Members’ Meeting – An evening with Syd Mitchell

An acknowledged expert in the field of water quality, Syd will be giving us a talk entitled “How water parameters affect koi physiology and koi health”.

• What stress actually is and it’s detrimental effects on koi physiology and  health.
• How salt can be used to relieve stress but is inadvisable as a long term environment.
• How temperature affects the koi immune system and digestion.
• Osmoregulation.
• Any questions on what has been covered so far.

• Which water parameters to check and what to do next.
• Why checking water is important and how to avoid mistakes.
• I can go into how kits work if anyone wants.
• Any questions on what has been covered so far.

• pH & KH.
• Ammonia.
• Nitrite.
• Oxygen.
• GH
• Any questions on what has been covered so far.

• Anchor worm.
• Argulus (fish louse).
• Costia.
• Chilodonella.
• Flukes (dactylogyrus and gyrodactylus).
• Trichodina.
• White spot.
• KHV and why it can’t be “cured”
• Brief review of important parameters.
• Discussion of anything that has been covered in the presentation and any related subjects until the last person falls asleep or we get evicted.

As a bonus, Syd has indicated his willingness to take away test samples of members’ pond water for a detailed analysis. This could be useful if you don’t carry out extensive testing but even if you do, Syd’s report will provide you with a considerable amount of specific and more general information.

If you wish to take advantage of this generous offer then please note the following:

Samples should be in a 100 ml food-safe container (e.g. a well rinsed soft drinks bottle or glass jar)

• A sample size of 100 ml is sufficient.  If you don’t have a 100 ml bottle or container please use the next smallest size you have access to.
• Bottles should be filled to the top so as to prevent the parameters being altered by air in the bottle.
• Samples should be clearly labelled with the name and email address plus the pond temperature at the time the sample was taken.  Please make sure the email address is correct and clearly written.

Finally, could we ask that members make every effort to be in place by 7 to enable a prompt start. Syd will have a 4 hour return journey ahead of him.