There are secrets to winning koi grow out contests, and Koi expert Shawn McHenry of Mystic Koi is here to share some of these secrets. Eric and Shawn discuss koi grow out contests, how these contests work, and how to select, grow, and prepare fish to their best potential for competition.
In this episode, they talk about:
The history of koi grow out contest and what a koi grow out contest means
Creating a level playing field for participants, regardless of their financial capacity
How the judging process works at the contests
What breeders get from participating in the competition
The draft/selection process for buying new fish at the contests
Tips for choosing the right fish — things to look for like head size, body structure, color, behavior, etc
Optimal growing conditions like tank size, water temperature, feeding schedule
Tips for maximizing growth like stocking density, water changes, fasting before shows
Shawn’s experience with koi grow out contests
Typical growth rates for contest fish versus regular pond fish
Growth expectations between more expensive jumbo contest fish and cheaper typical pond fish
Finishing techniques like potassium baths right before shows
Common mistakes like overfeeding that lead to poor color/condition
Advice for underdog hobbyists looking to improve
Typical pond/water conditions for contest fish versus regular home pond fish
News on upcoming koi breeding contests
Mentioned:
Mystic Koi & Water Gardens Website
Mystic Koi & Shawn McHenry - YouTube
Shawn McHenry (@shawnisfun) on Instagram
Links to resources:
Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett
The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/
You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:
http://helixpondfiltration.com/
And follow his adventures in the pond world at:
