16 replies to this topic

[koichallenged]

I have a 30 gallon tank for two common goldfish. One of my goldfish got sick and passed away a few months ago. My water quality is good and I waited 2 months to make sure my other fish stayed healthy before I got him a new mate. I went to the local fish store and got talked into a Shubunkin, which I found out when I got home and did my research is actually a koi. They had no idea what they were talking about. Now I know koi get very large, but how fast. I think I will need 7-10 months to build an outdoor pond, my koi is currently 3 inches. Will this be enough time? Also, is it okay to keep common goldfish and koi together? Do I need to get different food for my koi? Please give me any help or tips that you can.

[koiguy1969]

shubunkins are a goldfish variety ..like sarassas, commons,and comets. but have been coined with the nickname "poor mans koi" check around the fishes mouth if you see barbels(Whiskers) its a koi.. no barbels its goldfish(shubunkin). they are all carp

[rdk]

A shubunkin is a calico goldfish. It is a goldfish. Sometimes known as a " poor mans" goldfish. It get along very very well with other goldfish. I believe the size of your fish will depend on the size of your fish tank. The shubunkin is a wonderful fish to have I have one myself. RDK

[koichallenged]

The pet store worker sold me a 'shubunkin' when I got home I saw whiskers, did my research and now I know I do not have a shubunkin, I actually have a orange and white grade A koi.

[DrDave]

Hi neighbor and welcome to the Forum. What you may have is a Kohaku. it will grow to 24 inches or more in about 5 years.

[koichallenged]

I looked up a Kohaku and that is definitely what I have. Thanks! Any tips?

[koiguy1969]

well good for you ..you got a heck of a deal then...and yes, its time for a pond!! post a picture of your new fish

[koikeepr]

can you take a photo so that we can be sure? If you see barbels (whiskers) tho, that's a pretty good sign. You should return him to the pet store and tell them they sold you something else.

[koichallenged]

He doesn't like to stay still so it is hard to get a good picture.

[koichallenged]

Apparently I need 5 posts to be able to post a picture.

[koichallenged]

http://s975.photobuc...rent=Sushi2.jpg

Edited by koichallenged, 14 December 2009 - 05:06 AM.

[DrDave]

That is a fine looking Kohaku. That 30 gallon tank won't cut it very long. keep an eye on the water quality. If you need any tips on building your pond we have a lot of expertise on the forum. If you want to see mine up close and get some tips first hand, I can arrange a tour.

To post a photo directly on the forum, it has to be under a certain size. Where you manage attachments there is a chart showing the limits. I always re-size mine to 600 wide and they always upload with no problems.

[koichallenged]

I will definitely need tips for building a pond. I see you are in Escondido, so am I. A tour would be fantastic. Someone suggested I return my koi to the pet store, I believe I can give him/her a better home. Any tips on food? Right now I am feeding him my goldfish food. I have read they need a well rounded diet.

[DrDave]

koichallenged said:

I will definitely need tips for building a pond. I see you are in Escondido, so am I. A tour would be fantastic. Someone suggested I return my koi to the pet store, I believe I can give him/her a better home. Any tips on food? Right now I am feeding him my goldfish food. I have read they need a well rounded diet.

I just sent you a PM. Call me after you read it.

[Matak]

it is a myth that fish will only grow to the size of the tank they are kept in. Their growth will be stunted by the stressed caused by too small a tank, but you don't seem to be the kind to deliberately stress a pet for the sake of convenience. Have you considered a large rubbermaid tub to hold your soon-to-enlarge fish? they are cheap large & sturdy. They don't care if the sidewalls are glass or blue plastic. Actually, the opaque sides might even be less stressful to the fish. Keep it in the basement (but I'm not sure if basements are common in your locale), near the floor drain, just for insurance. Put in an air pump with an airstone, a cheap HOB (Hang On Back) filter, and change 20% of the water once a week. Don't forget to de-chlorinate! Do these few, relatively inexpensive steps and you should be just fine.