

• Test water for pH, Chlorine, Ammonia, O2, and Nitrite

• Test water supply Friday before filling tanks

• Need to make sure we have water test kit, salt (non-iodized), dechlor, amquel, nova agua, etc.

• Obtain raffle items

• Make flyer telling about raffle

• Make tickets and distribute a minimum of 10 tickets and a flyer to each member for them to sell.

• Get SAKA pamphlets, KOI USA, SAKA membership applications, etc for handouts.

• Have pencils a potential member sign up sheet, and change.

• Take entry money, banquet money, auction, etc

• Obtain fish (form members, vendors, etc)

• Receive fishes at the show site Friday evening & early Saturday morning and up to before the action.

• Help provide tow tubs/pans, a net, bags, rubber bands, o2 and some boxes.

• Provide numbers for bidders to hold and bid on fish.

• Set up a system to keep track of the highest bidder.

• The following people will be needed as the auction is going on: an auctioneer (Brent), one person to keep track of winning bidders, one person to net and tub the fish, one person to bag the fish, and one person to collect the money

.

• Book a reservation for Saturday night Dinner

• Approximately 40 -50 people a 7:00p.m.

• Price range of no more $20.00 per person including tax and gratuity and coffee and tea.

• If alcohol is severed, it will be handled "NO HOST"

• Do not guarantee the number of people, you will confirm number of people 4 day's prior and again on Saturday at noon.

• Plan and present a menu

• Ask for a quiet corner or area so we can have an awards ceremony

• Obtain and set up table for trophies and awards

• Have a head table for the judges, spouses, Show Chairperson, and SAKA president and spouses

• Pay the bill (obtain a check from the treasurer)

•Arrange for security for Friday 7:00 p.m. to Saturday 7:00am and Saturday 6:00 p.m. to Sunday 6:00 am

• Provide the following items: extra entry forms and Rules & Regulations, have pen, pencils and clip boards, measuring device and net.

• Check and inspect each fish for signs of disease.

• Measure and classify each fish as they arrive (owner/agent must be present)

• Fill out an entry form, checking off each fish in the proper size, classification and tank number.

• Help take photos of all the entered fish.

• Send the owner, with entry form to raffle committee booth to pay entry fees (all entries not paid by Judging are disqualified)

• Show the judges which tank will be judged next

• Keep track of moveups and 4th place.

• Avoid unnecessary conversation with judges

• Keep people back from getting in the way of the judges and fish handles

• Help provide a microphone for a judge's commentary

• Arrange to have a light lunch to be brought to the show site on Saturday @ 1:00 p.m.

• Expect 30 people (Judges, handlers, exhibitors, restorations and SAKA info table people

• Have beverages (sodas or other beverages depending on the weather) at the show site for Saturday

• Judges eat first

• Obtain and confirm a minimum of 5 vendors

• SAKA will provide one 8-foot table and 2 chairs for all booths.

• Fish vendors, we will provide an tent (11 X 11), amquil, salt, and Nova Aqua, vendors will provide there own bags, O2, nets, pans, rubber bands, and tanks are available at $10.00 per tank.

As you can see it takes a lot of people to put on a great show. So if you see something that you might like to do or learn how to do, please ask or sign up for one of the tasks. The Show Chairperson clipboard will be available every month.

If you think you might be able to help in one or more of these jobs or would like to learn how to do one of these jobs please sign up at the next meeting. It is a great chance to learn more about the hobby.

The Sign-up Sheet

Tom Ayers

Tom Ayers

Doug Wahl

Brent Vankoevering

Don Reece

Dennis Leonard

Kathy Leonard

Tony Jurado

Linda Juado

Rob McLean

Mike Siemens

1.

2.

3.

1.

2.

Tom Ayers

Lynne Ayers

Esther Ayers

1.

2.

1.??

1.

2.

Debby Janzen

Tom Ayers

1.

2.

Debby Tibbetts

David Young

1.

2.

Tom Ayers

Noel Shaw

Help form the entire Club

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Brent Vankoevering

Jessica Tibbetts

1

2.

3.

4.

Doug Wahl

David Young

1.

2.

3.

Jessica Tibbetts

1.

2.

1.

2.

3

Winton Hall

Brent Vankoevering

Don Reece

Dee Reece

Dennis Leonard

Kathy Leonard

Rob McLean

Mike Siemens

1.

2.

3.

Rob McLean

Brent Vankoevering

Doug Wahl

1.

2.

3.

Steve Childers

Debbie Tibbetts

David Young

Mike Siemens

1.

2.

3.

Historical Facts

Some of the fun facts about the SAKA show. Here is a list of some of the people that have made the Southern Arizona Koi Association Koi Show over the last 21 years. I know I have probably missed some people, I hope not too many. But thanks for the history.

Judges

Some of the people that we have been honored to have as our judges have been:

Bob Finnegan Charlie Seu

Doug Rowsell Dr. Art Lembke

Dr. Galen Hansen Dr. Grant Patton

George Takeda Jack Stone

Joan Finnegan Kathy Ferriss

Larry Christensen Lester Berkow

Mark Whalen Pat Christensen

Rick Pompillio T. Tokutake san

Tim Kimura Tsuyoshi Kimura

Vergil Hettick George Takeda

Rene Cordova Charlie Attwell

Doug Daul Steve Drake

Larry Gill Steve Childers

Locations

We have had many different locations.

DoubleTree Hotel

Elcon Mall

Kino Sport Complex

Park Mall

Reid Park Recreation Center

Tanque Verde Swap Meet

Tucson Convention Center

Show Chairs

Rose Kenndey Budd Cohen

Doug Wahl Ed Kachnic

Evertt Kult Jack Stone

Jessica Tibbitts Joe Ziegler

Larry Smith Louie Jayme

Mark Michael

Past Grand Champions

2000 Champion

(Is this Your's????)

Meet This Years Judges

I have kept koi since first introducing pond quality koi into our garden pond over twenty years ago when I had a very active heart surgery practice. My wife Viola and I both enjoy koi. After retiring and relocating to Kiawah Island, SC we have become increasingly active in the koi hobby. I have built two nice koi ponds the larger of which is 12,000 gallons. Through the years I have upgraded the quality of our koi. We have shown koi at a number of shows in the states and have won a number of nice prizes. We were fortunate to win two kokugyo (best in size) prizes at the all Japan show two years ago.

We are members of the Showa, ZNA Mid-Atlantic and ZNA Potomac koi clubs. I have written articles on koi health, koi transportation and other koi topics. I am an AKCA certified judge and a member of the AKCA judging committee. I have participated as a koi judge in shows in the USA, in South Africa and Australia.

I am looking forward to being one of your judges.

Debby Hester is a member of the ZNA Mid-Atlantic Koi Club She has been

one of the C0-chairpersons for their 1997 show and 2000 Young Koi Show Debby has been in Koi keeping for 8 years. She has served as a chapter Vice President and on the registration committee for the past 8 MAKC shows. As an AKCA Candidate Judge, she has judged at MAKCs 1996 Longwood Gardens show, MAKC's Metro chapter show and the Greater Louisville Koi and Goldfish Society, Idaho Koi & Water Garden Society, Tucson Koi Society and Northwest Koi and Goldfish Club shows in the U.S.

Debby is a certified AKCA Judge and judged shows in this capacity in Chicago, Charlotte, Atlanta, Louisville and All Florida in Orlando. Debby and her husband were assistant judges at the 1997 All Japan Rinykai Show held in Tokyo, Japan.

Debby is married with one son. Her husband David Hester is also an avid Koi keeper and past President of MAKC. Debby and David have a 13,000 gallon pond with over 50 koi from 6 inches to 30 inches including 1997 & 1999 Jumbo award winner, "Pigo" a 30 inch Ki-goi that eats out of your hand, and maybe even your hand if your not careful.

This is Larry's third show as assistant judge and one as head judge. He was certified in 1999 and is the first certified judge from northern California. He got involved with koi in 1972,was very fortunate to have met Mr.Grant Fujita whom he considers a great friend and also his sensei. He also got to meet and learn from Mr. Emilo Bautista who he considers as a very knowledgeable hobbyist. Larry was also an assistant judge in last year's show and feels very honored to be invited to return this year. He has entered his koi in over 20 shows in southern and northern California. He has won best in young twice and best in size 3 once. The highest award achieved was best tategoi awarded in the first open show (open to both dealers and hobbyists) at the San Francisco Bay Area Koi Club & Shinkokai show in April 1998 at San Jose, California.

David and his wife Debby have been in the Koi hobby for seven years

and are members of the Mid-Atlantic Koi Club. David and Debby are

avid hobbyist, their fish have won many awards and are past AKCA

Koi persons of the year. David has served in many other positions in the club and has been a show chairman 7 times, most recently MAKC's Koi America show in 1999. He has assisted at every MAKC show since joining the club, and has also helped out at other koi shows including Koi America 96, Atlanta, Louisville, Potomac and San Diego.

Articles on koi keeping written by David have been featured in

MAKCs Mid-Atlantic Koi magazine, Koi USA, Nishikigoi International,

BKKS, The New Ripples and the Koi USA WEB site. His most famous

article being "You might be Koi Kichi if" David is currently working

on a series of articles for KOI USA featuring AKCA judges and their

ponds.

To support his koi habit David's real job is as Director of Digital

Services at a print management firm in Alexandria, Virginia. You can see this facet of his talent in the covers of MAKCs magazine and there show posters.

Show Experience:

Show Chairman Koi America 2001

Show Chairman MAKC Young Koi Show 1999

Show Chairman MAKC Young Koi Show 1998

Show Chairman MAKC 9th Show 1996

Assistant Chairman Koi America 1996

Assistant Show Chairman MAKC Show 1995

Show Chairman MAKC Lilypons Show 1995

Assistant Club Chairman for 1994 AKCA Seminar, Baltimore

Show Chairman MAKC Lilypons Show 1994

Show Chairman MAKC Lilypons Show 1993

Judged Shows

Tokyo, Japan

Fresno, California

San Jose, California

Louisville, Kentucky

Chicago, Illinois

San Diego, California

Orlando, Florida

Have you got you show packet yet??

November 10 - 12, 2000

Tentative Schedule and Regulations

Delivery and Registration of Fish

Friday 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

Saturday 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M.

All fish will be examined and verified by the Show Committee to be free of disease and parasites. An owner or agent must be present for measuring and classifying. The show will be set up English Style. We will also be having a Novice Division, provided there are 2 or more entrants. This show is open to all amateurs. No Dealer's personal fish are allowed. A registration fee to be paid prior to the start of judging must accompany all entries. Please make checks payable to SAKA. Photos (digital) will be taken of each fish.

Preregistration (postmark on or before Nov 2, 2000) $25.00

Registration $45.00

Extra Tank $10.00

Judging will start at 11:00 am. All decisions of the Judges are final. Any contingencies not covered by these rules will be subject to the decision of the Show Chairman.

will be posted by 4:00 PM

Saturday 7:00 P.M. Banquet

Preregistration (postmarked on or before Nov 2, 2000) $20.00 per person

Registration (November 3, 2000 or later) $35.00 per person

1 Runner up Champion,

1 Long Fin Champion

1 Mature Champion

1 Young Champion

1 Baby Champion

1 Male Champion

6 Best in Size

First** Second** Third**

1 Runner up Champion

First** Second** Third**

* The Judges except for the 4 special awards and Friendship Awards will solely determine all awards

Jack Stone Award*

AKCA Award*Ã

Chairman's Choice*

Presidents Award*

** Depending on availability of class and size group.

à Must be a member of the Southern Arizona Koi Association

. Therefore, participants in the show will agree that SAKA, its officers, directors and members are not responsible for any losses or injuries to the fish. No one is to handle the fish except the designated fish handlers and the Judges. Family members wishing to inspect their fish must ask permission from the Show Chairman. Once judging has begun, there will be no changing of classification, except under the Removal of Fish 2:00 p.m. Sunday

All fish entered into the show competition will be kept on exhibit for the duration of the show. In the event it is necessary to remove a fish from the exhibition, permission must be secured from the Show Chairman. No FISH WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE SHOW PREMISES UNTIL ALL FISH HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED TO THE SATISFACTION OF ALL ENTRANTS. Oxygen and rubber bands will be available at the close of the show. Plastic bags may be purchased.

The deadline for removal of Fish will be Sunday 5:00 P.M. Any fish unclaimed after 6:00 P.M. will become the property of the Southern Arizona Koi Association and will be sold.

Information and Restrictions

Any of the 2 Champion Fish must wait a minimum of two SAKA Shows or grow to the next size category before being re-entered in another SAKA Show.

All necessary and reasonable precautions will be taken by the Club to safeguard all entered Koi. Security will be provided by SAKA for the entire duration of the Show recommendation of the Judge.

9:00 am — 6:00 p.m. Vendor Set-up

2:00 ish - 7:00 p.m. Start registration of fish.

8:00 p.m. Meet the Judges, Out of Town Members, Guests and Members. Molina Midway,

1138 North Belvedere.

Will be a lot of fun.

8:00 — 10:30 a.m. Fish Registration & Check-in

10:00 am — 5:00 p.m. Public viewing of Koi & vendor displays

11:00 - 4:00 p.m. Open topics

11:00 am - 5:00 p.m. Judging of the Fish

7:00pm - ??? Awards Dinner

9:00 - 12:00 noon Open

12:00 noon Koi Auction

2:00 p.m. Super Raffle

2:00 p.m. Fish Removal

Tucson often referred to, as the "Old Pueblo" was once part of Sonora Mexico. Its history and architecture abounds at such places as San Xavier de Bac, (now a mission for the Tohono O’odham Indians) (established by Father Kino in 1629). Surrounded by mountains, Tucson can boost sun tans in the valley and skiing on Mt Lemon among the pines. The Santa Catalina Mountains form a huge triangle deeply cut canyon called Sabino. If you prefer to learn about the desert, the Saguaro National Park may be the drive for you or walk through the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum - an outdoor habitat of hundreds of flora and fauna native to the Sonoran Desert. Biosphere 2 is located 25 miles north of Tucson. It is a 3-acre closed ecological system complete with tropical rainforest, Savannah, desert, marsh and ocean. Looking up at the stars at night, Kitt peak Observatory boosts the largest telescope in the world. Ten miles and 100 years from town, is Old Tucson, the famous movie location where the movies "Arizona", "Wild, Wild, West" and many of the John Wayne pictures were filmed.

The weather in November should be in the mid 80’s and nights will get down into the mid or lower 50’s; so bring a jacket if you intend to be out in the evening.

Doubletree 445 South Alvernon Way (520) 881-4200 $79.00 - $99.00 (about 2 miles from show site)

Fairfield Inn by Marriott 4850 South Hotel Drive (520) 747-7474 $49.00 (about 1 mile from show site)

Holiday Inn 4550 South Palo Verde Road (520) 746-1161 $87.00 (.about 1 mile from show site.

By Tom Ayers

Should we show our koi? This question perplexes many senior koi keepers as well as those new to our hobby. First, I think we can all agree that a Koi Show with its attendants, dealers, speakers and social events is the highlight of the club's year. For most, it is the "reason why we are a member of the club."

The first question is how does one evaluate the success of a koi show, whether that person is a koi club member or a member of the public. Is it the number of fish that are entered? The number of guest speakers? The number of people who entered fish in the show? The chance to meet other member of the club? I suggest that the success of a koi show is all of the above. One way that we use to evaluate the success of a show is the number of fish entered. If everybody comes through and we meet our goal of 200+ fish we would be one of the three largest shows in the country, plus one of the largest show that the Southern Arizona Koi Association has put on in the last few years. It also is a great chance to learn what is a good koi according to the standards and what is not. We all have our favorite fish that will probiality never win but is a special fish to us. To give you an idea of what I am talking about, last year in the Valley of the Sun Show, the last fish I bagged up was a six-inch Bekko. I brought it to the show so I could say SAKA would bring 20 fish. The fish did a lot better than I though it would. It took 1st place in 10 and under Bekko's. But it also took Best of Class. I was proud and surprised. I hate to say this but it was a $3.00 fish. So it takes a little luck.

Rob McLean has a great story. According to my source there was a fish that he bought at the SAKA auction the year before. After some convincing, he took the fish to the Phoenix show. To make a long story short his Kumonryu took Grand Champion of the show. So bring your fish, you might learn some neat things and there might be a Grand Champion in your pond.

Many newcomers to our hobby are afraid to move their koi or not sure if they can do it safely by themselves. This is a legitimate concern to someone inexperienced in pond keeping. The Southern Arizona Koi Association has announced a program called Asagi Helpers where members who are uncomfortable in the catching, bagging, boxing or transporting of fish and plan to enter the show, can request an Asagi Helper. The Helpers will either go to their pond, or invite them to their own, and/or will teach them how the above can be safely done. They will also discuss the care of fish brought home from a show.

Koi Care before the Show

Here is a checklist of things you should do before the koi show

_____ Send in registration

_____ Pay registration

_____ Pay & make reservation for awards banquet

_____ Select the fish to go to the show

_____ Quit feeding your fish one week before the show

_____ Do you need an Asagi Helper?

Yes ___ No ___ if yes call Tom Ayers (744-6996) to set-up a time

_____ Have bags & boxes for the fish

_____ Bring fish to the show

Now you are ready to learn and go to the awards session.

The next question is "How safe is the water quality at the show site?" We are very fortunate that there are excellent, well-trained people in charge of water quality. These unsung heroes of our show spend countless hours, including night and early mornings, testing and treating the water. They are constantly discussing the properties and efficaciousness of each new suggestion. We have developed also a fish load chart so we can help make sure we do not overload your show tank and help you figure out if you need one, two or maybe three tanks.

Most of the people who have studied Koi shows -- like ours -- find that is rare for a fish that has been properly transported to become ill from going to a show.

I have heard an excuse for not bringing a fish to the show -- "I'm afraid they may catch something." First of all, the benching committee watches for and eliminates (sends home) all fish that shows signs of an infectious illness. In an English show you are in your own tank, and this year we will be using fish handlers. This is the reason why you need to provide them with a pan and a net for your tank. (Please mark your stuff, it all looks a like after awhile.)

The next response I hear is " Yeah, but they may be carrying something you don't see. I'm glad you said that," I reply, and hand the person Galen Hansen's article in which he compares fish in a pond to a child in a sterile atmosphere. As long as you don't ever introduce a new fish or bring them to a show, they will be fine. But one new fish in your pond and they will be like American Indians or Hawaiian natives suddenly exposed for the first time to our childhood diseases. It's a massacre! And as he says, who among us is never going to buy another new fish? For those willing to consider it, I will point out that the most famous and expensive koi in the world are brought to shows. Do you think that someone would spend these huge sums of money only to see the fish injured or die?

In fact, the people who most resistant showing fish often say that their fish aren't good enough. That's silly. Of course, shows like to premiere great fish but, as I told you, the first thing is the number of fish at the show. Look at Rob and me we thought we didn't have great fish, but Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!

As a member of the koi keeping community, and to get the most out of your club, I suggest you try entering a fish or two in the show. Or you can do what Tom & Julie McComb did last year enter their whole pond. You will quickly find that while the prizes and ribbons are nice, it's the participation that will give you the most satisfaction. You will also feel an integral part of the koi society.

Hope you enter your fish and have fun.

(HOW TO MOVE KOI FROM HERE TO THERE)

By Gene Ewy MD

Take it easy. Don't get the koi or you agitated. Don't agitate or stress the remaining koi. Its risky to approach the koi from it's tail since the caudal fin may be damaged as the koi responds vigorously to the net touching its tail. Minimize net contact with the koi. Ideally approach the koi from the front getting the net under its head and gently guiding it into a floating tank or tub.

One advantage of the koi net is that a single person can guide the koi into a floating tank. The rim of a large koi

net (guiding a koi to the floating tank) is used to submerge an end of the floating tank. The koi is then guided into the floating tank. This maneuver is easier if a second person appropriately submerges the tub or floating tank. A single individual can also bring the koi in the net adjacent to a floating tank or tub. The net is controlled with one hand, which has been advanced on the pole to a position near the net. The floating tank or tub is submerged with the other band and the koi is gently guided into the container. Don't lift koi from the water with the koi net, particularly. Koi can be collected from a smaller pond readily in the manner described with a koi net. A telescopic pole will allow the net to isolate koi in a larger pond. If this is not practical consider PTTN - patience, time and two nets. The second koi net handler gently guides the selected koi into the koi net of the primary handler who guides the koi into the tub or floating tank.

If your pond doesn't lend itself to any of the above methods, a seine my be used to partition the pond into areas from which the koi may be collected. The mesh of the seine should be knotless. The seine should be longer than the width of your pond. The width of the wine should be greater than the depth of the pond. The seine should have floats at or top and weights on the bottom. Koi are not lifted with the seine.

The koi that have been isolated and guided into a container are ready to be moved. This can be accomplished in a

number of ways. If the koi is in a tub in the pond with enough water in the tub to cover the koi the tub containing the koi can be Ned from the pond. The tub or any other container in which a koi is being carried should be covered. A mesh cover, a solid cover or plastic begs on the surface of the water can be used. The container with koi can be carried by hand, placed on a cart and wheeled or the container itself may be on wheels. The koi should be transferred promptly to the destination water (isolation tank, show tank, etc.).

Koi sock nets we open ended fine mesh nets attached to a circular covered frame with a relatively short handle. The net is much longer than the diameter of the opening (42-inch sock net with a 10-inch diameter opening as an example). The koi is brought through the opening of the net headfirst by carefully advancing the net over the head of the koi or by manipulating the head of the koi into the net with your free hand. The koi is positioned in the body of the net, the end of the net is closed by one hand of the holder, the other end of the net is folded over to retain the koi the hands are held tautly apart as the koi is lifted from the water and transferred hopefully for only a-short distance. A head first exit of the koi from the sock net is preferred to avoid unlikely but perhaps possible fin or scale damage. Some mucus may be lost from the skin. A safe method to move koi short distances. I prefer to use plastic bags for most short distance moves. Double plastic begs (one bag inside another) should be considered particularly for larger koi for safety. Three mil and four mil bags we quite strong. Bag size depends upon the size of the koi. Fish should be carried horizontally. Small fish may be carried in the small end of the plastic bag with the bag held upright, large koi may need be carried with the bag horizontal and held tautly between both hands. The largest koi may need to be carried by two handlers.

The top edge of the plastic bags should be rolled over. This results in a large relatively fixed orifice, which frees

one hand that can be used to direct the koi head first into the bag. Some pond water should be in the bag when the koi is gently introduced. There should be enough water in the bag to cover the gills of the koi as the bag is carried

to its destination. A head first exit from the bag is ideal but I think the smooth plastic surface allows a tail first exit with negligible risk if done carefully. If the opening into the bag is large enough the koi can be lifted out by hand. For a short move without adding transfer water to the destination tank consider transferring in a plastic bag with a comer cut out to drain the water.

I have noted from an UK publication (Koi Health Quarterly) an instance of a tom plastic bag from the dorsal fin of

a koi. From both an UK publication (Koi Kichi) and a Japanese publication (Rinko) recommendations are made to

remove a palpable 'hook' on anal fins of large koi, which might tear a plastic bag. If this could happen it would be an added reason to double or triple bag large koi.

Moving koi by hand is best reserved to transfer koi from one container to an immediately adjacent container. Koi

have a slick slime coat, they may be quite active and they can be dropped. Dropping koi is not recommended. The handler's hands should be thoroughly wet. No hand jewelry should be worn. The koi may resist movement in a direction it is not going and become agitated.

If it is difficult to place your bands under a larger koi in the proper position for support of the koi during transfer, consider taking advantage of temporary disorientation produced in the koi when rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction for a few turns. If going clockwise the handler should place his right hand across the

left head and shoulder area and support the under surface of the koi just back of the head with his right hand when

the koi if facing at eleven or twelve o'clock. Continue the clockwise rotation with the right hand; place the left hand under the posterior aspect of the koi when the head is at four to six o'clock. Lift the koi from the water. Bring the head close to your body for control, move your hands with the koi if it moves as you deliberately and promptly transfer the koi to the immediately adjacent container.

Stress during koi transportation should be minimized as much as possible. Stress may lessen the effectiveness of the Koi's immune system. The possibility of infection or other health problems, which could be transmitted to other koi in your pond, is enhanced.

Koi should not be fed for at least three days and possibly seven days before transport. The production of ammonia during transport is reduced and the transport water is not polluted to the extent that it would be had the koi been fed during this fasting period. Koi may be eating algae from the pond wall during the period when they are not fed.

If an isolation tank with adequate water volume and an active biological filter is available the koi could be in this tank at least during the last part of the fasting period. Additives to the isolation tank water could be salt, mineral salt or various medications. Be accurate. Do not over medicate. There will be less stress when the koi is in a dark environment during transport. Transport water can be cooled to reduce metabolism. Mild sedation could be considered.

In general koi may be transported for long distances and many hours safely in plastic bags or in rigid containers,

The development of the plastic bag had an immense impact allowing safe worldwide koi transportation.

It's time to get physical again. We're going to put our koi in plastic bags for transport. There is a wide choice in

bag size and thickness. The bag should be longer than the rectangular corrugated cardboard koi box or any other container into which the bag will be placed. This allows secure closure of the bag using most of the length of the box.

Double plastic bags should be used putting one bag inside the other. Large koi transported long distances by

airplane within the USA or from overseas may be within the inner bag of 3 to 5 bags. It is helpful to roll the

mouth of the bag down before placing koi in the plastic bag. This produces a relatively fixed opening and keeps water from going between the bags. Put some water from the pond or water prepared specifically for the transport into the bag. The koi is put into the bag by hand transfer or by using your free hand to direct the koi into the bag. Usually only one koi 18 to 20 inches in length is placed in a bag, perhaps two 15 to 18 inch koi are placed in the saw size bag, etc. The gills should be covered with water, I prefer to add enough water so that the koi can float, not rest on the bottom of the box. Some hobbyists and dealers put additives in the transport water. This includes such things as salt. mineral salt, antiparasitic medication, antibacterial medication, etc. If you choose to do so. do not overdose. Prepare the transport water accurately and add it to the bag. Transfer the fish into the bag by hand, sock net, or bag with a corner cut out to drain the pond water from the bag so that minimal pond water will be added to the transport water. The transport water will not be significantly diluted. The bagged koi is placed in a corrugated rectangular koi box, styrofoam box, and polystyrene box. ice chest, etc. The length of the box is usually about two times the width or height. The width and height are normally similar. Newspapers are often placed in the bottom the koi box primarily for insulation. I won't say that Japanese newspapers are best but the koi I have received directly from Japan have been calm and happy.

Look closely at the bagged koi in the transportation box. If water needs to be added or removed, do so. Remove all

air from the bag by carefully compressing the bag down to the water level. Pleat the plastic bag near the mouth of the bag so no air reenters the bag. Insert the hose from the regulator (attached to an oxygen cylinder) through the mouth of the bag. Slowly fill the bag with pure oxygen to about three fourths full and withdraw the hose. Twist the neck of the bag so no oxygen escapes. Fold the neck of the inner bag over and secure it with rubber bands rightly placed over the folded neck. Use two rubber bands for safety. Seal the outer begs in sequence in the same manner. Insulating material (usually newspapers) is placed over the bag in the box and the box is sealed.

If one wishes to gradually lower the water temperature in the bag during transit, place frozen reusable freeze packs on top of the bag before adding newspaper insulation. Support the bottom of the cardboard box when it is being carried.

Place the transport box or other container holding the bagged koi in the transport vehicle sideways to the travel

direction Braking during transit would then move larger koi sideways and would not bang their nose against the end of the box. The risk of injury is reduced. The transport box must be secured so it does not move during transit.

The other method of moving koi long distances is in transport tanks. Many varieties of tanks are used: 1) flexible

liners such as vinyl coated industrial fabric liners in a rigid frame made born PVC, tubular steel or other material,

2) polyurethane tanks, 3) fiberglass tanks. etc. The tank must have a secure cover to retain water and koi. The zippered covers with vinyl tanks allow easy closure and easy access. The type of vehicle and the amount of weight that can be carried safely in the vehicle determine the size of the tank. Water weighs ova eight pounds per gallon. There are seven and a half gallons in a cubic square foot of water. My transport tank for a station wagon measures 3 foot by 4 foot and is just over 19 inches high. Usually we carry 10 inches of water which is 75 gallons weighing 625 pounds. Obviously transport tanks in trucks can be much larger, carrying more water and fish. All tanks must be stabilized so they will not shift during transport. The transport tank water should be oxygenated before koi am added and the dissolved oxygen in the water should be maintained at about 9 parts per million or over. Pure oxygen can be diffused into the water easily using an oxygen tank with a regulator through an air stone or a fine-pore diffuser for pure oxygen. The advantage of a fine-pore oxygen diffuser would be a smaller bubble size (approximately 0.5 to 2-nun diameter) which would increase the total surface area per unit of oxygen. Oxygen saturation is maintained with a slow flow rate. This system is used world wide with great success

.

Air, which is 21% oxygen, can be introduced into the water through an air stone (approximately I to 3 mm

diameter bubble size). The flow rate would have to be significantly higher than the flow rate of pure oxygen to

maintain the same oxygen level in the water. The source of the air could be from a 12-volt portable piston or diaphragm compressor operating from the car or truck battery during transit. An adapter from the cigarette lighter socket is used. If the tank is to be aerated for some time when the power source is not from the vehicle's 12 volt battery, a 12 volt marine or deep cycle battery (larger capacity) could be used as the power source.

Members of the Louisville koi club have developed and used a nice transport tank system utilizing a 12 volt submersible bilge pump which pumps about 500 gallons of tank water per hour through a spray bar for aeration. They have kindly shared this system with a number of koi hobbyists.

Multiple methods of aeration or oxygenation provide excellent levels of dissolved oxygen in the transport tank

water. Overall, pure oxygen from an oxygen tank with a regulator for fine control of the flow rate is favored. One

advantage of this system of oxygenation is that the flow is quite gentle and minimal carbon dioxide (from the koi's respiration) is blown off so the pH does not rise. pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration in the water. The higher the hydrogen ion concentration the lower the pH the more acidic the water. A change in pH from 8 to 7 reflects a 10 fold increase in the hydrogen ion concentration A change in pH from 8 to 6 reflects a 100 fold increase in the hydrogen ion concentration. The pH can increase with vigorous aeration as carbon dioxide is blown off. With the more alkaline water more of the ammonia would exist as unionized ammonia which is toxic.

In a closed bag system with pure oxygen in the beg, dissolved oxygen levels in the transport water remain high. I have measured dissolved oxygen levels in this closed. bag system after fifteen hours in transit. The oxygen saturation was 16 to 18 ppm, much above the 8 ppm needed for good aeration.

Let's consider some aspects of ammonia as it impacts koi. It is a normal product of protein metabolism in koi. It is excreted primarily through the gill - about 75%. It is potentially toxic and may cause death. Unionized ammonia (NH3) at 0. 1 parts per million can be lethal.

Now, here's the good news. Unionized ammonia reacts with water to produce ionized ammonia (ammonium) and

hydroxyl ions.

NH3 + H2O = NH4 + OH ionized ammonia (NH4) is nontoxic.

Ammonia toxicity is strongly dependent upon pH. Decreasing the pH (solution more acidic) has by far the greatest effect on decreasing the proportion of unionized ammonia in solution. The above reaction is driven to the right by decreasing the pH. A greater proportion of the total ammonia exists as ionized ammonia (NH4) which is nontoxic. At 50 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH of 7 only 0.2% (1 part out of 500) of the total ammonia exists as toxic unionized ammonia. Ammonia toxicity is also decreased by lowering the temperature, by increasing the salinity and by increasing dissolved oxygen. The major factors however is the pH of the water.

Fortunately, in a closed bag system the carbon dioxide (released from the Koi's gill as a product of respiration) dissolves in the water to form carbonic acid which forms bicarbonate and hydrogen ions, increasing the acidity.

C02 + H2O = H2CO3 - HC03 + H

More carbon dioxide yields more hydrogen ions. The bag water progressively becomes more acidic.

In a previous article concerning water chemistries during koi transport (Koi USA, March/April 1977) water

parameters were determined when the koi were removed from their bags after being in die closed bags 13 hours. A single 20-inch koi was in each of two bags. Each bag contained 3.5 to 4 gallons of water. The pH of the bag water when the koi were placed in the bags was 7.4. The bags were filled with 100% oxygen and sealed. At the end of the 13-hour journey in our koi mobile the pH of the bag water was 6.4 and 6.5. The carbon dioxide level was greater than 45 mg./liter in each bag and the total ammonia was 4-5 PPM and 4 ppm. Water pH and total ammonia levels were measured more recently when I received koi from Japan. The koi were in the closed bags just over 24 hours. The koi were slightly larger and each bag contained 4.5 to 5 gallons of water. The pH was 6.5 and 6.4, total ammonia was 6 to 7 ppm in each bag. In a closed bag inflated with oxygen the carbon dioxide released by the koi will progressively increase the acidity of the water to a level at which the ammonia will exist in its nontoxic form ionized ammonia. It is not harmful to the koi.

The maximum level of total ammonia acceptable with a pH of 6.5 and a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit is

approximately 14 ppm (extrapolated from Diagnostic Ammonia Chart in Summer 94 Koi Health Quarterly by

John Redgrove). At 50 degrees F with a pH of 6.5, a maximum of 34-ppm total ammonia could be tolerated by the koi. The total it nia in the transport water in the previous illustrations is well below the levels tolerated because of the acidification of the bag water by the retained carbon dioxide.

The pH of the water in a transport tank should remain stable. If anything, over aeration may reduce the carbon

dioxide level in the water. This would slightly increase the PH of the water which would slightly increase the

proportion of total ammonia existing as toxic non-ionized ammonia. At a temperature of 69 degrees F and a pH of 7.5 only 2 ppm total ammonia would be tolerated by the koi. Ammonia production by the koi will continue during transit. Dependent upon transit time, ammonia production and water volume, a potential toxic ammonia problem must be addressed.

One option could be water changes. This could be difficult out in the wilderness with no idea about the make-up of the local water (chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals, etc.).

I prefer to use pond water to prepare the transport water prior to transport so it corresponds to the pond water the

koi are accustomed to. Our tap water has low alkalinity and hardness plus chlorine and chloramines Sodium bicarbonate is added to bring the alkalinity level up and increase the buffering capacity. Calcium chloride may be added to increase hardness. NovAqua is added to dechlorinate the water. AmQuel is added to neutralize chloramine plus the anticipated ammonia production during transit. This is estimated from fish load and anticipated transit time.

A small active biologic filter associated with a transport tank is an interesting possibility. Certainly the potential ammonia problem could be eliminated. Since the transport systems discussed previously work well, I'll wait to see how this evolves.

The transport tank systems and the closed plastic bag system work well for long distance transport of koi.

How far? How many? How often? The koi hobbyist should use the system that is easiest for him or her.

Understand that system.

Kawarigo Kornor

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