Tank Talk | Upper Midwest Koi Show 2013

Tank Talk | Upper Midwest Koi Show 2013


Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awlGwQggFlA

Over the weekend I made the long drive from Northern Minnesota down to Minneapolis to attend the Upper Midwest Koi Show.  The last time I went to this show was back in 2010, and Southwest Koi and Goldfish (a vendor from Chicago) was there selling fish.  I called them a couple months ago to see if they’d be at the show this year and to ask them to bring along some nice metallic butterfly telescopes for me.  I got my fish room all set up in time for the show and made sure to be there right when the doors opened so I could have first choice of the butterflies.  So imagine my dismay when I walked up to see not a single butterfly!  It was quite a let-down, to say the least.  But they said there were some on order that just hadn’t arrived on time and that they would ship to me if I wanted (they usually don’t ship fish).  So it’s still an option.  I’m also keeping an eye on the Dandy Orandas auctions, as usual. 

Even though I was disappointed by the lack of butterflies, I still had a good time looking at all the beautiful koi at the show.  Lately I’ve been thinking I’d really love to someday have a big koi pond with a few koi.  My favorite type of koi is a butterfly ginrin platinum ogon, while my husband is partial to the tancho.  Maybe we’ll have one of each.  I like those formal raised ponds that have a viewing window on the side.  

Anyway, I took lots of pictures and video (see above for video) at the show to share with you guys, so let’s get started!

Waiting for the doors to open.
The welcome table was situated front and center.
Hand painted awards for winning koi.
They were beautiful and so big!
Award for grand champion long fin.
Award for best male.
Award for best in size 1.
View of the show from the front.
View of the show from the back.  So many fish tubs!
Show fish.
Show fish.
This butterfly platinum ogon was my favorite!
More show fish.
Southwest Koi and Goldfish.
Orandas, ranchus, and telescope eye orandas.
Large ryukins and orandas.
Shubunkins and comets.
Small koi.
Assorted goldfish for sale.
This broadtail ryukin was my favorite goldfish for sale.

Have you ever been to a koi or goldfish show? Share your thoughts in the comments!

5 Comments

  • Terence Park Posted August 14, 2023 12:22 am

    I’ve never been to a goldfish show before since I’m really new to this hobby. I would love to go one day though. I really dig your blog and youtube videos by the way. I learned a ton from them. I’ve been trying to absorb as much information about goldfish before I actually take the plunge and your site and videos have been extremely helpful and inspirational. Thank you.

  • Jennie Posted August 14, 2023 7:41 am

    Thanks for your nice comments about my blog and youtube channel! It’s great that you’re learning as much as you can before bringing home a new pet. I’m sure you’ll love having goldfish, they’re awesome little creatures. 🙂

  • Terence Park Posted August 14, 2023 2:47 pm

    Don’t get me wrong, I definitely started out as most novices probably do and started to order a ton of stuff before properly researching in all the excitement. Shortly after I started learning about goldfish I realized I needed to slow down and plan things out better. I’ve already returned half the things I bought, because they are generally accepted to be bad for goldfish. I had originally planned on 2 goldfish to start, but my new tank will only be 20 gallons so I will only get one for now. I will definitely be looking to upgrade as soon as the new tank is running so I can add another goldie and give them plenty of room to flourish. Looking forward to learning more from your site and seeing your future endeavors.

  • Jennie Posted August 15, 2023 7:35 am

    I’d say most goldfish-keepers started out making plenty of newbie mistakes and then learning from them.I know I did!The important thing is that we learn from them and continue learning every day.:D

  • Terence Park Posted August 15, 2023 3:42 pm

    That actually makes me feel better. 😀

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