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These goldfish live in a 6000 gallon pond. They have been extremely healthy, some in the pond over 3 years. Now they stop eating and are dead in 2-3 days. What can we do?
Optional Information: Type of Animal: Comet goldfish Age: 1-3 yrs Name of Animal: na Already Tried: Did a 10% water change, use Microblift and added 2# XX salt.
Hello,We need to get the Ammonia, Nitrites and Nitrate levels checked as well as the PH levels. If the Ammonia, Nitrites and Nitrates are high this can rob Oxygen from the pond and cause a fish kill. We see this happen in the spring and summer months where the weather gets warmer and the chemical imbalance can cause lack of oxygenation in the water.
You need to do a good water test with the test tubes. The API test kits are very good. The Ammonia needs to be at 0, Nitrites 0 and the Nitrates at 20ppm or less. Once that is done, you will need to do another partial water change, and continue to add some Pond Salt which will help with building the immune system of the fish.
Follow the directions on the container: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=527
The Salt helps to draw out fluids that can cause swelling in the swim bladder disease, add body slime and build the immune system.
Try and get a pump and areator into the pond along with a fountain, to get water circulating and get air into the fish.
If you can get the Ammonia levels correct and the water quality balanced the fish should start doing better. You may have to do several water changes, but make sure to keep the fountain on for water circulation, as well as getting the partial water change done.
This is the season we see fish kills due to temperature changes and water quality. This link goes over Pond issues: http://www.pondcrisis.com/
If you need further help, please ask and I will continue to assist you.
Joan
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Hello,
I see you expected more, how can I assist you? I would be happy to continue to try and make you a statisfied customer.
HI Joan
Thanks for you help! The water tested normal in nitrate, ammonia and PH and I changed the water 10% 2 days ago. So I don't think this is a water problem but should I change it again? Is there a parasite that might be the cause? I had a blue herron in the pond a few weeks back could something have come in on him like a parasite? Any other thoughts?
Sincerely,
Cliff
Thank-you for responding to me. We have been seeing a problem this year with the heat causing a lack of oxygenation in the ponds. That is why I suggested adding something that would help with water circulation to add oxygenation into the pond. We have found adding fountains and bubblers are helping.
There is also a possibility of some type of bacterialogical or parasite infection and between the salt and a pond treatment we can get that in check.
You can use Melafix and Pimafix which will prevent bacterial and parasitic issues. This is a link to purchase these products: http://www.pondkoi.com/pond_products_koi_medications.htm#Melafix
The Melafix and Pimafix can be used together and do not disrupt the balance in the pond. I would however do a bigger water change at 25% before adding any of the chemicals and continue with the pond salt as that is very important for the health of the fish.
Please let me know by hitting reply if you still need more help. If you do not press one of the smiley faces, that gives me a negative rating.
Experience: Vet Tech for 30+yrs. Small Animals and Fish