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I think my goldfish is dying
RubyLeaf
Posts: 260
I just went out 10 minutes ago and observed the younger of the two. Its constantly opening its mouth at the surface, and wont react to me, even if I put my finger right next to it. Worringly I saw it twice go on its side for a breif moment.
I gave the pond alot of oxygen but nothing has changed. When I did pour water in the suspicous one did go down as fish do when water pours into the pond.
I did see the older fish chill under a lilly pad do this for about 5 minutes, but that one only did it rarely these past few months.
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It does sound as if it's struggling for oxygen. Sudden changes in weather can create problems. Spraying a hose onto the surface may help raise the oxygen levels.
Hi KT53 I did that soon as I noticed the behaviour, then took some water out (about two watering cans worth) and replaced with the rain water I had left.
I've just been out and its not at the surface as much. Its swimming below but not coming up as much. I will give it another go with the hose
I just went outside to find it lying on the surface dead. It must of died within an hour. With my torch I checked all over its body and couldn't find any scratches or abnormalities.
I strongly belive this is my fault. The old water pump died many months ago, and the blue orfe died a few months later. We (the other being my grandad who had ponds before) decided to wait until we got the new BIGGER pond in spring. We relied on rainfalls, and topping the pond up ourselves. Only a month ago we did over half water change.
I suspect the old goldfish (who is over a year old) was old enough to have a better immune system, whilst the younger one died because the pond health was too much.
This is what I have my last goldfish in http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rainworth-Preformed-Starter-Garden-Pond/dp/B006YMMYFM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1377810650&sr=8-3&keywords=preformed+pond
I am assuming now I've done a terrible job, and I apolgise to any fish keepers seeing this (dont worry I feel really awful atm). I'll still go out and buy a pond test kit (despite being laughed at before by family when I brought up the issue of the red one briefly doing it).
My new pond will be 6 x 3 x 3 and WILL have a pump/filter/UV light in one. I will even go and buy the same £25 pump that only lasted a year. Anything to keep the other goldfish alive.
By pond weed do you mean algae? There is *some* in the bottom, but not alot by the surface. We left some slime on the sides (cleaning some of it off) since we heard and read it shealthy to have some in. There are two plants on the shelves, and one tiny water lilly. There is also one of those oxygenating plants that eventually sink to the bottom in.
About these pond kits. Say it doesn't pass one of the tests, do I have to go out and buy treatment kits too?
Why will you be using the same type of pump for a bigger pond as you did on a smaller one and it only lasted a year??
How do you oxygenate the pond???
I think a visit to a garden centre with a fish dept, the staff are very helpful and will give you great advice.
The pond weed is not algae ,It is a plant that gives off Oxygen at night, also somewhere for fish to hide and breed in.
i think the key to healthy outdoor fish is the amount of underwater plants. i've had outdoor ponds, from small 12in diameter pots, to bigger 6ft length ponds. none of them have had any filteration. the fish thrive because i have 70% or more of the container/pond filled with underwater plants and algae.
also u mentioned lily pads. make sure u keep them at bay because they can easily grow to cover the surface which will reduce water/air surface area.
Also use barley straw to help filter the water,this is also sold in little nets in the aquatic centre.
What size is the existing pond? It's much more difficult to keep a good balance in a small pond. Conditions in a small pond will change much more quickly than in a large one.
Alright I got myself a pond testing kit today and its all clear. Although the yellow on the test strip was in between a safe colour and a not so safe colour. I will re-rest tommorow, but pretty sure its okay.
This pond weed you speak of, I actually have it but I threw away the band holding them together that helps them sink. oops =/. Only two have self righted and have a small portion breaking the surface.
KT53 I linked the pond I have http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rainworth-Preformed-Starter-Garden-Pond/dp/B006YMMYFM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1377810650&sr=8-3&keywords=preformed+pond
I think the problem is a lack of oxygen in the water - that's quite a small pond and we've had a long dry summer - a small fountain might do the trick.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.