I just bought a new koi, and it seems he's not doing too well. He's just kind of chilling at the bottom, and he won't eat (I even fed my little babies peas, and he ignored them!) He was doing fine two days ago, but since his little buddy died, he's been just bleh. *sigh* If only it were sadness...

Anyhow, water stats are fine, everything is within good levels. Ammonia is about to hit alert zone, just did a 50% water change yesterday. I'm in the process of cycling this tank (2nd week), so I'm keeping on top of water levels...I should have waited to get the koi, I know. It's a 55gal, 3 small koi, 3 med fancies, 1 pleco. (I know it's a little overstocked, but I'll have that resolved when I bring in my old 40 gal from my other place) I'm in the process of moving.

All the other fish are doing just fine and dandy. My koi is just sitting at the bottom of the tank now, in one little corner. No unusual markings or any 'attachments'. I'm new with koi, so I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions. Are koi fine with a salt water solution? Would you recommend that? Unfortunately, I can't quarrantine him, how can I do this without affecting the other fish?

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Also, my tank has lovely new tank syndrome (I believe it is called). The wonderful foggy water caused by the bacteria, but as far as I know, that really shouldn't affect the fish.

Too bad about that little fellow - my guess would be that its more than just a little sadness from his dying friend. Overcrowding is probably the main culprit here, and until you get your other tank, I would upt the water changes, preferably daily.
Salt will definetely help him feel a bit better, and it doesn't harm the other tank inhabitants. Since he is already in with the others, quaranteening him isn't an option anymore. Add the salt treatment to the whole tank - they'll be fine.
Koi aren't really "tank fish", I don't know if you realize that. They grow big, and I do mean BIG, much more so than goldfish. And for some reason koi might feel very uncomfortable in a glass enclosure - the few I had in glass tanks until their qurantine was over always were either very nervous and swimming like crazy, or just sitting around pouting.

The salt and more frequent water changes should help him around until his new home arrives...

Thanks ranchugirl, I'll def. add the salt.
I'm aware koi aren't really tank fish, which is why I opted for small koi. They're only about...hmmm, 1.5-2 inches long. I figured by the time they get bigger, I'll have the pond ready for them. Or rather, the money to get the pond established. I've noticed the other koi seem nervous, that's where I was wondering about koi, I didn't think they would react this way. I figure I'll give them a little bit and see how they adjust, and if not, I have a friend with a pond who would be happy to adopt them. I've been trying to research koi, but unfortunately, I can't find any topics online about koi in tanks (another hint for me there).
Thanks though, for the suggestion/advice.

Koi are mysterious things, aren't they? I am sure they'll be fine in a pond, if its your own or a friend's. Mine (in a pond now) even get nervous when something in their habitat changes. They usually have green water, and when my hubby does too big of a water change, and the water gets clearer for a few days, they sit all in one pile like little frightened babies and hardly move. They are just not used to seing any movement outside their water due to the green coloration...

They definately are mysterious and extremely beautiful. I'm excited about a pond. Although, I live in an apartment complex, my mother finally succumbed to my insistant begging on 'having at it' in her backyard. I live in Florida, so I'm thinking it's a great tropical climate, so long as I make the pond plenty deep for cooler water. I have a lot to learn before even attempting this. I better go study! Heh!

Hi Truistick,

I'm certainly sorry to read the fish is not up to par. I would add one suggestion here for the koi's benefit. Try useing a towel to cover three sides of the tank. It will make the Koi feel somewhat more secure.


Glad to see your planning on building a pond. Plan on a minimum of 250 gl's per koi though minimum.


Ideally a stock tank aka water trough from the feed store makes a great QT and incidently emergency hospitol tank for Koi before putting them into a pond. You can set them up similar to a AQ with a HOB filter and useing a piece of glass to suction a heater too that will lay flat on the bottom.

I call them a portable mini pond... The alternative is getting a large rubbermaid tub from the local wally world. Also a small net is imperative as some will try to jump.

I hope this helps a bit!

Thanks for the advice, Kathy.
Unfortunately, I lost my little koi. I think he had swim bladder. He became disoriented and began flipping. Complete loss of equillibrium.
My other koi seem to be adapting pretty well. I covered three sides of the tank a couple of days ago with a pond scene. The koi don't seem so jumpy anymore. I'm letting my vine plant overgrow, it seems the koi love them to hide in when they get jumpy (which has decreased incredibly)
I thank you guys for the advice!

Oh wow, so sorry to read that Tru...

Wow, sounds like the background is doing the job and the vine is good idea too. I'll deffinetly be useing the background thing for folks as a alternative to the towels in regards. Very good idea and much more pleasant to fish and owner!


I hope I get to see pics of the pond over in the pond forum when your done with it! Good luck!

I'm sorry about your loses but we can't just put 2 deaths in quick sucession down to bad luck. Were there any symptoms? Did you buy all the fish from the same place at the same time or in batches? There is always a chance that the koi are carriers of something nasty and your whole tank is at risk.