#December
#Introduction - The New Look!
Hello Koi Lovers!
I hope everyone is well and preparing themselves for the onslaught of the Christmas Holidays. Don’t forget to put time aside to unwind and enjoy your koi, even if it means donning the thermals! On that note, I was pulling my fish house apart two weeks ago, trying to find a leak, and the case is still ongoing, but more details on that another time!
You might be wondering about the layout. I had planned to overhaul the blog for a while, and I wanted something fresh as I have been sharing koi news on the same template since March 2020 (how time flies!). I had a few ideas but decided to give this format a whirl. We now have dedicated pages for our digital content with a fresh look to the blog. I hope it proves a more user-friendly experience.
The focus will still be on sharing trade-related news, acting as a regular companion to the printed magazine. However, the plan is to expand the kind of stories shared, as sometimes, there’s too much to squeeze into the printed magazines, and I don’t want to let the material go to waste!
Everything will be displayed on one page like this for those who enjoy scrolling, but you can also navigate directly to the stories and updates that interest you from the month’s landing page. News and articles from dealers, breeders, manufacturers, hobbyists, the magazine and more!
If you want to stay updated with every monthly release, sign up for our newsletter with your email address - it's that easy! Enough rambling from me, let’s dive in!
#World Nishikigoi Show
The first-ever World Nishikigoi Club Koi Show took place in Japan during November, organised by Sakai Fish Farm.
This is a new trade show designed to give competitors another chance to win BIG at a highly competitive level. The main difference between this show (and, say), The All Japan Shinkokai or The ZNA International is that the biggest koi entered can be 85cm. The hope is to encourage more competitors and even out the playing field for Grand Champion, as it's usually truly jumbo koi that dominate the two biggest shows in the Japanese Koi Show calendar.
There are quite a few other "tweaks" to the show and judging process, which I won't detail here as Kotaro Sakai (Sakai Fish Farm) explains them perfectly in this video by The Koi Partner at around 9:05 minutes in:
Grand Champion
Owner: Yuan JianDong
Kohaku // Dainichi // Suxin Koi Farm
While I could not attend the show, I saw the announcements and thought - I recognise that koi! This was the picture I took of her back in January at the AJKS ‘24, where she won the Miyabi Prize 75bu. She even appeared in Volume Five for the observant ones among you! From the videos I’ve seen, she looks even better now. Wow, what a koi!
If you would like to see all the winners (there are a few!), click the picture of the Grand Champion. There are some absolutely stunning koi in all varieties.
Check out the program with rules and classifications here: https://world-nishikigoi-club.com/?p=84
#New Magazine Sponsors
Volume Six saw a handful of new sponsors advertise in the magazine, for which I am very grateful. Companies who sponsor the magazine not only see it as a platform to advertise their business, but I know from speaking with them that they value what we do and hope that by working together, we can grow the koi community and promote reliable information and good old fashioned koi fun.
Grey's Koi is a new koi business owned by veterans Anthony and Stephen Grey. The pair have written for the magazine on numerous occasions and have been avid promoters of nishikigoi for many decades, being heavily involved in the North East Koi Club. They aim to offer hobbyists and dealers a bespoke selection of koi worthy of growing and showing in UK waters.
Perfect Aquatics has been a UK staple for many years and does not need my introduction. Anthony Day (AKA Krafty Koi on YouTube) is now head of operations, and I've heard from fellow hobbyists he has already made many positive impacts. Anthony and the company are keen to support and promote the hobby on many levels, and I look forward to a visit soon.
The Oaks Koi Farm is another UK staple owned by Paul White. After a long development period, Paul has finally launched his comprehensive website, which is worth checking out. But if you'd like to learn more about him and his company, watch this video by my friend Clayton over at Koi Competitions.
Prestige Koi is a relatively new company owned by Matt Shields, a long-time koi hobbyist who has been exhibiting his koi up and down the country for many years. He even ran a successful breeding program, winning awards at many UK shows. He now runs a fully licensed koi dealership and aims to import koi to compete at the highest level, and there's some other developments up his sleeve - but you'll have to wait for those!
The Koi Place is owned and run by Matt Cameron, a name many of you may recognise. Matt has been working in the koi industry for what seems like centuries, including working for the legendary Peter Waddington at Infiltration. The Koi Place is his personal venture, and he has recently completed a new fish house at the company's new location. It has one of the best views you'll see from a UK fish house, that's for sure! Matt also specialises in constructing bespoke filtration for those who want belt and brace filters away from the world of drum technology. I look forward to sharing more of Matt's antics in the future.
Azukari Koi - Most koi dealers rely on the skills of an experienced koi importer, whether guided around Japan or sourcing the koi they need without venturing from their shop. Chris Edwards has been providing such services for more years than he'd like to state! Azukari Koi aims to connect koi dealers and koi breeders, building healthy relationships that last. It's strictly a TRADE ONLY company, meaning they do not sell directly to hobbyists. Chris always says, "I want to help your koi business thrive" - so if you're a koi dealer looking to spread your koi-sourcing wings, have a nose. You can read an interview with Chris in Volume Two where we explore how buying koi in Japan works for importers and dealers:
https://www.worldofnishikigoi.com/product-page/volumetwo
Mujimono Koi - maybe last, but by no means least. As a hobbyist, Mark Stirzaker focussed on building a high-end collection of koi before turning his hand to breeding, and thus, Mujimono Koi was born. The breeding projects have currently taken a back seat as Mark has been nonstop building what is fast becoming a powerhouse of an online sales platform. If you need anything for your koi pond, Mark sells it.
#BKKS Affiliation
Volume Six introduces our affiliation with The British Koi Keepers Society. The idea is to provide a platform to spread society news and updates and bring sponsored articles from individuals recognised by the BKKS.
The Society has a rich history, and the new committee is keen to move things forward positively. The strides made so far look very promising. The BKKS does a lot of work behind the scenes, and this new affiliation allows us to explore what that is. Here's a few words from Robin Whittell (BKKS Chair) from the BKKS FaceBook group...
"Trustworthy content, great imagery, and hobbyists views are all aspects The Society not only support, but recognise help push both the hobby, and an individuals knowledge forward.
World of Nishikigoi (Liam) already produces our National Koi Show Programme, something our committees feel adds real value to ‘The National Experience’ - going one step further, by having dedicated page space in each volume of Liam’s magazine, should help raise awareness and support.
It’s early days; so you’ll initially see an intro from myself, some brief Society news alongside important dates. We’ll also use this space for our other committees updates or adverts (national show & judging standards), alongside items Sections may like included.
We feel this will be a beneficial relationship, we hope you agree.
Rob Whittell
BKKS Chair"
If you want to support the BKKS in their efforts you can become a member here:
https://bkks.co.uk/my-account/
#Hobbyist Update - Harry's Pond
In Volume Three, we featured Harry Harvie, a young koi keeper from the West Midlands who is incredibly passionate about nishikigoi. I detailed his pond and koi and quizzed him about his hobby and goals for the future. You can pick up a copy here:
https://www.worldofnishikigoi.com/product-page/volume-three
Earlier this year, Harry, his twin brother Ben, and their supportive and somewhat koi-crazy dad, Scott, invited me over for a cuppa and a catch-up. They wanted to show me their new pond.
Harry had already expressed his interest in building a bigger pond at the time of the article but was unsure how and when it would happen. The family decided to slowly gather the equipment required and then set time aside to tackle the project together - in true koi spirit!
Harry and I shared a few messages during the planning stages as he was looking for advice. Originally, his plan was to keep the pond as a pump-fed system, which wasn't his choice. He was struggling for space to sink a filter pit and was not confident about fitting a bottom drain. Furthermore, his pump-fed filtration was already neatly set up in his garage.
I recommended using a sump pit, where a standard bottom drain feeds a suitably sized water tank. From here, the water can be pumped to any pump-fed filtration, including the pre-existing system. I also reassured him that fitting a bottom drain isn't as complicated as it seems. He confidently ran with the idea and also decided to fit a skimmer! Sometimes, we need a little nudge in the right direction, and I don't know where I'd be without the ones given to me over the years!
Check out the video below:
Pond Specification:
Gallons: 4,224
Waterproofing: Boxweld Liner
Bottom Drain: 1 x 4-inch
Skimmer: 1 x widemouth
Pre Filtration: Sump box with filter brushes
Filtration: Nexus 220+, 2 x Tempest, Shower Filter
Heating: Gas Boiler
Of course, I had to ask Harry a few questions...
You dreamed of having a bigger pond with a gravity-fed filter, so how has the first season been? The new pond build has been well worth it. At the start of the season, I had a few issues with parasites, specifically fluke, which were relentless. After nearly four lots of treatments and speaking to many koi enthusiasts, I managed to get rid of them. Finally, I could enjoy the pond's first season. The gravity-fed system has made a massive difference. I have found the water is cleaner, and I can feed more as the pumps are not chewing the food up before it gets to the filter, making it harder for them to take out the fines. I added a single layer of easy-to-clean brushes to my sump box, which takes out most waste before it reaches the filtration, aiding the biological action of the Nexus 220+ and the two Tempest.
Has the addition of heating been beneficial to your koi-keeping? I've noticed a significant improvement in the skin quality, colours and (obviously) the growth of the koi. Installing a boiler on the pond has meant the koi are kept at a consistent temperature, reducing stress through the fluctuating seasons and allowing any damage to heal quickly. The increased temperatures also mean I have built up a healthy amount of beneficial bacteria in the filters in a shorter time frame, allowing more feeding.
What did you find the most challenging about the rebuild? The walls of the pond. Unfortunately, we had significant rainfall, and the walls kept collapsing. It made the whole process much longer and harder than originally planned. I'd never laid pipework for a bottom drain, skimmer or installed a sump box before, so it was all new to me. I found it nerve-racking sealing them in place, as cutting holes in an expensive boxweld liner feels counterproductive! The pipework also made me nervous as I was concerned about leaks when it was all complete.
Is there anything you’re looking to adjust as you move forward, or are you satisfied with the new pond? As of now, there are no adjustments I would make to the pond, but (inevitably) changes will be made as the koi grow. For example, increased filtration and flow rates to deal with the volume of koi and food. I am satisfied with the pond and its performance, but like every other koi hobbyist, I will never say never to another pond! Let’s be honest - you can never have enough water and koi in your garden!
Thoughts. It's great to see koi keepers following their passion and building the pond of their dreams. What I love about this particular set-up is how the Harvie's worked together. It was a team effort for a shared passion - albeit Harry takes the crown for being the most koi-crazy! It was also very wise how they slowly purchased the equipment to make things work finacially. The build was in the pipeline for a while, but they only commenced when all the chess pieces were in the right order. In my opinion, that's a lesson many hobbyists can take on board, as painful as patience can be - it is a virtue! I have a feeling that won't be the last time we hear from Harry...
#Shosha Koi - Koi Shipment
Mike and Lee recently took delivery of their first major koi shipment to the new retail premises. The first part of the autumn shipment saw 58 boxes land from Japan. They had some help from hobbyists and invited me along to film some snippets. Enjoy the video below.
The gents will also hold a Festive Open Day on the 28th & 29th of December, where the new koi can be bowled and viewed for the first time. For those who haven't visited the premises yet, this new retail outlet in Leicestershire offers hand-selected Japanese koi and a vast array of dry goods.
Mike and Lee have many years of experience and are always on hand to offer advice https://shoshakoi.co.uk/
#Upcoming Events
I’m slowly updating the koi shows and events page, where you can find upcoming events that might be happening in your area. From large-scale koi shows to local koi dealers holding open days or get-togethers - click the picture above to visit the page.
As detailed earlier, Shosha Koi has one coming up, and Avenue Fisheries is also holding a Festive Open Day, where all their latest stock from the Autumn 2024 shipment will be displayed for the first time. They supply a mean BBQ too! Avenue’s Open Days attract quite the crowd, so if you’re free, why not pop along? If you wanted a koi-crazy Saturday, you could do both events in one day as they’re only a little over an hour away! Food for thought.
Find out more from Avenue Fisheries here:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085680913368
#Winter Preparation
Autumn has officially faded into winter, the koi are slowing down, daylight is minimal, and the last thing anyone wants to do is stand in the cold doing pond checks. However, it’s crucial our ponds and koi enter winter in the best possible shape to emerge unscathed in spring. Pond-related problems have an uncanny ability to surface at the most inconvenient times - and for some reason, usually on a Sunday! But a little prep now could save you hours of stress and mess come the new year - when the temperatures like to drop! Winter preparation is not flashy or glamorous, but it’s absolutely worth it, so here’s a list of the key areas to check and maintain.
Equipment Checks. Check your equipment for any signs of wear or damage, including pumps, air pumps and diffusers, UV units, heaters, drum filters and anything that may require attention. Spending time checking for correct operation, listening out for odd sounds and replacing worn parts could prove a godsend before the cold weather sets in.
Pipework & Fittings. I know what you're thinking, but now is the best time to address any brittle pipework, faulty valves, leaks or overly stiff hoses. If it’s troublesome now, it will only get worse later, and so will your mood when you finally address it!
System Maintenance. Whether you run Drums, Nexus or Multibays, take time to thoroughly maintain your filter and pond. Ensure a hygienic environment free of organic waste going into the winter. However, that doesn’t mean you can shut the filter shed door and forget about it after you’re finished. Even though it’s winter, filters and water must be regularly maintained. System hygiene plays a critical role in koi health, and when the koi’s metabolic rate slows over the winter, we want to remove as many stress factors as possible. Depending on the temperatures you hold, it might not need to be as regular - but maintenance is still necessary!
Water Quality. Likewise, it’s worth keeping tabs on your pond’s water quality. Don’t assume it’s okay because readings can quickly and quietly go awry, leaving you in the dark. Also, don’t forget to check your incoming water. However you decide to make water changes, ensure the water is safe to add to your pond, and whether you’re heated or not, add new water gradually to avoid sudden changes.
Koi Observation. The biggie. Our koi may be less active, but that doesn’t mean we should ignore them. Regular observation is key to spotting small issues before they become big problems - even in colder temps. There’s no need to net and bowl every koi in the pond. Spend time observing and making notes - a pen and paper are incredibly useful. Check for signs of problems and determine whether their general behaviour seems normal. If something is out of place, it’s better to investigate and arrive at a solution before the bad weather arrives.
To Wrap Up - Literally! When it comes to koi keeping, if something can go wrong, it will go wrong, usually at the worst possible time. The goal of Winter Preparation is to find the problems before they find you. Yes, it requires a bit of effort, but you’ll thank yourself later. So, this weekend, grab a hot drink, pull on a coat, and spend an hour or two giving your pond and koi a once-over.
#UK Breeder Info
I wanted to draw attention to content being developed by two of the koi farms in the UK (there are more!).
Cuttlebrook Koi Farm released another long-format movie in their koi breeding series that I thought was really well put together and informative. Having spoken to Sam, I know how much work goes into making those movies on the farm, especially being such a busy man, and it’s great to see them reaching such a wide audience and spreading the love of koi.
Byer Koi Farm has recently started a Q&A, where viewers can send in questions for Adam and special guests to answer. It’s a format that’s been around for a while now, with different companies having a go, but it’s great to see the Byer Team making their stamp. If people are prepared to put their necks on the line to answer questions and promote the hobby, more power to them. Keep up the good work guys! Check out both videos and see what you think.
Things have been busy here at World of Nishikigoi, so I unfortunately missed November’s Trade News. I was putting the new layout together (but it's no excuse!) November also saw the shipment of Volume Six to subscribers, which carried on into early December. I handle all the shipping myself, so it’s quite a task to organise and get right - but it keeps me focussed and busy!
There's a new logo for the company. I’ve wanted something fresh for a while and settled on this new take. I hope you like it!
Feedback for the latest magazine has been really positive so far, and we’ve welcomed more readers to the community, including a wave of newcomers from overseas. In a digital age, there’s content for everyone. But if you value a printed product, World of Nishikigoi is the place to go. Check out the video and link below.
https://www.worldofnishikigoi.com/product-page/yearly-subscription
In other news, this year has seen a few of my koi photos featured in Japanese Koi Magazines, and (for the first time) one is gracing the front of Rinko. Ian and Carmen Jenkin’s Kohaku won the Grand Champion prize at The National Koi Show this year, and it’s a wonderful thing for a UK koi to be displayed as a cover girl. Follow Rinko here: https://www.facebook.com/rinkomagazine
I had a few messages asking me why the photo was edited heavily, as it’s different to my usual style. A similar thing happened to my photos used in Gekkan Magazine. Some questioned if it was misleading because of how perfect the koi looked. The magazine editors handle the image editing, and these cover images should be taken as works of art rather than a realistic representation of the koi. I’ve touched upon this in a club talk for The Mid Staffs. I think it’s important for hobbyists to be aware of the varying photography styles. I always think of cover images as a celebration of the koi and how it's perceived by those who are connected to it. They should never be used as comparison tools, and certainly not to sell the koi from! No harm is done once you know to take them with a pinch of salt. However, the topic of koi sellers deliberately manipulating photos/videos will be a discussion for another day!
Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed December’s instalment and the new layout style. If you have any feedback, please feel free to drop me an email. Likewise, if you’d like me to cover anything, I’m always open to suggestions.
Thank you to everyone who supports World of Nishikigoi. I hope you have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Best Wishes & Happy Koi Keeping,
Liam
