Green water isn't always used for ranchu, in fact, most modern ranchu keepers will not encourage green water. However, if the ranchu pond is exposed to bright sunlight (especially outdoors) and warm temperatures, it most likely will develop green water. If you decide to explore the green water method, then this chapter is for you.
The effects of green water on ranchu:
It takes experience to master green water. This method will require much more attention from the keeper to monitor the condition of water. There are two types of green water - green and brown in color, both have equal effect. Both types are often seen when the temperatures start to drop. The green or brown color of the water is determined by the balance of microorganisms.
One of the signs of declining water quality is the formation of bubbles from aeration on the surface of the water. If the bubbles form a circle greater then 2 ft (60 cm) in diameter, it indicates that the water quality is deteriorating. When green water is used, one must observe how dark and opaque it gets. It must be kept similar to the transparency of Japanese green leaf tea (not matcha 抹茶 - ceremonial green tea). If green water suddenly changes in color or opacity, or CLEARS - 100% water change is necessary as soon as possible. Green water deterioration can occur rapidly and needs a quick response, or the fish will suffer. Overfeeding is often the cause of this.
If the infrequency of 100% water changes is decreased, the fish will be less active and have less appetite, as the water "ages". Ranchu will grow less in length, encouraging development of the head-growth. It will also help to set finer scales.
Warning: Keeping ranchu in old water for too long may stunt the young ranchu and result in sickness.
- anorexigenic - fish has less appetite for additional food, due to constant feeding on plankton; reduce amount of given food
- motor inhabitory suppression - fish growth less lengthwise and tend to become rounder and bulkier
- green water holds temperature better with less fluctuation
- improves physical condition of the fish
- improves color of the fish
Color of Green Water
It takes experience to master green water. This method will require much more attention from the keeper to monitor the condition of water. There are two types of green water - green and brown in color, both have equal effect. Both types are often seen when the temperatures start to drop. The green or brown color of the water is determined by the balance of microorganisms.
Signs of Green Water Quality Deterioration
One of the signs of declining water quality is the formation of bubbles from aeration on the surface of the water. If the bubbles form a circle greater then 2 ft (60 cm) in diameter, it indicates that the water quality is deteriorating. When green water is used, one must observe how dark and opaque it gets. It must be kept similar to the transparency of Japanese green leaf tea (not matcha 抹茶 - ceremonial green tea). If green water suddenly changes in color or opacity, or CLEARS - 100% water change is necessary as soon as possible. Green water deterioration can occur rapidly and needs a quick response, or the fish will suffer. Overfeeding is often the cause of this.
Signs of water deterioration:
Best if water change is done in the morning on a sunny day. If tap water is used, it needs to be conditioned before use.
Temperature and water change proportions of green and fresh water:
Historically, there would be a white tile placed on the bottom of a ranchu pond. The ranchu master would then decide on the water change, based on how bright or muted the white tile would get.
100% water change increases ranchu activity and appetite. With frequent 100% water changes, fish will actively grow in length and the head-growth development will be slower. Also, the scale development may not keep up with the rate of growth, resulting in irregular scaling and color disadvantages.
- aeration bubbles are spread over 2 ft (60 cm) in diameter
- green water darkens rapidly or clears
- fish develops gas bubbles disease
Green Water Changes
Best if water change is done in the morning on a sunny day. If tap water is used, it needs to be conditioned before use.
Temperature and water change proportions of green and fresh water:
- 32-54 F (0-12°C) - only replenish what was evaporated
- 55-64 F (13-18°C) - when water deteriorates, use half old and half fresh water
- 65-75 F (19-24°C) - when water deteriorates, use a little of old water and mostly fresh water
- 76-97 F (25-36°C) - when water deteriorates, change 100% for fresh water
- 98-100 F (37-38°C) - upper limit of the water temperature for ranchu, shade the pond
- above 100 F (38°C) - temperature is NOT suitable for ranchu
Historically, there would be a white tile placed on the bottom of a ranchu pond. The ranchu master would then decide on the water change, based on how bright or muted the white tile would get.
Effect of Green Water Changes On Ranchu Appearance
100% water change increases ranchu activity and appetite. With frequent 100% water changes, fish will actively grow in length and the head-growth development will be slower. Also, the scale development may not keep up with the rate of growth, resulting in irregular scaling and color disadvantages.
If the infrequency of 100% water changes is decreased, the fish will be less active and have less appetite, as the water "ages". Ranchu will grow less in length, encouraging development of the head-growth. It will also help to set finer scales.
Warning: Keeping ranchu in old water for too long may stunt the young ranchu and result in sickness.
When water changes increase:
When water changes decrease:
This is also applies, when no green water method is used. Whether green water is used or not, balancing the time that ranchu spend in fresh and old water will affect the fish appearance. This alone, might be one of the most important conditions in raising traditional Japanese top view ranchu!
- fish is active, increased appetite
- fish grows in length
- head-growth is poor
- uneven scales development can occur
- tail may fold
When water changes decrease:
- fish activity is reduced and appetite decreased
- growth in length is suppressed
- head-growth develops
- scales are finely set
- due to less movement, tail will not fold
This is also applies, when no green water method is used. Whether green water is used or not, balancing the time that ranchu spend in fresh and old water will affect the fish appearance. This alone, might be one of the most important conditions in raising traditional Japanese top view ranchu!
_________________________________________________________________________________
Links to published chapters:
● INTRODUCTION
● WATER
● NOTES ON GREEN WATER & WATER CHANGE
● WATER TEMPERATURE
● AERATION
● SUNLIGHT AND SHADE
● CONTAINERS FOR RAISING RANCHU
● FOOD
● FEEDING REGIMENT
● BREEDING & SPAWNING
● RAISING & GROOMING FRY
● GROOMING KUROKO AND TOSAI
● CULLING
● SELECTION METHODS
● CULLING ROUND - I
● CULLING ROUND - II
● CULLING ROUND - III
● CULLING ROUND - IV
● CULLING ROUND - V
● FORSEEING RANCHU CHANGES IN THE FUTURE
_________________________________________________________________________________
Links to published chapters:
● INTRODUCTION● WATER
● NOTES ON GREEN WATER & WATER CHANGE
● WATER TEMPERATURE
● AERATION
● SUNLIGHT AND SHADE
● CONTAINERS FOR RAISING RANCHU
● FOOD
● FEEDING REGIMENT
● BREEDING & SPAWNING
● RAISING & GROOMING FRY
● GROOMING KUROKO AND TOSAI
● CULLING
● SELECTION METHODS
● CULLING ROUND - I
● CULLING ROUND - II
● CULLING ROUND - III
● CULLING ROUND - IV
● CULLING ROUND - V
● FORSEEING RANCHU CHANGES IN THE FUTURE
_________________________________________________________________________________
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