Last weekend my friend David and I spent a great deal of time researching the best way to modify this 4-foot long tank for future marine use and accessability. It seemed the only way to move forward would be to drill holes for 2 bulkheads near the top and plumb in a wet dry filter that can later be converted to a refugium sump, if need be. So, the drilling began. Two drill bits and several hours later, the holes were completed and the tank was plumbed. In order to make up for head loss on the pump, we decided to power the return with a Mag 12. I also left a “t” in the line to accomodate a skimmer sometime in the near future. To top off the job, I painted the back of the tank using a black, water-based latex paint. Looks great! For now, the Koi are enjoying the revised home. However, I am a bit anxious to convert this to a saltwater unit sometime in the near future.

I have moved ten of the smaller koi from this tank to the office pond. Then, I proceeded to move the 4 larger koi from the smaller tank into this tank in order to begin the saltwater conversion on my smaller tank (see category 85 Gallon Reef).  Having different sized koi in this tank gives it more dimension. This transition also consisted of a water change of about 50 gallons (33%) and a thorough filter cleaning. Post cleaning test showed no readable levels of ammonia or nitrite. Current Stocking consists of: 24 Koi and 2 Plecos.

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Just a quick word to the wise … A tank filled with 3 inch koi do not respond well to African Dwarf Frogs! Although, the koi certainly did not mind.

Since my last post on this tank, nearly 10 days ago, I have been fearful of a high ammonia or nitrite reading again. However, the tank is beginning to mature well. Today, I cleaned the canister filter and vacuumed 20 gallons from the rock at the bottom of the tank. Anyone who has kept koi in a tank knows that rock is not the best idea in the world. However, the fish seemed to enjoy the cleaner water and are continuing to thrive. Of course, these koi are not growing as fast as the koi in the office pond. The koi in this tank are fed only once per day, on average, because I am not home often enough to feed them more regularly and the kids cannot reach the opening at the top of the tank. Slow growth is quite acceptable; however, as I have not done much with my plans for the outdoor pond in which they will live out their adult years.

Today’s pond maintenance consisted of a complete cleaning of the Fluval FX5 and a thorough examination of all 17 fish.  Although, the filter was loaded with detritus, the water still tested at zero for ammonia, nitrite, and at a low 5 for nitrates. The addition of a timer for the lamp allows more daylight hours and the algae is doing its work on clearing the water of nitrate. In addition, the freshwater hydrometer showed no readings of salt in the water. So, the plants in the office will be happy as well. The 15 koi are thriving and eating 3-4 times each day. The two remaining feeder fish are now 2 inches long and growing. These may very well end up being the largest 12 cent feeders that Wal Mart has ever turned out.

The 150 Gallon acryllic tank is now home to 31 assorted Koi and one fairly large algae eater. All of the fish are happy as they have shifted from one meal per day to 2 or 3. The additional meals are courtesy of the nitrifying bacteria that has finally taken hold. This is the quickest we have had a tank complete the nitrification cycle. It has taken approximately 5 weeks of almost daily water changes and the addition of live bacteria starter. I am crediting the rapid cycle to the consistent flow of the Fluval FX5 canister filter and the addition of bacteria. Needless to say, the fish are certainly happy!

In December, 2008, Kevin purchased this acryllic tank from ATM of Las Vegas. It is currently a temporary home for 31 various Koi and one housekeeper, an algae eater, of course. This tank is filtered with the Fluval FX5 and an abundance of bio balls. It is currently undergoing week 5 of a strenuous cycling process and the fish have been salted to .03 in an effort to mitigate the effects of nitrite spikes and stress from almost daily 100 gallon water changes.

This is a picture of how the office pond looks now, with 15 Koi and 2 feeders that made it through a lengthy nitrification process. Initially set-up in September with a Fluval 400, the filter was upgraded in October after additional Koi were added. Unfortunately, the pond inhabitants suffered a great deal during the nitrification cycle and the initial 13 fingerlings, one Platinum Ogon, and a 6-inch Gin Rin Yamabuke Ogon were lost. At that point, a 95% water change was conducted and the filter was cleaned. I added 30 feeders for about 2 weeks while the pond completed its cycle. 15 3-inch koi were acclimated about a month ago and the water quality tests perfect every day. These fish eat well, 2-4 times each day and are thriving.