What should I expect if anything?

[TASSAJARA]

I have 5 2.5 year olds, 3 are females that look like their going to pop and 2 males very sleek and slim (like I was at one time :lol: ). My question is can I expect any spawning and fry? I don't want to take them out and pair any and change the water 15 degrees to promote it as I have heard. Will nature take it's course and give me a bunch of mutts? What should I do in general if anything?
tks, michael

[Jackie Ramo]

Nature will probably take its course without help if the fish are carrying eggs. You need to watch the water quality as all those eggs and sperm are organics and like all organics can cause ammonia etc. A good water change after the spawn should be all you need to do.

Now and again the females get a bruise or scrape as the boys play rough but good water should be all the need. That doesn't mean you shouldn't keep an eye on any injury.

[TASSAJARA]

Sounds good, do you know if there is a certain water temp that will start things?

[Jackie Ramo]

Luke or Terri ay be better able to answer that. Often I've heard that they spawn in a thunderstorm. Lukes spaned during the hurricane in just abit of water... Others say wait for hte fullmoon :lol:

[TASSAJARA]

WOW, just like home. :lol:

[GregBickal]

Nature will take its course.

In Iowa, since we have seasons (insert shivering cold tingy here), the koi usually spawn in late May to early June. Usually coinsides with the full moon. They can spawn again later in the year if the barometric pressure changes rapidly and you gets some good thunderstorms (rain or not).

I have so many females, that I actually get spawning for about 4 days straight.

[Terri]

Ours spawned last year during and after a major thunderstorm, atmospheric pressure along with the delution/temp change set them off. It was a mess LOL and come to think about it, it was a full moon the following night. We had 3 females laden with egg and the males were more than happy to play chase.

Temp change will do it, going up from the mid 60F range to 70F+ in a short time frame. Doing a large waterchange along with a temp deference will set them off.

But, if the females are not "ready" no chance of funny business happening. Along with temp and water there are also homonal cues the females give off, if those are not being released then no go(no matter how much the seems to boys want it !rofl).

Not an expert, far from it.... just your average pond gal.

[TASSAJARA]

The water temp is 20C at the time but the weather is starting to warm up quick. We are in the high 70 to low 80 in the day and high 60 at night. I guess we will just keep an eye on them as usual. Afternoon thunderstorms will be starting by next month anyway. My wife and I are hoping for babies so wish us luck.

Love that little guy laying down and laughing also, it reminds me of something I've seen before :lol:

Thank you again for all the help, I don't think it takes an expert to give advise here, just the experienced pond gal or guy that you all are and I appreciate it very much.
michael

[Jackie Ramo]

Sharing experiences and having fun is what its all about