What we are really doing is overfeeding our filtration system. I'm not
sure we can ever overfeed Koi.
The most important tool we have to know when we are feeding too much is an
ammonia test kit. If ammonia shows up we are most likely feeding too much
(or our biological filter was damaged).
As long as ammonia doesn't show up (nitrite readings follow the ammonia
readings) we can feed away.
Remember, the feed turns into ammonia and phosphates. Ammonia is converted
to nitrites, which are then converted to nitrates. So we wind up with lots
of phosphates and nitrates, which equals fertilizer, which causes algal
blooms (green water). Plants will eat up some of it, and water changes will
help get rid of the rest. (click here to see water
change calculations)
If we cut their food back to lower the ammonia, guess what happens? They
start recognizing us, come over to get their food, will eat out of our
hands, etc.
Some people feed them spinach, bread, triscut crackers, whole peas,
vitamins, watermelon rind, etc.
If you want some more ideas ask some carp fishermen what they use as bait.
Some have great secret formulas.
We recently calculated that we were feeding 6" Koi 1 gram of food per
day, or 5 pellets per feeding (4 feedings / day).
Phone: 303-883-8000