Knowledge Base

Shirley Aquatics top 10 tips for perfect koi keeping conditions. From koi food and pond plants, to ideal pond filters and pond design! Everything you need to know to make sure you’re giving your pride and koi (sorry) the best possible care.

Koi do not have stomachs, just a digestive tract. The “fat belly “appearance is caused by feeding a poor quality food which is high in carbohydrates and poorly balanced ingredients. The fat builds up around the internal organs and can lead to health problems, such as heart attacks. Feed Saki Multiseason, a high quality, balanced […]

Koi up to one year old ( Tosai) have a high metabolic rate and can digest up to 65% protein content. Look for a quality food with 40% protein content (fish meal based) and supplement the diet with Silkworm Pupae, crushed up. The balance of the ingredients needs to be perfect, otherwise they will grow […]

Koi cannot produce the colours themselves and need carotenoids( colourants) in their diet to help produce the colour. Hikari Gold and Saki Colour both contain Astaxanthin, a powerful colour enhancer, which will brighten up the orange/ red on your koi without affecting the whites. Poorer quality foods may make the whites appear creamy. Feed above […]

It is down to the balance and quality of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids in the food. Koi struggle to digest protein without the correct carbohydrate profile. Therefore, they cannot digest the food as efficiently if it is incorrectly balanced. The addition of probiotics in the diet greatly reduces the amount of waste produced, as these […]

This could be due to a number of factors – poor water quality, lack of oxygen, parasites and poor nutrition. A food with a high level of stabilised Vitamin C will help build up the immune system and perk up your koi. Also, look for Vitamin E as this helps stress related problems. Soaking the […]

You need a food that offers carefully selected fish meal and high quality carbohydrates, together with the correct level of vitamins and minerals. Stabilised Vitamin C is essential for their immune system, helping to fight off disease.

Koi do not need a high protein level during the colder months, so wheatgerm is generally used during this period. It is lower in protein and higher in carbohydrates, providing the koi with the nourishment it needs. Ensure that Wheatgerm is the first ingredient on the bag. Reduce the amount that is fed, as their […]