VIRCON AQUATIC: For those interested, John Tasker found this on Absolute Koi's website for me. Absolute Koi. Virkon Aquatic will have an anti bacterial effect on the biological filters, however, at the dose rates suggested for normal pond conditioning, it will have a no negative impact, the filter media is so rich with bacteria with an active food source that the bacteria will increase in numbers quicker than Virkon Aquatic can inhibit growth. Test have shown that if overdosing has occurred during a serious infection out break. no negative effects on the filters have been observed. Hope this helps, Terry.
I’ve used Virkon every month for a couple years and I have found it has little to no affect on my filter bacteria. I also have a feeling it contributed to cured my koi of koi pox, as I had none this winter, but then again the koi are older so maybe it’s their age. I do believe it stopped it spreading to my new koi.
Absolutely right Paul, I totally agree. I don't use it on a regular basis, but if I ever have a problem on my koi, the first thing I go to is Virkon. Thanks for the comment mate, Terry.
Hi Terry thanks very much for the shout out means a lot coming from the master. 👍🏼 I think the main difference between yours and my set up is the fact that you've have a sieve filter before the drum. Where as I and maybe others that have built the drum haven't. This is purely where the mesh micron count makes a difference. My drum was cleaning a little bit often for my liking, every 20 mins or so. Which meant that when I put a treatment in it was being taken out by the drum too quickly, hence the bypass I fitted. Glad the virkon worked and your fish are feeling better. Stay safe Bob👍
Hi Bob, that's right mate, the sieve does make a difference. The reason I added the sieve originally, was because I didn't want all the algae going down the drains and probably blocking them when the RDF cleaned. It is the sieve and the 40w UV that allow me to run the 42 micron mesh. Great idea of yours with the holes and plugs mate. I've been going to put two holes in my partition wall for ages, and just not got around to it, but I was putting them higher up and leaving them open as a precaution, in case the cleaning cycle failed, and the drum blocked, it would still allow the through flow of water and not overflow the dirty side. I'll get around to it some day 🤣🤣 Thanks mate, and take care, Terry.
Hi Terry great video as usual 👍 I just had a look on Absolute Koi’s web site and it gave a lot of information in the description of Virkon this is the bit about the effects on biological filters. Virkon Aquatic will have an anti bacterial effect on the biological filters, however at the dose rates suggested for normal pond conditioning it will have a no negative impact, the filter media is so rich with bacteria with an active food source that the bacteria will increase in numbers quicker than Virkon Aquatic can inhibit growth. Test have shown that if overdosing has occurred during a serious infection out break. no negative effects on the filters have been observed.
Hi Phil, and thanks mate. I was worried about the effect of the Vircon Aquatic on my bio filters, but John Tasker found this on Absolute Koi’s web site about Virkon Aquatic for me which has put my mind at rest, have a read: Absolute Koi. Virkon Aquatic will have an anti bacterial effect on the biological filters, however at the dose rates suggested for normal pond conditioning it will have a no negative impact, the filter media is so rich with bacteria with an active food source that the bacteria will increase in numbers quicker than Virkon Aquatic can inhibit growth. Test have shown that if overdosing has occurred during a serious infection out break. no negative effects on the filters have been observed. A lot of people are using it on a monthly basis, and some of them for several years. I have to say, I'm impressed with it up to now. The koi are a lot better in themselves. Hope this helps mate. Terry.
Hi Stu, I'm well pleased with it at the moment. There is a note on Absolute Koi's website about it, I have posted and pinned it in the comments, about how it affects your bio filters. Thanks mate, and take care, Terry.
@@Wrighty been using it a while now and it’s never hit my filters Terry. That and a couple of other secretish treatments I use save a fortune in this hobby we do 👌🏻
Didn't get the notification again so late to the party but so pleased you got that sorted. I was so worried when I saw how lethargic the koi were at the beginning but the speed with which you diagnosed and the response to the treatment is amazing. Well done. Being no longer able to have a pond I just keep my hand in with two small tropical tanks. My tap water here in N Lincs comes out of the tap anywhere between 34 and 42 mg/l. I do run some anaerobic filter medium and also long rooted floating plants to help keep it down and the fish do fine. The rock hard water can be a pain when trying to grow some plants. Anyway, another nice video mate and 20 minutes od really interesting stuff. Take care and thanks for sharing.
Hi mate, no worries, as long as you get here is all that matters. They've all been with me a long while mate, so I soon pick up if something's wrong usually, but thanks for noticing. I've always had problems with nitrates with this pond, I don't know why. I've tested our tap water here several times, and it comes out really low on nitrate usually. The koi seem to have picked up again at the moment, so finger's crossed. Thanks mate and take care, Terry.
Hi Terry, pleased to hear you seemingly managed to resolve whatever the issue was with the tablets. I’ve recently bought some as I did have some form of bacterial issue so waiting to see how it may help. Pond and fish looking great, love the nighttime lighting of your garden 👍
Thanks Paul, I have to say, I find them really good up to now mate. The koi are totally different now, and much livelier, plus they're eating me out of house and home lol. John Tasker did find a bit about Vircon Aquatic on Absolute Koi's website. Have a read mate: Absolute Koi. Virkon Aquatic will have an anti bacterial effect on the biological filters, however at the dose rates suggested for normal pond conditioning it will have a no negative impact, the filter media is so rich with bacteria with an active food source that the bacteria will increase in numbers quicker than Virkon Aquatic can inhibit growth. Test have shown that if overdosing has occurred during a serious infection out break. no negative effects on the filters have been observed. It has put my mind at rest in respect of the bacteria, so it's all good mate. I have still got some more work to do on the garden lighting, but just can't find the time at the moment lol. Thanks mate and take care, Terry.
Hi Simon, and thanks mate. I think you have to be a bit careful with the bottle brush plants, so I've just been told. I didn't know, but you're supposed to bring them inside in the winter. I never have, I've just planted it and left it lol. I think it's getting cover being next to the fence, from the harsh winter weather. It has survived there ok. You know me, I'm no gardener lol. Take care mate, Terry.
Hey Terry, I have been using Virkon for about 15 years (not new lol), good stuff and never turned off UV. Koi, pond and garden looking great. Have a GREAT week mate.
Hi Stef, that's right mate, quite a few are saying the same. I'll leave my UV on from now on. I'll keep you guys posted on how it all goes 👍👍 thanks mate, take care and stay safe, Terry.
Hi Terry, think it’s the first time I’ve seen your pond and garden lit up at night. Looks really relaxing. Think I’ll add some virkon to the cupboard as it seems to work well, keep safe mate
Hi Dave, and thank you mate. I'm finding a lot are using it all the time, at one dose a month, so I'm going to give it a go. I'll keep you all up to date, take care mate, Terry.
Welcome to the verkon club terry 😂😂 it is good stuff mate as you are seeing for your self , it’s never affected my filters in the times I use it so I wouldn’t be to concerned about that water is looking gin clear and the fish spot on now mate ,the shusui is growing fast , loved the plaque you made for lau too , I’m with you ok you’ve been given the wrong mesh but as long as the RDF is not going off every ten seconds your on a winner , Nice one mate 👌👌😎😎
Hi Martin, and thanks mate. I'm proud to be a member lol. Must say, I am impressed with it. I have pinned a post in the top of the comments, from Absolute Koi's website, on how it affects the bio filtration, if you're interested mate. Yes, Sid the shusui is really growing now. I got him in November at about 6 inches, and he must be at least double that now. No mate, my RDF triggers around once an hour, the 42 micron is working really well, like I said, I wouldn't change it now. The sieve filter does do a lot of work on the water before it gets to the RDF I must admit. Thanks Martin, very much appreciated mate, Terry.
Hi Terry pond and garden look fantastic, I started using vikron about 8 weeks ago and had really good results with no water problem. I have been advised to use it once a month which I have been doing and very good health results. Keep the videos coming mate.
Hi David, and thank you. That's good to know mate, 👍👍 thank you. I have to say, I am impressed with it at the moment👌👌 I'll keep you guys updated on how it all goes. Thanks mate, and take care, Terry.
Water is looking absolutely amazingly clear. I don't think it's possible to make it look any better than it is but I'm if there is a way, you'll be the one to do it. Glad the Virkon perked up the fish and no need for any of those harsh parasite treatments. Cheers. 😃 👍🏻 👍🏻
Hi Ken, thanks mate. My pond is nice and clear, but I just wish I could get rid of the nitrates. This pond has always been the same though. The Vircon Aquatic seems to be great mate, the koi are much livelier and eating well again, so all good up to now 👍👍 I was scratching my head a bit when I found no parasites, but thought that's all it could be. Thanks Ken and take care, Terry
Hi Terry, I did a full series of water tests after treating with virkon for 4 weeks and all water test were normal, I have been adding virkon monthly at half dose since, and again water tests are as usual. I have found that they have a greater appetite just after a dose, and seem more active and playful.
Thanks for the info Andy, I've only had it in 5 days, but it does look good stuff 👍👍I put my next dose in today, so I'll let you know how it goes. I've checked my water levels twice now, and like you say, all is normal. Thanks again mate, take care, Terry.
Hi Terry hope you are well,Glad the virkon is working I have been using virkon a while now after it was recommended by A&C kio it's very good and has not caused me any issues ,glad it's helped yours ,pond is looking fabulous your water is sparkling great update take care x
Hi mate, and thank you. A&C Koi helped me with the dosage. All's going well up to now with it, the koi seem much happier and livelier. Thanks again mate, and take care, Terry.
Lovely update Terry I have been using virkon and found no difference in my water tests and yes the fish day after are more active and wanting food stay safe and well
Great update Terry 👍 I've been using virkon for many years if used correctly its great stuff 👍 looking forward to coming up with Gary and seeing your beautiful pond and set up keep up the good work 👍
Hi Jamie, thank you mate. Must say, I am impressed with it at the moment. Hope you're enjoying this warm weather mate, I am. Looking forward to seeing you soon, take care, Terry.
Hi Steve & Simon, This is the first time I've tried Virkon as you know, and I have to say, I'm impressed up to now. Some have been using it for years, but I hadn't heard of it being used in koi ponds before. Sid has grown over the winter, I must say. He settled in really well considering all the other koi are twice his size 😂😂 and he was only a tiny tot when I got him. I have to laugh when the koi chase each other round the pond as if they're spawning, and he's there with them 🤣🤣 thank you, and take care guys, Terry.
Hi Lau, and thank you. The Vircon Aquatic seems really good. I was a bit worried about my filter bacteria, but John Tasker found this on Absolute Koi’s website about Virkon Aquatic for me which has put my mind at rest, have a read: Absolute Koi. Virkon Aquatic will have an anti bacterial effect on the biological filters, however at the dose rates suggested for normal pond conditioning it will have a no negative impact, the filter media is so rich with bacteria with an active food source that the bacteria will increase in numbers quicker than Virkon Aquatic can inhibit growth. Test have shown that if overdosing has occurred during a serious infection out break. no negative effects on the filters have been observed. I have to say, it's made a heck of a difference to the koi. Yes, Sid (the shusui) has grown a lot over winter, he's a really nice looking koi and settled in nicely. Thanks again and take care Lau, Terry.
@@Wrighty yeah a few people I know used virkon with no adverse effect on the biological filtration. I prefer to use the SuperTab but I guess it's down to personal preference. But yes you could tell they were great after virkon.
Hi Terry I've been using Virkon for a while now with no adverse reactions on my bacteria my water tests have been all good and the fish seem to be hungrier and more active. Keep well Terry.
Hi Dave, yes mate, several have told me they've been using it for a while, but John Tasker found this on Absolute Koi’s web site about Virkon Aquatic for me which has put my mind at rest, have a read: Absolute Koi. Virkon Aquatic will have an anti bacterial effect on the biological filters, however at the dose rates suggested for normal pond conditioning it will have a no negative impact, the filter media is so rich with bacteria with an active food source that the bacteria will increase in numbers quicker than Virkon Aquatic can inhibit growth. Test have shown that if overdosing has occurred during a serious infection out break. no negative effects on the filters have been observed. Thanks for the comment mate, and take care, Terry.
Hi Terry, Excellent video. I have the feeling I've got the same sort of issue, fish been slightly 'off' for a couple of weeks, hanging around like yours, water parameters all normal, taken several scrapes, nothing. Basically been scratching my head for a solution and using Virkon looks like you've given me the answer. Got some ordered and hoping it's the fix.
Hi Mal, and thank you. It is the first time I've tried it, but it does seem to be doing the job mate. Quite a few tell me they've been using it successfully for years. I have to say, it has made a big difference to the koi, they seem a lot happier. It works out at 1 tablet per 1000 gallons, but I did a double dose on the first dose. My second does goes in today, 2 1/2 tablets a week for 3 weeks, and a single dose once a month after that, so I'm told. Hope it works out for you mate, take care, Terry.
I had some issues with my koi recently, lethargic, flashing and eating less, I contacted Andy from Derby koi who suggested the usual water tests, scraps etc but all came back OK. He then suggested I try virkon, and within 2 days my koi were back to normal and even more lively. Im following andys monthly regime and It doesn't seem to have effected my water parameters even though I'm feeding slightly more than before. Hope you get tge same results has me. Clive
Hi Clive, like you say, as you could see in my video, it has made a lot of difference to my koi. I give it my second dose today, so I'll keep you guys posted. I have been told, you don't have to turn your UV off, so I'll leave mine on from now on. All good at the moment 👍👍 thanks mate, and take care, Terry.
Hi Leon, and thank you. That's right mate, I have pinned a note that's on Absolute Koi's website in the comments on how it affects your bio filtration. Thanks mate and take care, Terry.
You should test your PH Terry especially on hot days, algae carbonates in the sun and can push your PH up rapidly, it can cause fish to flash to. PH and temperature also depicts your true ammonia readings. The Columbo kit you use is ok, however I’d recommend a Hanna pocket checker.
Hi mate, you are right, but I have found that my KH seems to hold my PH steady from big fluctuations usually. If I hold my KH at around 6 to 7 my PH doesn't vary much. I will check it more mate, you are right in what you say. I have found the Columbo kit really good. I will look into the Hanna testers, when the Columba kit starts to run out. Thanks for the info mate, much appreciated. Take care, Terry.
Hi Terry, i hope you are well and having fun!! Just out of curiosity, sre you still using virkon? Weekly, monthly? Beginning of season only? Thanks for your time 👍
Hi mate, I'm very well mate thank you. I hope all's well your end mate. I haven't been using it lately, as I've been adding Viresco to the pond which helps stop algae and reduce nitrates and is a bacterial product. I will get back into it this summer. Thanks mate, Terry.
Hi Terry, how many gallons are in your pond system, I am going to try Vikon tablets in my system, the system holds 2000 gallons seems like I need to add two 5g tablets. keep up the most interesting video's. Bill
Hi Bill, and thanks mate. The instructions below for use I got from A&C Koi. My pond is 2500 UK gallon. We would suggest after the 1st double dose you go to a single dose every week for 3 weeks, but would say use 2 and a half tablets. Then a single dose every 4 weeks. We change routine if any of the fish have a knock and jump back in with a double dose and 3 weekly treatment. Hope this helps mate. Terry.
Hi Terry cracking video again mate just a quick question do you have to do any water changes after using the virkon I am thinking of getting a tub but I'm a bit unsure of how to use it ,,,
Hi Dave, and thanks mate, always appreciated 👍👍 I'm not doing any water changes, and I've turned my trickle in off at the moment. I do have to replace some water, as the RDF uses some, but as far as actual water changes, no mate. I will start again at the end of the treatment. Some are running Virkon Aquatic in their ponds full time. Not sure if I will, but it does seem to be really good up to now. Hope this helps mate, Terry.
Hi Richard, There only the cheap ones, I got them on eBay mate, there the same as this set: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/384506906107?hash=item598665c5fb:g:hWIAAOSwpLpgETyX but have a look round as prices differ mate. Take care, Terry.
Hi Dave, sorry mate, I've got a lot going on at the moment, and there just doesn't seem enough hours in the day lol. We're all well here mate, thank you. I hope all's well you're end. I will try to get a video out soon, promise 👍👍 Thanks for asking mate, really appreciated. Take care, Terry
Hi Mike, I do still use Virkon Aquatic if I think I have a problem, in fact, I've just used it as one of my koi was not well. It seems to have done the job, by the way. With the small amount of dosage we use, it has very little effect on the filters. I have pinned a comment at the top of my comments on what Absolute Koi had to say about it. Have a read mate, it's interesting. Take care, Terry.
Hi Ray, I do feed floating and sinking food mate, I usually throw a handful of sinking in later on in the evening, so they can have that when they want, and through the night, and it won't end up in the skimmer. I feed floating through the day mainly, plus a lot of other different things over the week. Hope this helps mate. Thanks and take care, Terry.
Hi Craig, You need 1 tablet for every 1000 gallon of pond water. Add the tablets to a bucket of pond water, leave for 15 minutes, give it a good stir, then add it to your pond. I do show how it's done in my next video, which should be out soon. Hope this helps, Terry.
Hi Nat, if you're suffering with green pond water, it's what's called algae bloom, and as it's only 3 micron in size, no pond filter will remove it. What you need is a UV Clarifier light, fitting just after your pond pump. As the water passes through the UV, the ultraviolet light kills the algae bloom and also sticks it together, which makes it big enough for a filter to remove. When buying a UV, always buy one a little bigger than recommended by the manufactures for you're pond size, that way you know it will do the job. Hope this helps, take care, Terry.
Hi Terry, i too are considering a finer mesh for my drum, i see you would not change back to 60 micron, what are your views of say a 500 mesh, do you think this would work .
Hi mate, I run the 325 mesh (42 micron) and to be honest, I wouldn't go any smaller. I think the only reason I get away with using that, is because I have my UV light in there as well, which helps to keep the bio film off the mesh. I've never tried smaller, so I can't say for sure mate. It might be ok, and you could get away with it, I just don't know for sure. Hope this helps, Terry.
Great update video Terry 👍 Where are you getting your dosing instructions from for the Virkon please? Is it all on the packaging? I'm not a convert yet, but it seems to be a useful tool to have in the cupboard. Do you have to turn off your UV when using the Virkon? Stay safe (Keith).
Good morning mate, A&C koi helped me with advice, they've been using it for years. I've had it in my pond 5 days now, and have to admit, it has made a big difference in the koi, as you could see in the video. I'm new to it myself, but quite a few have been using it for years. I've just been told you don't have to turn your UV off mate, so I'll leave mine on from now. I have my UV on a timer, so it comes on at 10am and off at 10pm. I'll keep you up to date on how things go mate, take care, Terry.
Hi Shane, I have not used Virkon Aquatic with salt, but I did find this for you. Hope it helps. I believe it can be safely re-dosed full strength weekly with no adverse effect. But see below for Virkon info. Virkon Aquatic. Virkon has been used in animal husbandry for some 20 years or so, but is a relatively new medication as far as the Koi industry is concerned. Why are we always the last ones to catch on? Like potassium and chloramine T, Virkon is a powerful oxidising agent, but there the similarity ends. Virkon is a ‘modern’ disinfectant that is widely used in all forms of livestock husbandry, including pigs, cattle and sheep. It is also the disinfectant of choice in the fight against bird flu and foot and mouth disease, is licensed for use with all livestock and recommended by DEFRA (formerly MAFF). Not only is Virkon a very potent disinfectant, but is less toxic than either potassium or chloramine T. It can be used in many different ways, as a foot dip, bath or spray to disinfect all kinds of equipment, buildings cars and clothing and can of course be used in direct contact with the animal in question to kill pathogens. The manufacturers claim that Virkon is very effective against a range of viruses as well as bacteria, and in the Koi industry this will obviously be of great interest. Virkon is effective at all temperature ranges from 4 deg C upwards, and is also long lasting in terms of its disinfecting action. Virkon only loses 10% of its effectiveness in water after 7 days. It is non toxic to humans when mixed, although like Chloramine T it is a respiratory irritant in its raw powder form. When it does break down in water it leaves no harmful residues, so is kinder to the environment, and lastly it is licensed for use with fish, so will be readily and widely available. Dose: between 2 and 4 grams per ton (220 gallons) see below. Dose is dependent on water hardness. Can also be used as a drip fed constant dose to keep bacteria count low. Can be used with salt at 1/2oz per gallon. Water Hardness: Terms and Conversion mg/l CaCO3 German Degrees of Hardness Described as Dose per 220 gallons 0 - 50 0 - 3 soft 2gm 50 - 100 03-06 fairly soft 2.5gm 100 - 200 06-12 slightly hard 3gm 200 - 300 12-18 moderately hard 3.5gm 300 - 540 18 - 30 hard 4gm 540 + 30 + very hard 4gm 1 degree of hardness = approx 18 mg/l CaCO3 Virkon Aquatic is available in a handy tablet form to make dosing easy, as well as in the raw powder form.
Hi Terry hope your well I was wondering if you have found any nore info on the Vercon. After 30 years I have had to have my 4 thousand gallon pond re-glassed. Nearly 3 months ago and today one off the koi look no so good parameters seem OK but I was thinking to try the verkon any info please regard ken
Hi Ken, I do still use the Virkon when I think I might have a problem, but not all the time as some others do. I do find it very good. I am at the moment trying a Pond Detox Formula from Lincs Fish Health which seems good, but I've only been using it for a week. It has had some good press, so I thought I'd give it a go. I've not been using it long enough to give a verdict yet, but I will put the outcome in my next video. Hope this helps mate, Terry.
Hi Ken, this is what I was told for my 2000 gallon mate: We would suggest if you have a problem, after the 1st double dose of 4 Tabs, you go to a single dose every week for 3 weeks, but would say use 2 and a half tablets. Then a single dose every 4 weeks. If you get the Virkon Aquatic, it will tell you on the tub, I think it's 1 tablet for every 1000 gallons.
Hi Andrew, the Vircon Aquatic is in tablet form, 1 tablet per 1000 gallons. You just drop it in a bucket of pond water and let them dissolve well, and add it to your pond. Here's the info I was given: On 2000 gallon, make the first dose a double dose. After the 1st double dose, you go to a single dose every week for 3 weeks, but would say use 2 and a half tablets. Then a single dose every 4 weeks. We change routine if any of the fish have a knock and jump back in with a double dose and 3 weekly treatment. Hope this helps mate, Terry
The only issue is trying to work out how much water my ponds hold tried the one-line tools but one says 1600 and another says 1990 the pond is 8ft by 7ft by 4.6 foot deep
Hi Andrew, the one I use is telling me, at 8ft x 7ft x 4ft 6 inches is 7136 ltr (1570 Gallon) Here's the link, have a look mate, Terry. www.pumpsandspares.com/volcalculator.htm
I've had that one about 5 years now, and it does fine mate. I think it's helped by the fact it's against the fence and protected a little from the cold winds and bad weather. Terry.
Hi Daz, All's looking good with it at the moment mate. This was found on Absolute Koi's website which is interesting: Absolute Koi. Virkon Aquatic will have an anti bacterial effect on the biological filters, however at the dose rates suggested for normal pond conditioning it will have a no negative impact, the filter media is so rich with bacteria with an active food source that the bacteria will increase in numbers quicker than Virkon Aquatic can inhibit growth. Test have shown that if overdosing has occurred during a serious infection out break. no negative effects on the filters have been observed. Take care mate, Terry.
