Pond Fish

[wallacevanpete]

We inherited a pond when buying our house. Several of the fish have died lately and I am wondering if this is due to the hot weather lately or something else. The pond does have water lilies in it but does not have anything else apart from a lot of dead leaves and yuck stuff in the bottom. The water is very green at the moment. Not sure if the pond needs cleaning out or what. In the mornings the fish seem to be gulping for air at the surface but are ok later on. Can anyone help thanks

[Carlos & Siran]

You need to do water changes every week just like in a fish tank, add some oxy weed as well, and perhaps something to break the waters surface, like a sprinkler just going a little perhaps.

[Zev]

Hi wallacevanpete, welcome to the forums.

What size is the pond and how deep is it?

I know little about ponds, but would suggest that whatever you do, do not empty it and scrub it out, there will be some good bacteria living in the yuck stuff in the bottom.

As Carlos & Siran have suggested, some surface agitation may be necessary as the oxygen levels in the water decreases as the temperature increases, so breaking the surface will go some way to increasing the oxygen levels, this could be why the fish are gasping at the surface.

Some members more knowledgeable in ponds may be of more help.

[Caryl]

Sounds like heat might be the problem (plus the pond needs cleaning). Knowing your location would help

You don't have to do weekly water changes in a pond but advice varies depending on the size of the pond, the depth of the pond and the size and number of fish.