Page 57 - Koi Net - On-Line Koi Magazine - Issue 6

TDS dramatically reduces TDS levels however it can be very
Chris Wall of Perfect Aquatics gives a brief
explanation of Total Dissolved Solids and
its effect on Koi
Much is spoken about TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)
and how it impacts our Koi. I will attempt to explain it in
a way that doesn’t drag on for pages and pages but I
think it will be a good insight for those looking to
achieve that next level of growth and development.
TDS is the composition of ALL ions dissolved in your
pond water, mostly constructed of minerals and salts.
So how does it impact my Koi?
A BREEDER Truth is, there is no right or wrong level, however there
ONCE TOLD ME are desired levels to generate development in your Koi.
Naturally through highly stocked ponds and evaporation
THAT TO STAY we tend to have a higher TDS level than that of your tap
water as food, algae, nutrients and waste increase it.
HYDRATED A
The interesting bit . . . A breeder once told me
CARP MUST something that has stuck with me for a very long time.
USE 20% TO In order to stay hydrated, carp must use 20% to 50%
(dependant on varying factors) of its energy
50% OF ITS consumption, which is quite a significant %. This is
raised even more when stress is factored in. So we
ENERGY know that a lot of energy is consumed in order to
CONSUMPTION facilitate osmo regulation i.e. hydration of the fish.
What is the connection then? Well when we lessen TDS
it enables the fish to carry out osmo regulation at lower
energy output, as a result that given amount of energy
can be utilised elsewhere, most commonly growth. A
reallocation of energy expenditure from osmo regulation
toward other processes will result in higher growth rates.
This is why it is widely accepted that lower TDS
generates far higher growth rates (assuming food intake
and water temperature, parameters etc are adhered too).
To achieve low TDS you will typically require a high
water change system or more commonly, trickle in
trickle out. More recently the use of Reverse Osmosis
(RO) systems, generally associated with marine systems
have been adapted for ponds. It is highly effective and
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costly and also needs to be monitored carefully as too
much RO water can crash your pH as it has little or no
pH value.
I also think that there are other symbiotic benefits to
reducing TDS. The process in most domestic ponds will
require high % of water changes as a filter may maintain
PHEROMONES
water parameters but with heavy feeding, water changes
ARE ASSOCIATED are the only way to achieve it. As a result these frequent
WITH ATTRACTION water changes dilute pheromone levels within the pond.
Pheromones are associated with attraction but they also
BUT THEY ALSO inhibit growth hormones. A high concentration of
hormones will inhibit individual Koi within the pond.
INHIBIT GROWTH Many will have had the one Koi that just will not grow,
HORMONES it’s a bit like the runt of the litter scenario.
By definition, Pheromones are chemical substances
released by animals in to there environment which affect
the behaviour or physiology of others of its species. So
when we look at Koi ponds, we have a very
concentrated environment of pheromones and as a
result impact different aspects of the Koi, most notably
growth production. Naturally fish use pheromones as
cues for behaviour, whether it be evading predators,
finding a food source or for spawning for example.
The photos below are of a Matsunosuke Sanke I grew
a couple of years ago in just 250 gallons. By adopting
these low TDS techniques I was able to mimic that of a
far larger pond and generate some impressive results.
June 2015 September 2015 November 2015
measuring 17cm measuring 28cm measuring 40cm
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