Monthly News - April
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Hello Koi Lovers,
The koi season is slowly getting underway. I’m willing it to happen faster at my end, but they do say you shouldn’t wish your life away! Pond temperatures are gradually rising, and fish are becoming more active, particularly when we get a welcome spell of sunshine. For those of you running heated systems at higher temperatures - yes, I envy you!
Across the trade, activity is beginning to pick up, with new shipments arriving and dealers preparing for what will hopefully be a busy season ahead. There’s a noticeable shift in pace compared to just a few weeks ago, and even koi show teams are becoming more active on social media again, which is great to see.
With that in mind, here are a few updates from around the koi trade this month.
#Cuttlebrook Open Day
Cuttlebrook Koi Farm will open its doors on Saturday, 18th April, giving visitors the chance to view a large selection of koi before many of them go online. From what’s been shared, there will be a mix of Tosai and Nisai available, along with a significant number of smaller koi bred on site last summer.
Events like this always offer something a bit different compared to buying at a distance. Being able to see the fish in person, how they move, how they present in the water, is still something many hobbyists value, particularly when new batches are released.
There should be a wide range to look through, from smaller koi in the 2-8” bracket up to larger specimens, with pricing aimed at covering a broad spread of budgets. As with most open days, it’s also a chance to have a proper look around the farm itself and put a few faces to names behind the scenes.
More than anything, these weekends tend to double up as informal meet-ups for the community. A chance to catch up, talk ponds, and spend a few hours around fish without needing too much of an excuse.
For those looking to get out and about, or simply see what’s coming through this season, it could be one to add to the calendar.
Saturday 18th April
10am - 4pm
Cuttlebrook Koi Farm, OX9 3QU
Check out one of the open days from last year at 28:15
#Bubbling Along
Aqua Aeration Systems Ltd have been steadily building stock ahead of the season, alongside continuing to fulfil a range of bespoke orders.
A recent custom setup, shown in the video below, features twin Aqua Air Grid Pro units designed to handle a large moving bed, comfortably tumbling around 550 litres of media. The focus here is on a wider diffusion surface area, creating a more even, controlled movement throughout the media rather than the concentrated, more aggressive boil often seen with traditional stones or discs.
In addition to supply, installation is also available for those who prefer to have systems fitted professionally. Video included below for a closer look at the setup in action.
#Koi Telly
Two new videos have gone live on the channel, featuring an in-depth visit to Selective Koi Sales - a look behind one of the UK’s longest-running koi businesses. In Part One, Andrew and Chris share the story of how the company was built over 45 years, from its early days to becoming a well-known name in the industry today.
Part Two takes things a step further, following Chris on a recent trip to China to visit koi farms and judge the All China Koi Show. It offers an insight into how the Chinese koi industry is developing, and raises some interesting questions about how things may evolve in the years ahead.
#Pump it Up
OASE have introduced the new AquaMax Eco Titanium 33000, aimed at larger and more demanding pond systems.
The pump is rated for a maximum flow rate of 33,000 litres per hour, with a head height of up to 3.5 metres. It features a cast stainless steel body for added durability, alongside OASE’s CORE 6 motor technology, which is designed to improve efficiency, reduce running noise and lower energy use.
The Titanium 33000 can be used either submerged or dry-mounted and is suitable for a range of water types, including salt and chlorinated water. It also includes OASE Control compatibility for app-based operation and monitoring. Another feature is the built-in SFC mode, which automatically adjusts flow and head height depending on water temperature, potentially reducing output (and energy use) by up to 50%.
For those running larger ponds or filter systems, it looks to be one of the more powerful additions to the market this season.
#Safely Netted
Norfine Nets are currently highlighting their pond and lake cover range, offering various options to suit different applications and levels of protection.
The covers use knotless polypropylene netting, which is UV stabilised, rot-resistant and designed with reinforced edging for easier fixing and securing. The knotless finish is also a consideration for those mindful of fish safety.
With April being a typical time for seasonal pond maintenance, it’s a sensible point to check existing covers or consider replacements ahead of the months when ponds see more activity.
#Koi for Sale
Lot's of dealers are posting clips of new stock, so something a little different this time, I'll share the clips that caught my eye - head to their websites for more details or contact them directly.
A4 Koi
Shosha Koi
Shirley Koi
Coastal Koi
Avenue Fisheries
Oh, go on then, I'll share some photos as well!
Enlarge the image to see which dealer stocks the koi - and be quick getting to their websites!
The Oaks Koi Farm. Work is underway on a substantial new pond build, with early stages already showing the scale of the project.
From what’s been shared so far, this is shaping up to be a large design, with a significant amount of groundwork involved; extensive pipework, heavy concrete use, and a considerable block structure to bring it all together.
It’s clearly not a small undertaking, and the layout suggests a build focused on both volume and presentation. One detail confirmed at this stage is the inclusion of large viewing windows, which should make for an interesting finished result once everything is in place.
As with many projects of this size, progress will likely depend on a run of decent weather, but it’s one to keep an eye on as it develops. More details are expected to follow as the build moves forward.
#Happy Chappy
Supreme Koi. Owner Mark Chetter has recently returned from Japan after selecting new koi for the coming season. As expected, the trip involved sourcing a range of fish for all pockets, with the first arrivals now heading into the usual quarantine process before being made available.
Once settled, the next step will be photographing and filming the koi ahead of release - something that followers will know can take a little time, but updates are expected as the process gets underway. The best way to view Supreme Koi is via Facebook.
#Magazine Updates
World of Nishikigoi. Things are busy at the World of Nishikigoi HQ as I work towards the completion of Volume Nine. I recently introduced the front cover on social media…
Katsunori Miya of Miyatora Koi Farm returns - this time lifting a striking Kin Ki Utsuri.
As with every volume, this printed publication is built slowly and deliberately. Long-form features, considered writing and photography produced specifically for the page. Previews will follow in the coming weeks.
Pre-orders for Volume Nine are now open. Those who pre-order secure the lowest price, a guaranteed copy, and early dispatch ahead of general release. Click the link.
In other news, as well as magazine production, I’m out on the road a lot in the next few weeks, catching content and interviews. Maybe I’ll see some of you if you venture out. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for nice weather!
Best Wishes & Happy Koi Keeping,
Liam
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