skip to main content

Lost 2 large koi in the last 2 days-can anyone help? I am desperate

Donna Roesink Zone 6a Ohio

7 years ago

We have a 5,000 gallon pond. A large pump pumps water a foot into the air, and then it falls down into the water. The weather for the past 3 weeks has been in the 90s. No rain for a month, but we were adding to the water from our well. We have had some rain for the past 3 days. I know the oxygen level falls at night- but for the life of me, I am not understanding what is happening. The pond is seriously overcrowded with goldfish-we had around 8 koi. ( I am waiting till the weather cools off in Sept to catch some goldfish and set them loose in a pond at a local winery- we know the owner and he said it would be fine) The largest koi that died was a butterfly koi, the other that I found this morning was a beautiful orange one that was slightly smaller at 12".

I had to leave early this morning and babysit my grand daughters in another city, so I instructed my husband to drain some water and add some new- I know that cold water has more oxygen. He also cleaned the pump impellers and lowered the water level in the pond, so that the water goes higher into the air- in hopes that there will be more oxygen. I just got home-it is 8:30 pm. Should I go out and check the ph level and see if it is high? I have some vinegar that I can add if it would help. Is it barometric pressure that is doing this? I don't know what else to do. I feel so helpless.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

akarinz
7 years ago
I don't know if this is your problem, but in the summer time I put in extra aeration. The added oxygen helps the fish. Especially since you have so many. I recently bought this setup for my 4000 gallon pond and it works good enough. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0078LTKM8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Donna Roesink Zone 6a Ohio thanked akarinz
Debbie Downer
7 years ago
"seriously overcrowded"? If you havent checked ammonia/nitrite/nitrate levels pls do so asap - water quality is always the first thing to look at. It can look ok but be seriously toxic. Also - what is your water turnover rate - gallons per hour - not what pump is rated for but the actual rate. Your set up should be such that the oxygenation is plentiful - no matter what the temp or whether its day or night. These would be the things to start with.
Donna Roesink Zone 6a Ohio thanked Debbie Downer
Related Discussions
Lost shubunkin and maybe koi, first time
Q
Comments (9)
One thing I'm wondering about is did you have a hole in the ice for most of the winter? Or at least through this last bit. I know that fish kill can happen if there isn't anyway for the gas to exchange, and this happens even on natural ponds and lakes. As the gunk rots in the bottom, the gases float up, if they can't escape, then the toxic gasses are stuck in the pond. Of course it this happened, you'd have 100% kill most likely, but I will say that I lost two of my older fish last year when I didn't get the pond cleaned out and I didn't have enough filtration for what was there. Only the older ones died, the 6 younger ones made it through. As far as life expectancies, goldfish can live to 25 years. I had one in the house which was given to me by a young woman who had saved him from a college dance decoration (a fountain, they were going to flush the feeders afterwards and she got permission to take this one home). This fish, Harold was his name, later jumped out of his goldfish bowl out of an open window and fell 4 stories. She retrieved him, and he lived....when he died, he was at least 19 years old...covered with tumors, but 19. I don't know anything about muscles on goldfish, nor vitamin c...I'm wondering if I should go and force feed mine little miniature vitamin c tablets. :)
...See More
2 Koi on bottom of pond
Q
Comments (8)
Oh darlin', how stressful for you and the fish. I thought about lots of woo-woo that could be going on but do you suppose they are hiding in plain sight when they see what they think might be a threat? Or perhaps Shark just still needs a rest once in awhile in a spot he thinks is safe and Spectacles is commiserating? Prazi is pretty potent stuff. Do the math again to eliminate all the stuff in the pond. It may be closer to accurate than you think. If nothing else it will keep you busy and not obsessing. I needed to use it only once and remember being a nervous wreck about getting it right but it worked like a charm. Now after all the warnings they used to put out, they say it is gentle and you don't have to repeat it. Guess it has been a long time since I used it for the pond. I'm not sure why you used it though. Do you know for sure they had parasites or was it prophylactic? If that was it then a lower dosage might have been called for anyhow. Since I'm not a Vet I'm probably just blowing smoke. There are so many newbies here. Maybe it is time for a discussion about Praziquantel. I know I needed a refresher. I attached a link signed by Dr. Johnson. Here is a link that might be useful: tips on using Praziquantel.
...See More
2 different cacti problems. 1 sad and lost person. please help.
Q
Comments (22)
I have a 4 foot tall healthy, thriving Saguaro, and I live in chicagoland.. It stays in the house in a southern exposure from October until June. It gets watered MAYBE 4 times during those EIGHT months! Once it goes outside, I water it about every 2-3 weeks in the summer, using a moisture meter as my guide. Plus, you must ALWAYS have the same side facing south, or they will burn and die..I mark my pot with a painted red dot, so I know to ALWAYS keep that side facing south..VERY IMPORTANT to NOT turn these guys.. You MUST keep these guys super dry in the fall/winter, and even in the summer, they can go awhile without water, even if its 90-100 degrees. They are like sponges; you can see them swell up when you water them, and you watch them start to shrivel up a bit the dryer they get. Remember, they are native to the Arizona desert, where they might get 4 inches of rain ALL YEAR..Overwatering will kill these guys, and that is what you did to your little guy..My 4 foot tall guy is in a 14 inch diameter pot, which is only a little bigger than they one you had your little fingerling in.
...See More
Would anyone leave 2 cats alone for 5 days?
Q
Comments (33)
I will echo the others against leaving the cats alone for five days. Talk to your vet and get the name of a reputable cat sitter. My cat sitter came to the house to meet my cats (years ago) and they grew to love her. Before leaving on a long trip, the sitter always reminded me to change the batteries in the thermostat (if it was winter) and she kept a folder with information about my preference for a plumber, electrician, etc. After all her years of pet sitting, she'd seen/experienced it all. Really, it's good to have somebody set eyes on them once a day. It's worth having that peace of mind while you're away and it's kinder for the kitties.
...See More
Donna Roesink Zone 6a Ohio
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Thank you, current resident and akarinz. I will check the ammonia nitrite nitrate rate and look into the auxillary aeration.

Akarinz~I am wondering if I need the 2 or 4 outlet one.
akarinz
7 years ago
I bought the one with two outlets, but maybe you should get the four, given the problems you are having and the size of your pond. Keep us up-to-date.

Related Stories

LAUNDRY ROOMS The Cure for Houzz Envy: Laundry Room Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Make fluffing and folding more enjoyable by borrowing these ideas from beautifully designed laundry rooms

BEDROOMS The Cure for Houzz Envy: Master Bedroom Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Make your bedroom a serene dream with easy moves that won’t give your bank account nightmares

BUDGET DECORATING The Cure for Houzz Envy: Living Room Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Spiff up your living room with very little effort or expense, using ideas borrowed from covetable ones

MOST POPULAR 9 Real Ways You Can Help After a House Fire

By Alison Hodgson

Suggestions from someone who lost her home to fire — and experienced the staggering generosity of community

KITCHEN DESIGN The Cure for Houzz Envy: Kitchen Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Take your kitchen up a notch even if it will never reach top-of-the-line, with these cheap and easy decorating ideas

BATHROOM MAKEOVERS Room of the Day: See the Bathroom That Helped a House Sell in a Day

By Annie Thornton

Sophisticated but sensitive bathroom upgrades help a century-old house move fast on the market

CLOSETS The Cure for Houzz Envy: Closet Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

These easy and inexpensive moves for more space and better organization are right in fashion

MUDROOMS The Cure for Houzz Envy: Mudroom Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Make a utilitarian mudroom snazzier and better organized with these cheap and easy ideas

DECORATING GUIDES 7 Bedroom Styling Tricks Anyone Can Do

By Eclectic Creative

Short on time or money? You can spruce up your bedroom quickly and easily with these tips

BATHROOM DESIGN The Cure for Houzz Envy: Bathroom Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Take your bath from blah to ‘ahhhh’ with just a few easy and inexpensive moves

Sponsored

Kuhns Contracting, Inc.

26 Reviews

Central Ohio's Trusted Home Remodeler Specializing in Kitchens & Baths