Stocking Rates (Fish to Gallon Ratio)

Welshkoi · 03-05-2006, 01:36 PM

Hi

I was just curious what peoples thoughts were on stocking chagoi, ochiba and other jumbo size fish particularly how many gallons per fish is recomended for an unheated outside pond with moderate filtration, a little aeration and venturi in a 4000 gallon setup

Its got me thinking because I would like to keep jumbo koi when my dad takes his fish and wondered what would be the limit so that the chagoi grow to a good size, remain healthy and it prevents overcrowding?

Also is there any disadvantages for keeping a pond entirely made up of jumbo fish, would they bully each other?

Regards

Jamie

- Cheers for all the other help guys, definately the best forum on the net :-)

icesizzla · 03-05-2006, 02:41 PM

As a guide to stocking levels, it is normally 1inch of fish to every 10 gallons of water. So 4000 gallons would have and ideal stocking rate of 400 inches of fish. This allows for future growth. As for your second question I do not know or have heard of this happening.

Regards

Jono

Welshkoi · 03-05-2006, 03:21 PM

Cheers mate,

That would probably mean about 15 or 20 full size fish roughly for my pond, just about what I thought

Thanks for the reply

Jamie

bonio · 03-05-2006, 09:28 PM

Hi Jamie,

As more research is done, stocking rates, feed rates, growth rates, filtration capacity values change.

I say that you must have plenty of air, between 40-80lpm per 1000 gallons for good growth. Thats an actual air flow, not manufacturers figures. (the cheaper air pumps will quote air flow at surface - AirTec/KamAir/Koi Pro etc all quote figures at 2m deep!!!)

The filter size, media and flow rate must match the stock levels. If you have one 16 inch fish, you will only need a bit of filter material - if you have 20 16 inch fish, you must have a large filter with loads of media. The way to gauge this is regular water tests, and gradual introduction of stocks.

Many reputable food manufacturers are spending lots of money on food research. Less waste is being produced these days, and more energy piled into growth - this can only be a good thing.

The only accurate way of telling how many koi a system will support is water checks. Just add fish a few at a time.

But do bear in mind, a 60cm fish is over four times as heavy as a 30cm fish, so will produce a lot more waste!

Chris

Welshkoi · 06-05-2006, 11:22 PM

Thanks for the reply, that is interesting about the weight difference in the fish being 4 times more, the airsupply is something im going to invest in this summer

Cheers

Jamie

Valleykoi · 06-05-2006, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kitsu

Hi Jamie,

As more research is done, stocking rates, feed rates, growth rates, filtration capacity values change.

I say that you must have plenty of air, between 40-80lpm per 1000 gallons for good growth. Thats an actual air flow, not manufacturers figures. (the cheaper air pumps will quote air flow at surface - AirTec/KamAir/Koi Pro etc all quote figures at 2m deep!!!)

The filter size, media and flow rate must match the stock levels. If you have one 16 inch fish, you will only need a bit of filter material - if you have 20 16 inch fish, you must have a large filter with loads of media. The way to gauge this is regular water tests, and gradual introduction of stocks.

Many reputable food manufacturers are spending lots of money on food research. Less waste is being produced these days, and more energy piled into growth - this can only be a good thing.

The only accurate way of telling how many koi a system will support is water checks. Just add fish a few at a time.

But do bear in mind, a 60cm fish is over four times as heavy as a 30cm fish, so will produce a lot more waste!

Chris

CHRIS
VERY WELL SAID

DARREN