~ jan JJsPond.us wrote:
Tracey wrote:

Hi, I'm new here and could do with some advice.

Welcome Tracey,

To cut a long story short a couple of goldfish in my pond developed a
fungal infection (I think the first one had an injury to start with
that I didn't spot until it was too late). Treated the pond with a
couple of courses of malachite green, which didn't help with the
fungus.

Whenever you have a fish or pond problem the very first thing you do is get
the water quality checked. 99% of fish problems are water quality based. So
that's what you need to do. The tests recommended a Ammonia, Nitrite,
pH, KH and have a thermometer. You can get the tests thru
www.thatpetplace.com look for the Aquarium Pharmaceutical brand, they are
usually very reasonably priced.

Regarding your currently sick fish. Check the water of the sick tank, give
us the numbers (pond too). Having the store check your pond/tank water
isn't often enough, nor is their advice always the best. After all they're
trained to sell you stuff, not fish health advisors or vets. ;o)
(Exceptions do apply, in the case of long standing mom & pop petshops. )

If the water in the sick tank checks out.... which means, Zero ammonia &
nitrite, pH between 6.8-8.4 and KH 80 and up. I'd start with cheap salt.
Not (inflated $$) aquarium salt, but solar or kosher salt with no
anti-caking or iodine. 1/8 cup/10 gallons. To add I put it in a small
shallow cup and set on the bottom and let it dissolve slowly. ~ jan


See my ponds and filter design:
www.jjspond.us

~Keep 'em Wet!~
Tri-Cities WA Zone 7a
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