Invisible Fish?

Question

My grandma has a very green fish pond, with 3 fish in it, she wants to give the fish to me, but we can't see them to get them out

Is there anything that I most likely have at home that will attract the fish to the top of the water so I can get them

She is giving me them because she doesn't want to deal with keeping the pond clean

ok people, of course ive tried fish food, they get fed everyday, the pond isn't that big, but it has tons of tight corners for the fish to get into to hide. Were not sure if the fish are still in there, but hopefully they are

You can't see thru the water at all, so the only way we would be able to see the fish is if they are right at the top....luckily the one she is giving me is bright orange

I would just drain the water, but there is this one place, under the ledge of the pond, that goes down, like a bowl that the fish stay in, if I drain the water, and the fish are in that spot, they will die

And don't worry, i know about tank size for goldfish, the tank is already set up, 40 gallons, with 1 3 inch gold fish right now

Answer 1

Does your grandmother feed them? If so, use what she uses, since it will be something with which they're familiar. If you keep fish yourself, any floating fish food should attract them.

Before you jump into this too quickly, do you have a pond of your own to keep them? If not, do you have a large enough tank? If they've been outside all summer, they may have grown considerably since they were last "seen".

If you do have a large tank (figure about 10 gallons per fish to be safe), does it have fish in it already? If not, adding three fairly large goldfish (I'm thinking 3" or more) may cause a high amount of ammonia in the tank, and if you aren't aware of what's happening by testing the water, the fish may get ammonia poisoning.

I would get the tank ready (if it's not already) and get it cycled first (see the link at the end if you aren't familiar with this). At the very least, only add one fish at first, then add another in a week, then the last the third week. Even if the air temperature is starting to cool, the water temperature will take longer to decrease since water resists temperature change, and the ground will help insultate the pond.

Catch each fish, then put it into a large (gallon or larger size ziploc bag) with about 1/2 air. You can put this upright in a bucket to take home. Then close off the top of the bag and float it in its new home for 15-20 minutes so the temperature equalizes. Open the bag and remove 1/4 of the water - pour this in the bucket, not the tank - and replace the amount with water from your tank or pond. Wait about 5 minutes, then repeat. Do this 3-4 time total, then net the fish and add it to where he'll be staying. This lets him get used to any changes gradually.

Answer 2

Maybe try some dog food, this is what we use to see the catfish in my brothers pond. Works like a charm every time brings them right to the top. Also not sure how big this pond is but maybe you should leave a hose in there during the day, as to clear out some of the water.. Good Luck to you hope this helps.

Answer 3

Shelby, is your grandma's pond has a pump or a fountain? If it does, just divert the water from going back to the pond to drain the water until it's shallow enough for you to catch the fishes. I do have the same kind of problem and that's what I'm going to do when ready to bring them in. It's getting cold now outside anyway. I hope my idea works for you. Good luck!

Answer 4

Fish food usually brings them to the surface. Bread would probably work too. Is the pond so big you can't use a net and just move through the water to get them?

Answer 5

I'd get some fish food. When they come up to eat just get a net and catch them, or drain the pond if you can.

Answer 6

Go fishing! lol just kidding
Is it possible you could take out half of the water than fell the rest with cean water so it is easer to see the fishy?
If not than I dont know sorry

Answer 7

try fish flakes or weetbix crumbs and scoop them up.(thats if they stil alive.you may want to take some of the water out by using a bucket carefuly or garden hose and syphon the water.also make sure that the new water is prepared for there transition,avoid shock.goodliuck

Answer 8

if the ponds shallow enough you can just scoop em up with a net.

Answer 9

SO! why didn't you buy another fish
Or
Your grandma put something
Hoping that helps!!!!!!

Answer 10

...bread crumbs, crackers, a worm on a hook(oops!)...how about fish food?