Pond and fish question?

Question

I just rebuilt my pond and lost all of my fish in the process. I'm going to drain the water and start over. What do i need to do to the water before i add fish so that i can avoid any mortatlities of my fish again. I am going to put comet goldfish in, and the pond is about 200 gallons to 250 gallons. What chemicals should i add, and how long should wait to put new fish in. And is there any special quarintine type thing i have to do with the fish before put them in the pond? Thanks

Also how do you NOT shock the fish

Answer 1

Once you have the pond refilled and the filter running all you need to add is dechlorinator. It's the same stuff you use for aquariums, but you can buy concentrated bottles for ponds. Then give it a day or so for the temperature to adjust some (straight from the hose is rather cool) and then add a few fish. Don't add too many at first, 2-5 depending on size. Give that a few weeks to run, then get whatever other fish you want to add. it is by far best to quarantine the new fish for 2 weeks before adding them tot he pond. Treating a disease in a pond is difficult at best and quarantining the new fish to watch for disease will really prevent most diseases from making it into your pond.

That's really the most important things to do and should give you a good start.

MM

Answer 2

First, before refilling your pond, clean it very good but don't use soap products, just cleaning with water should work fine. After filling your pond, wait several days for the chlorine that is in the water to fade out before adding fish. You shouldn't need any chemicals in your pond....I've done that and ended up having LOTS more problems upkeeping the pond than I've done without chemicals. Just keep up an eco-balance with fish and water plants. Make sure you don't overfeed your fish. Also, please make sure you you buy fish from a respectable seller, your fish may have been sick when you bought them. I also just had a thought, when you rebuilt your pond, did you happen to use anything that wasn't fish-safe?

As for the safe way to introduce your fish with the least amount of shock, while in transporting home, try not to shake the bag. When home, put the bag of fish in your pond (shady spot is the best since having the bag in the full sun will make it too hot for the fish). Every few minutes, let a little bit of the pond water into the bag to slowly and easily to help them get used to the new water. I'd keep adding water for about an hour before finally freeing them into their new home.
Best of luck to you and your new fish!

Answer 3

You should test the water before you drain the whole thing. You might only need a partial water change. Get an ammonia test kit and test every few days. Once the ammonia goes down, test for nitrite. You can cycle it with the fish or you can do a fishless cycle. Go to http://www.fishlesscycling.com/ to learn more about it and you won't have fish deaths.

Answer 4

its a pond. Just fill it with tap water, wait a few weeks then add cheap goldfish. Leaving it will allow the chlorine to disperse but dont bother with any expensive chemicals. The longer you leave it, the less likely you are to lose any fish. The best thing to do is wait until you see algae grow then you know the water is probably safe

Answer 5

Sorry, for this. I do not intend to show any disrespect. I'm a fellow Viking Fan. We got Adrian Peterson, today!! It's gonna be interesting. I wish you luck with your fish. I hope we both can have a great Football Season. (I wish we could've gotten Garcia or David Carr)

Answer 6

i would put in the water and let it sit for a week b4 adding fish...than test the water for amonia levels and ph...there is stuff u can buy at a pet store to fix water problems... and make sure its not to warm or it will cook ur fish...ewwww...loleven after u add the stuff to ur water i would stll wait a week b4 adding fish and than check ur water again..hopefully this might keep em alive....plus dont shock ur fish add them in like u would for a tank...shocking them will kill them...