Joe's Original Concerns

Hello

We were thinking along the same lines. We too thought about some more testing . You did not specify what foods you are using for the tests or the methods for control and replicate studies. I would be interested in talking to you about this. I'm sure it will attract a lot of attention and get a lot of scrutiny so it is important to make it as factual and fair for all involved. I think you will find that the Blackwater Gold Diet will perform very well. It is fed to our young fry and our very best breeders after spawning.

Some things that will affect the koi growth besides the food will be

1. Presence of natural foods- Will these tanks be outside? with they have access to chironomid larvae ( blood worms) for the local ever present population?

2. Sunlight - Algae growth? - Koi are omnivores and will continually graze.

3. Will the tanks be scrubbed clean of any bio floc daily?

4 Will the fish be "fresh" small young of the year fish ready for continued growth ... or could they be fish that have been crowded and slowed / delayed growth to meet market demands?

5. Are the fish the same varieties from the same spawns from the same pond? I can put a asagi and chagoi against a showa and win with the chagoi even when feeding the chagoi dog food . They grow faster.

6. Will the tanks be on the same filter system? Heated and constant?

A lot of nutritional tests are done each year with fish . You may be able to do some research on peer reviewed papers sponsored by the Aquaculture Engineering Society.

There are many things to consider. I would be happy to offer my opinion and some gold food for the tests

All the Best,

Joe Pawlak
President
Blackwater Creek Koi Farms Inc
Aquatic Nutrition Inc
www.koiretailer.com
koisale.com
www.Aquaticnutrition.com

President - NOGGA
National Ornamental Goldfish Growers Association