It’s finally happening, but it’s actually happening

[The Masked Shadow]

The thing that makes me skeptical of koi pox is that I live in coastal southern california, and the temperature average is maybe a bit below 60 (16C) factoring in the nights, so it is not exactly dropping too cold. Im not sure if the lack of extreme temp drops makes a difference, but I was thinking it could be something with the slime coat??? Bottom line, I need to get one of them out to check them out, otherwise I’m just going to keep guessing lol

 

[kendragon]

I live in SD and have seen many ponds with carp pox. Even people in the Koi Club have them.
Good idea to keep investigating. Part of the hobby.

 

[danotaylor]

What volume is you pond? Any harm in throwing a 40# bag or 2 of salt in to reduce bacterial counts and stimulate slime coat production?
I use this from Home Depot. 99.8% pure sodium chloride. $9/bag in Ohio

 

[Jarneyg]

For a 1500 gallon pond, you could probably keep about 5 or 6 koi comfortably once they grow up. They get huge and poop a ton, so just make sure your filtration is overkill.

Since you asked about other fish, maybe look into Rosy Red Minnows or Shubunkins. They handle the cold great and add some nice movement without needing as much space as koi. Those interlocking blocks for the wall are a smart move too, makes the build way easier.