KOI CLUB OF SAN DIEGONEWSLETTERAugust 2025 |
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KOI CLUB OF SAN DIEGO ANNUAL FRIENDS OF KOI AUCTION
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Get ready to bring some real treasures into your backyard pond without breaking the bank!
Need to say farewell to some of your precious koi? Find them new water haven to call home at the Auction! |
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36TH ANNUAL KOI SHOW MARCH 7&8 2026 Del Mar Fairgrounds Bing Crosby Hall 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard Del Mar, CA |
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“Opportunity Table”
For the last year and one half, members ask me, “why can’t we have a gift table?”, “Can’t we do something to help the club make money?”, and “Why can’t you do it for us?”
I did the table for 5 years with much help and contributions from members. But I was tired!!!
So, after a year of feeling guilty, I have offered to run the event again…for one year. That is ONLY if you will start bringing nice, exciting, useful, bright and happy gifts that will be wanted. Otherwise, you will get pillows and hotpads from me!!!
REMEMBER, the items you bring do NOT have to be koi related.
We can make this work, have some fun, and make money for the club.
Lenore
619-442-0202
lenorewade@yahoo.com |
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JULY MEETING PHOTOS
Rick and Gail Goerisch
by Julia Schriber
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From the President's Pond
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Hello everyone,
I want to start by thanking Richard and Gail Goerisch for hosting our July meeting, in what I believe was our first “Front Yard” pond. For those of you who were able to attend, I think you’ll agree that their pond setup was nothing short of spectacular. It’s always a treat to visit the homes of fellow hobbyists, especially when we’re welcomed so warmly (not just because it was a hot day). I personally loved the little “Shack” next to the pond that allowed me to rest on the porch and watch the koi swim. Richard and Gail, thank you again!
One of the highlights of the day was the voting for our 2026 Koi Show Logo. I’m happy to report that the process went smoothly, with great participation and enthusiasm from our members. We had a tie at first, but we were able to pick out a favorite and I think it will look fantastic in support of the 36th Annual Koi Show that will be held March 7 & 8 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Thank you to all who submitted a logo for consideration.
A big thank-you is in order for all the volunteers who help make these meetings run smoothly. From setting up the sound system, organizing snacks and drinks, getting the newsletter out, and placing the Koi flag in just the right spot—none of this happens without your support.
Looking ahead, we have some good events coming up, like the Koi Auction that will be held Saturday, September 20th at San Diego Pond and Garden in Poway. I encourage everyone to stay engaged, especially as we get closer to the show. Whether it’s helping with logistics, carrying koi to their tanks, sharing knowledge, or just showing up and connecting with fellow koi lovers, every bit of participation makes a difference.
Lastly, I really enjoy that our monthly meetings offer us a chance to visit someone else’s pond. Not only is it a great way to pick up ideas and inspiration, but it’s also a reminder
of the wonderful friendships and shared passion that bring us all together.
Until next time, keep your ponds clear, your koi happy, and your butt in a chair enjoying both!
Warm regards,
Cory Burke
President, Koi Club of San Diego |
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Koi Club of San Diego Meeting
August 10th, 2025
Social hour - 12:00 noon - 1:00 pm
Meeting begins at 1 pm
Potluck, bring your own chair
OUR HOSTS WILL BE
Norm & Natasha Turoff
17660 Butterfield Trail
Poway, CA 92064
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STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING
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Wednesday, August 13th at 7:00 pm (earlier if you are ordering food) ALL MEMBERS ARE WELCOME!
Dennys
2691 Navajo Road El Cajon, CA 92020
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Koi Club of San Diego Ponder Profile
by Lenore Wade
Norm & Natasha Turoff
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Each home that I visit to write the Ponder Profile continues to brighten my world; sometimes it is the creativity of the Koi lover, sometimes it is the landscape, sometimes it is the remoteness, and sometimes it is the peaceful serenity of the surroundings. Norm and Natasha’s home encompasses several of these options. |
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Their home lies at the end of a mile-long drive past beautiful homes, up and down a few inclines. They built the home 25 years ago after waiting for the development where they wanted to live to finally reach the lot they had chosen.
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It is 1 ½ acres on a point with a large house and a beautiful well-tended garden. The koi pond sits to the left of the backyard, while an infinity pool looks as though it flows over onto the beautiful golf course below.
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The pond was built about 18 years ago, but has gone through some transformations, as well as various repairs during that time.
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The 2006 fire made changes happen also. The pond which has about 12 fish, is about 10’ x 12’ x 4 feet deep, with a multi-level waterfall. The Mexican flowerpots sit all around regaling their colors which also enhances the beauty of the setting.
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Originally from Kiev, Ukraine, they have been in Poway since 1990. Their journey to reach our country is one of trial, time, and adventure. During Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev’s “Open Door” policy, they were able to leave their homeland with $880 and 2 suitcases. They had to spend time in Austria and Italy while trying to get to America.
They have two grown children, a son who lives in Moscow, and a daughter who is in the process of moving from Connecticut to Colorado. She has 2 adopted children who are Norm’s pride and joy. The 4-year-old girl has named 2 of the fish. When they talk on the phone, she always asks about Jessica and Mike.
In 1994, Norm, who is a mechanical engineer, built up a business in Poway, which he sold in 2006. Not happy with how it was being run, he started another new business in 2012. He now has 43 employees who work making turbines, designing products that companies need, and components for Space X. If you are curious, check out his webpage which can answer more your questions. www.nturoff@aeedm.com
Even at his age, he loves working and finds little time for his hobbies that once included photography and jewelry design. I know you will enjoy meeting Norm and Natasha and surveying their domain at the August 10th meeting.
Be sure to bring your chairs and a dish to share. There will be canopies for additional shade.
The geographer in me needs to share a little tidbit I learned while exploring the world of North Poway. You will travel on Espola Rd. to reach the development where they live. Espola Road is a created word: Es for Escondido where it begins, po for Poway where it goes through, and la for Lakeside where it ends.
See you soon,
Lenore |
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
Dan Goese
WELCOME BACK RENEWING MEMBERS!
Augusto & Colleen Angelucci
Chiushan & Rufina Chen
Debbie & Rick Collicott
Janet & Leo DeCastro
Scott Holder
John OBrien & Courtney Ross-Tait Al & Tamsie Pierce Cory & Shannon Burke
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KHA KORNERby "Koi Jack" Chapman |
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Carbohydrates (starches)
In the last two months, I touched on proteins and lipids (fats), which are the two major nutrient sources for koi, so we need to move on to carbohydrates and finish with vitamins and minerals next month. Sounds like a plan. Carbohydrates are an immediate energy source (fuel) for koi; however, koi have a difficult time digesting them resulting in poor utilization of carbohydrates which, when overdone, can lead to disease (hepatic lipidosis or fatty liver disease). While not a major nutrient source for koi, they are and should be considered as an essential part of a koi’s diet. This energy source can assist in protein-sparing as explained in last month’s article. So you look at the nutritional sheet on the label of your koi food and find no listing for carbohydrates. That, in and of itself, should say a lot, but when you look at the ingredients listing look for grains and beans. Carbohydrates are broken down in the koi’s digestive system into simple (monosaccharides) and complex sugar (polysaccharides) molecules (glucose) that provide the fuel to meet the koi’s immediate energy requirements. While proteins and fats are 85 to 95% digestible, carbohydrates are only about 34% digestible in koi. (Advanced Koi Care – Nicholas Saint-Erne, DVM) Koi are among the fish species that have a higher level of an enzyme called amylase and along with the intestinal micro flora (beneficial bacteria) are able to breakdown simple sugars and to a lesser degree some plant complex starches, which are the least digestible in a koi diet. Long koi scientific physiology story – short version, with apologies to the science nerd reading this. Koi cannot break down protein fast enough to meet 24/7 daily energy (fuel) requirements, AND that starts with the energy needed to digest and assimilate just eaten food (no stomach)!! Otherwise a lot of nutrients would just go out the back end of the koi. This constant energy (fuel) requirement is met by fats and carbohydrates and then the digested protein, reduced to small individual amino acid molecules, can now be absorbed through the gut membrane into the blood system, so it can do its cellular job building/repairing cells and growth. Koi and fish in general are incredible animals that require large amounts of energy to just survive in their water environment (i.e. locomotion, osmoregulation, and other body functions). For example - koi are constantly trying to push something (chloride ions, calcium ions, and a lot of other things) where it does not want to go (against the concentration gradient). To overcome this natural diffusion gradient our koi have special cells that act as pumps and they require energy. (short version reference – internet search - Koi Food and Nutrition myths by Duncan Griffiths)
Did you know - Any floating processed koi food will most likely meet the carbohydrate requirement? –as it is the main binding element in koi feed and it is the gelatinization of carbohydrates and the expansion processes during manufacturing that makes koi pellets float. Now you know.
I do supplement my koi’s carbs May through October with edamame beans (soy) and cooked red yams, to boost my protein-sparing and provide some extra energy during the summer months. DON’T forget – if you overdo this one you can get fat deposits on and in your koi’s liver and it’s not a good thing! I’ve seen it (bulge) to a degree that it was visible just looking at the koi – now that’s a large liver. Can be other stuff too, but a later necropsy, after the koi had died, revealed a very large liver with lots of yellow fat formations.
This is an area where I have to be careful of overdoing leading to FAT koi which I don’t want, but (here comes the secret stuff) when I asked the president of the Australian Koi Association what do you do when you want to add weight to your koi? The answer was honey on wheat bread (more carbs). When my water temp hits 74F, I add the following to my daily koi diet: Four large tablespoons of honey heated for about 10 seconds or less in my microwave (honey just starts to bubble) – then I pour the now liquid honey over wheat bread (six slices) or Manda Fu (3 hands full) and place in refrigerator for couple hours before feeding to koi as single feeding item. Why the fridge – honey melts FAST in water especially warm and I want the honey in the koi not the water – and yes they love it. Read on ONLY if you’re cleared for the top secret stuff. I add a dusting to the warm liquid honey –the Vitamin Shoppe product multivitamin and mineral power with amino acids (10 vitamins, 13 minerals, and 18 amino acids). I also add this stuff to my homemade paste food but that requires personal interaction for access LOL. Damn, I really do love this stuff and have to constantly remind myself most back yard koi ponders just want the name of a good food (cheaper the better) and how often to feed at what temp – and yes I then have to ask you what do you want the food to do for your koi???????
I’m going to finish with a quote that I need to look into a little deeper – but food for thought. “When fiber (bulk) represents more than 10 percent of the daily intake, food evacuation through the digestive track is accelerated. This reduces nutrient absorption in the intestinal tract significantly.” (Internet – Feeding Koi and Goldfish by Stephen Meyer) Now before you say “bull” – think about humans who take fiber products like Metamucil!
Stop the presses – this just in
I just hit 74F for AM temp in my pond two weeks ago SO FOR ME it’s pounding time. If you would give some thoughts to my above earlier mentioned question of “what do you want your feeding regimen to accomplish for your koi this year” and based on your answer I would additionally suggest a pond temp of 74F is the time to engage your plan (rock and roll). MY GOAL - I want MAX growth with improvements to body conformation for all my koi and depending on which koi I’m thinking of I want different levels of color improvements and pattern development (genes and pond environment) + (think show this fall and next year or show in 2 or 3 years). Yes, I want it all and I only get partial success – but it’s ALL about the journey for me personally, within my budget. So the past two days have been exciting for me and my koi – I’m easily amused LOL. So first day summer pounding feedings (5 commercially sold koi feeds -3 floating and 2 sinking) went from X3 to X6 (every two hours) with one bottom feeding with addition of edamame and honey to diet. And while pond refilled from weekly prefilter cleaning and water change increased from 12% to 20% of pond volume – I made my first batch of paste food. So I know what you all want to know now – NEXT DAY POOP WATCH – I’m happy to report NO issues with next day poop! On to second day and 7 feedings 1.5 hours apart with the addition of a second daily bottom feeding and the addition of my paste food daily. I will also add one or more of the following to each day’s diet – Hikari Silkworm Selects, whole silkworm pupae, freeze dried whole shrimp (small and arctic large), cooked red yams, and shredded cabbage. I also will use my Sweeney Koi Café to assist with all this stuff. Oh – and again no early morning poop issues for second day. I can hear you all now “get a life Jack” LOL. Now for those of you a little more serious and may have enjoyed the above or just had a good laugh – my fish count is 35 and I have right at 100 lbs. of total koi weight and yesterday’s feed weight was 2.5lbs with plans to get to 3lbs. or 3% of total body weight. Yes, I am practicing what I preach at club meetings, but I’ll be the first to admit I’m pushing all the standards to the MAX. Good luck to all of you with your summer feeding plan/schedule and may you reap what you sow!!!
Special note: You really have to pay closer attention to your water quality when doing any of the above!!! The solution to pollution is dilution!! My 24/7 daily water changes just went from 2%(240g) to 4% (520g) and my weekly water change in association with weekly prefilter cleaning went from 10% (1,300g) to 15%(1900g). So, during summer feeding schedule the weekly 24/7 water change is 3,600g and the weekly cleaning water change is 1,900g for a total of 5,500g per week or a 42% total pond system weekly water change and my monthly water bill can and does hit $500.00. YUK If you got to this point you are to be congratulated and I look forward to our future conversations surrounding this incredible consuming hobby.
r/koi jack |
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PLEASE VISIT OUR APPAREL SHOP!THANK YOU JAMIE KANES FOR YOUR BEAUTIFUL DESIGNS! |
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Koi Person of The Year 2025 Jill Rhoades
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Newsletter editor/ Webmaster: Julia Schriber |
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Membership Chairman: Jill Leach |
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Koi Health Advisor/
Librarian: Jack Chapman |
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Club Historian: Dr. Galen Hansen |
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Correspondence Secretary: Shirley Elswick |
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Japanese Friendship Garden Liaison: Linda Pluth |
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Koi Health Advisor/
Water Quality: Jack Chapman |
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To Host a Meeting: Tony Martinez |
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To Submit an Article: Linda Pluth |
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Program/Activities Suggestions: Matt Rhoades |
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