Are your Koi Flashing and Jumping ?
 
We have had many calls over the past 2/3 weeks from people who are concerned that their Koi may have parasites because they are flashing & jumping.  One person was unaware that he may well have the answer when he also mentioned that "my pH is only 7.5 (its usually 8.5 to 9.0).
 
During the past couple of weeks, we have had a considerable amount of sporadic and sometimes continual heavy rain.  The rainwater in our area is usually slightly acidic and soft and during heavy or continuous downpours, can alter the ambient pH of our ponds.  This causes our Koi to react.   A small swing in pH can cause stressing and a large reaction from our Koi.
 
This is nothing to worry about unless the change is severe.   Just give it a few days and all will settle down.   Adding some clay to the pond will assist as it will help to re-mineralise and buffer the water.   If the flashing continues to occur for some time, give us a ring and we will check for the cause of irritation (check the water quality and take some mucus scrapes).
 
As a matter of interest, we noticed that some of our Koi in our pond were jumping yesterday evening when we returned home and on checking the water this morning, the pH has dropped to 7.7 (Usually 8.2 to 8.5) despite high oxygen levels.  They should settle again in a couple of days.

One of the benefits of living on the South Coast is that our rainfall although slightly acidic, is generally inert when in come to toxicity of our Koi although occasionally, there have been exceptions (we usually blame the continental air masses).  However, we have been far more fortunate that some of our fellow fishkeepers living in the industrial areas in the Midlands & North where over the past few weeks, some losses have occurred through toxic Sulphur Dioxide in the rainfall.   
 
Should you have any continuing problems, please do not hesitate to contact us.
 
Rod & Gerry Isted - 01243 572752