***** On Fad Treatments *****

A web board thread on the confusing number of popular or "Fad" treatments, drew a number of replies. The gist of most of those replies was that if you *needed* a particular treatment, then you should use it. But if you were thinking of adding something to the pond just because someone else said it was a "good idea," you should *resist* the urge until you understand the "what" and "why" of that treatment. If it really isn't needed, then *don't* do it!

Here is what Chris wrote on that subject:

Hi,

I agree 100% with what has just been said.

In the 30 years I have been keeping koi I have never used PP and never will. In my opinion there is no such thing as koi medication - what you do have are poisons in controlled dosages. Yes poisons. Try overdosing slightly with any 'medication' and see what happens.

The successful use of bentonite in koi ponds is dependent on using minimum amounts regularly. A few tablespoons is all that is needed.

Adding in minerals, adding in this and that is not the way to go. If the water you have cannot support koi without the addition of large amount of anything then I would suggest that you don't keep koi. The direct descendants of Koi have survived for millions of years successfully in fresh water - without human intervention. It is only when we overdo things that we are successful at killing our koi.

The intake and benefit of vitamins and minerals in the human body, for example, does not get better and better as you increase the dosage. The body utilises what it needs and excretes the excess. In large amounts vitamins and minerals can produce illness and unwanted side effects.

The excessive use of bentonite (and anything else for that matter) in the pond does not increase the benefits - quite the contrary. Rather stick to the pure forms of the mineral than purchase kitty litter. If you are going to buy kitty litter (in pure bentonite form) a tablespoon per 1000 litres per week is more than adequate.

Killing algae with kitty litter is not the best solution to the problem. Actually why kill the algae in the first place? If it is the furry type growing on the walls and the floors and it is not the variety that gets too long then leave alone. This algae is absolutely essential to the biological balance of the pond and directly related to the health of your fish.

I believe that mother nature is all-powerful and in reality far more clever than the human beings. As difficult as this is for most of us to swallow we have to acknowledge that what has been happening for millions and millions of years all around us has been successful.

The infinite beauty of the life forms on this planet bears testimony to nature's success. I, therefore, humbly turn to mother nature and use observations of her handiwork as the springboard for many of the concepts I expound.

If the pond and filter system are correctly designed - then you really need only to feed the fish, flush the filters, change a bit of water and sit back and enjoy your hobby. The fish can then grow and develop to their full individual potential and provide you with many hours of pleasure.

Regards,

Chris Neaves

Editor's Note:

I think this was mostly in response to someone using Potassium permanganate to clean their pond, on a regular basis. Perhaps even in lieu of water changes or other proper Koi care.