"JB" wrote in message
...
On 10/18/2011 9:36 AM, Phyllis and Jim wrote:
As I remember, the food goes through the koi quickly. I would guess
most anything would work in the short run...even nothing as they will
eat algae. Another order for a small time could certainly end up
wasting food.

Around here we have fed our koi catfish/trout food for about 15
years. They are doing well and growing. I recognize that folk differ
A LOT about the OK-ness of doing that. Years ago it was pointed out
to me that catfish food could cut their lifespan by 20% as they could
get fatty livers. Our koi are the inexpensive kind (Pet Smart, Wal-
Mart and donations from friends). I am scot enough that I hate to
spend a ton of money for 10 fish worth $4 each. Catfish food has gone
from $11 per 50# sack to $13 per 50# sack. A sack lasts a season more
or less. The koi can last 100 years! 20% would still put their life
spans way beyond ours (Phyllis and I are 66).

Yes, you're right. We've had long debates about which food is best. I
can't argue with your logic. ~jan feeds Show Koi, as do I. She's had fish
eaten by a heron; I've seen the videos. How do you factor that into your
computations about food costs and fish longevity?!

Got the season's first freeze warning tonight. Fish are going to slow way
down from this point forward.
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i've seen japanese feed their Koi with rice, which the fish love. especially
brown (wholegrain) rice.