2006-09-24 07:48:33 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
Could be a problem with water quality that is stopping the fish from breathing regularly. Do a large water change and add salt for freshwater fish at a rate of 1 tablespoon for every 5 gallons of water. It will help the fish fight any sickness that can happen form being stressed by poor water quality.
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2006-09-24 10:40:09 · answer #1 · answered by iceni 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They're probably not getting enough oxygen. If you had an aerator or filter running and it stopped, it's possible the oxygen level is too low in the water. Similarly, if the temperature in your area has just gone up, that will decrease the water's ability to hold oxygen, and you may have to install an air pump to get enough oxygen for the fish.
On the other hand, if there has been no visible change in the situation of your pond, it's possible you have some kind of biological problem. There are certain kinds of bacteria and funguses that can get caught in fish gills and make it harder for the fish to breathe. I would suggest reading up on the Internet about these kinds of problems and what you can do about them. One thing: If you DO have a fungus problem, adding chlorinated water is a bad idea as it can also kill the fish. From what I've heard, a much more effective way to kill fungus is to add a little bit of salt to the water, which should leave the fish okay while killing the fungus (just make sure you don't put too much).
2006-09-24 14:51:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check to see if there's a lot of algae or other discoloration to the pond water. I've noticed that, thanks in part to the warmer temperatures and the prevalence of folks using fertilizers, that the algae in our local ponds has jumped dramatically.
This "algae bloom" is good at first, as algae makes oxygen. However, when the algae dies later on, it then *takes* oxygen from the water as the dead plant matter (the algae) decomposes. This can cause your fish to display the simptoms you've described.
Get an aerator, or some other feature that will cycle air through the water supply, and it should help your fish.
2006-09-24 14:58:37 · answer #3 · answered by pblcbox 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Probably not enough oxygen, make sure you have a good aerator, oxygen is absorbed through water from the surface, the more surface tension (the calmer the water) the less oxygen absorbed. Goldfish do this on a regular basis though as they are surface breathers. Also, maybe they are hungry? DO NOT add chlorinated water! When changing water always add a tap water conditioner! If you add salt never use iodized table salt, your best bet is aquarium salt, definately worth the little extra money as it also contains other beneficial properties, read directions carefully for freshwater use.
2006-09-24 15:08:43 · answer #4 · answered by misla 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do you have filtration? change some water and replace quickly
before you lose any fish spray the pond with hose nozzle to aerate quickly
keep filters going full force
could be weather related
do you have any leaves in your pond? get them out- makes water bad
2006-09-25 05:12:06 · answer #5 · answered by Loollea 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you need a bubbler, or maybe come sort of chemical got into the water. Try doing as big of a water change as you can, replacing water with chlorinated water.
2006-09-24 14:50:32 · answer #6 · answered by Amanda 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you might need to clean the pond out, not too much though
are they floating or surfacing cause if they're floating then they're dead but surfacing then somethings wrong
2006-09-24 14:57:15 · answer #7 · answered by moon'sglory 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Was it cloudy at the time as this can suck the oxygen out the water.
2006-09-24 14:54:10 · answer #8 · answered by it's me 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They probably need more oxygen. Do you have any pumps? you can build a venturi or buy large powerheads with venturis (example RIO)
2006-09-24 15:07:28 · answer #9 · answered by mrairplaneman777 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
duhh need oxygen to breathe
2006-09-24 14:55:29 · answer #10 · answered by chris a 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋