Koi Quarantine

Protocols and measures we take:

At Bristol Koi we proactively quarantine all of our koi.  Each farm we select koi from is independently quarantined with their own equipment and supplies to prevent cross contamination.  All of our equipment is cleaned with Virkon S, a broad spectrum veterinary disinfectant. 

When acclimating Koi  to their new home we cover the tops of the tanks to reduce stress from arrival for the first few nights and  treat with salt and elbagin.  Koi are quarantined for a minimum of a month and put through a heat cycle.  Koi are feed after a week of arrival.  At the end of week three, we add a koi from our collection to mix with the new arrivals to see if any signs of disease are apparent on the koi.  Scrapes are conducted periodically and viewed in microscope for any signs of parasites.  If parasites are noticed proper medication is administered.  We send out samples from each breeder  for testing. We do not sell any koi until all results are back.  Once results are in, it is happy koi showings! 

Quarantine measures you need to take:

Please have an quarantine tank setup with proper filtration and aeration. We recommend that koi keepers add salt, 3 lbs per 100 gallon, for koi arrival and quarantine your koi for 3-4 weeks before introducing your koi to your pond.  Water changes should be tested daily for parameter checks of zero ammonia and nitrates. Remember to never mix the water the koi came in with your pond water.  Acclimate the koi to the new water temperature for 30 minutes by floating the bag on top of the pond. Before releasing your koi, add some of your pond water to the koi bag for two to three minutes introducing your pond water slowly to the koi.  Then release your koi by hand and discard the bag and water. Never mix the water from the bag with your pond water. Customers should not feed their koi upon arrival for at least one week. Koi should be given lighter portions when feeding begins. 

Please call us with any questions, we would love to help you with your koi!