We hear it a lot: "HELP-- my fish are dying!" Sometimes the fish act different first. Other times, you find them floating belly up one after another. Dreamscapes Watergardens does NOT have koi vets on staff and is not a water company that tests for contaminates (i.e. pesticide, fertilizer, wasp spray, etc) that are all absolutely fatal to fish. Dreamscapes does, however, test for ammonia, pH, nirtites and phosphates, which are all treatable. If caught early enough, you can save the rest of your fish from catching whatever the first fish has. Pay attention to your fish activity and test your water regularly so that you can be proactive when things get fishy (pun intended).
Behavioral Change
You know your fish the best---- after all, you probably see them multiple times a day if you're a true pond-lover (and I imagine you are if you're reading this blog). When your fish start acting different than normal--something's going on! Disclaimer: pond fish sometimes act different when a predator has been around and during mating seasons--so if you haven't read our Heron Blog, consider reading it so you're not confused!
It is a bad sign when a fish that is typically social or busy starts to segregate themselves and/or stays at the bottom of the pond clamping their fins. Jumping out of the water, scratching themselves on rocks, swimming much slower than normal or not with the other fish as usual are all signs that you should look into the health of your fish and the health of your pond water.
It is a bad sign when a fish that is typically social or busy starts to segregate themselves and/or stays at the bottom of the pond clamping their fins. Jumping out of the water, scratching themselves on rocks, swimming much slower than normal or not with the other fish as usual are all signs that you should look into the health of your fish and the health of your pond water.
Physical Appearance Change
Though, not always easily visible, physical markings can be identified for ulcers, parasites, ich, fungal and other diseases/infections that lead to health complications for the fish that may be fatal. If you notice your fish acting weird, look for a change in their appearance so that you can identify if the issue is treatable. Each infection/disease has a distinct look to it. Knowing what's wrong with one fish can lead you to the fish medication that may save that fish or at least help prevent the other fish from catching it. Some fish need to be quarantined during medication so it is important to know what you're dealing with!
A helpful tool at helping to diagnosed and resolve potential fish problems and diseases, consider checking out the world renowned koi vet: Dr. Erik Johnson's webpage or the Koi Crisis website.
A helpful tool at helping to diagnosed and resolve potential fish problems and diseases, consider checking out the world renowned koi vet: Dr. Erik Johnson's webpage or the Koi Crisis website.
Water Quality
Water Quality is the #1 reason why fish get sick or die. There are parasites in your water no matter what you do because Mother Nature continually exists around your pond. A fish's slime coat protects them from these parasites but if stressed out because of poor water quality, the slime coat breaks down and the fish is susceptible to diseases. Consider adding Pond Salt to the water to increase the slime coat of the fish to be safe.
To maintain good balance in your water, consider your routine maintenance and your seasonal maintenance--
Was the waterfeature properly shut down in the fall?
Was a Spring Cleaning performed on the waterfeature?
What water treatments are you adding weekly or should be adding?
Is your filtration system big enough for your total gallons of water?
Do you have TOO MANY fish?
Are you overfeeding the fish?
Do you have enough aquatic plants in your pond?
So What Now?
Pay attention to your fish activity and test your water regularly so that you can be proactive when things get fishy (pun intended)!!! Dreamscapes performs free water tests during regular operating hours for ammonia, pH, nitrite and phosphate levels. Dreamscapes carries a full line of pond supplies from water treatments and fish medications to pond pumps, heaters, fountains, plants and fish! Tadpoles and snails are also available at our Aquatic Retail Center in Lebanon, Pennsylvania seasonally while supplies last from May-August. If you think you need it, we have it!
Retail Hours: April 5th-October 27th 2018:
Monday-Wednesday: By Appt
Thursday-Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 9am-12pm
October 28th-April 2019: HOURS BY APPT
Contact Us
2155 State Route 343, Lebanon Pa | 717-272-6555 | info@dreamscapeswatergardens.com
Dreamscapes Watergardens services koi ponds and waterfalls in the city of Lebanon, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Cleona, Cornwall, Fredericksburg, Indiantown Gap, Jonestown, Kleinfeltersville, Mount Gretna, Myerstown, Newmanstown Palmyra, Quentin, Reistville, Richland, Schaefferstown of Pennsylvania, PA
Retail Hours: April 5th-October 27th 2018:
Monday-Wednesday: By Appt
Thursday-Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 9am-12pm
October 28th-April 2019: HOURS BY APPT
Contact Us
2155 State Route 343, Lebanon Pa | 717-272-6555 | info@dreamscapeswatergardens.com
Dreamscapes Watergardens services koi ponds and waterfalls in the city of Lebanon, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Cleona, Cornwall, Fredericksburg, Indiantown Gap, Jonestown, Kleinfeltersville, Mount Gretna, Myerstown, Newmanstown Palmyra, Quentin, Reistville, Richland, Schaefferstown of Pennsylvania, PA
RSS Feed
