News

Spring 2007 Newsletter

We hope that you, your family and your fish have all over wintered well, and are enjoying this beautiful spring sunshine.

Company Update
Koi Water Garden has undergone a total shop refit with over double the display shelving units as well as a new storage area. This allows us to stock a massive range of products in large numbers, with very few items running out of stock.

We have also rebuilt the internal waterfall display and adjacent to this a new ‘dark’ fountain area which displays water features containing lighting, as well as garden and submersible pond lighting.
The newly carpeted store has also been re arranged in sections so you find all products relating to a particular aspect of your hobby are together in the same area. Thus making it easier to select the goods you require.

However we unfortunately run out of time during our busy winter, so our new website and tropical section will have to be completed later on in the year.

As many of you are already aware John has now fully retired to Eastbourne and Stacey has also left, to work for her family after 8 ½ years loyal service. Andrew, Ben and Phil and Georgia have now been joined by Debbie and we also have 6 part time youngsters, Alex, Kris, Jordan, Matthew, Emma & Sophie. So with a total combined fish keeping experienced of over 50 years we are more than ready to help and advise you whenever necessary.

Autumn Harvest Trip to Japan.
Our usual annual spring trip was brought forward to November for the Japanese Koi harvest. Andrew & Ben purchased the largest selection of show and high grade koi we have ever stocked. These fish were held in Japan until January when they were imported and we commenced our 8 week KHV heated & cooled quarantine procedure. We are happy to report all fish remain healthy and we have a beautiful range of Japanese koi ready for your selection.

As many of you are already aware Koi Water Garden was the first company in the UK to have a large separately constructed Koi quarantine area and over the last 15 years have prided ourselves on our quarantining procedures for all shipments. Due to advances in fish diseases over recent years our new incredibly strict quarantine procedures will continue indefinitely. This will allow you to purchase your pets with peace of mind that they are in the best possible condition.

Seasonal tips and advice.
With the great weather at the start of the year the fish have come out of the winter earlier than in previous years. However they are still weakened after the long winter so please follow the following advice to keep your pets in optimum condition.

Observe fish carefully in early spring. After a long winter, this is when your fish are at there weakest. Parasites and pathogenic bacteria will affect a weak fish much easier than a strong healthier one.
Treat pond with a course of parasite treatment. Eg Medifin or malachite and formalin to reduce the risk of parasite infestation on already weakened fish. Ask in store for advice and dosages.
Clean the filters in pond water. Restart the filters using a filter start bacteria additive.
Change UV bulbs to prevent water from going green. It is necessary to change UV bulbs twice yearly as UV will only be emitted from the bulb for 6 months, even if the bulb continues to glow.
Test water regularly (at least weekly) for ammonia, nitrite and pH while your filter system re establishes itself. Weakened fish will struggle to survive if left in a poor environment for a prolonged period.
As the temperatures increase feed the fish at least twice a day (if water quality permits) to allow them to rebuild there strength and body weight.
Drop into the shop if you have any queries regarding the above spring tips.