guidelines for sick fish
1. Check the water quality in your main pond if fish are ill.
You may need to do a water change to reduce toxic levels.
2. If the water quality is acceptable, raise the water temperature
slowly to about 70 degrees F. This may require moving sick fish
to a hospital tank or smaller pond and using an aquarium heater.
3. Add salt to the water in three daily doses (2-3 Tablespoons
per gallon or 2.5 pounds per 100 gallons.) Note: Must be food
grade salt, but NOT with iodine.
4. Research your fish's signs and symptons at AKCA
by searching the web under "Koi Health" or contact
Dr. Amy Wolf through Ferguson Animal Hospital.
5. Research the recommended treatments, then try one. Be patient.
It may take a few days before you see any change.
Note: If you move your fish to a hospital tank you will need
to watch water quality closely. Keep the pH low (about 6.5)
and test for ammonia and nitrates daily. You will need to make
water changes about every three days until your biofilter starts
functioning. The biofilter can take 2-9 weeks to get started.
However, antibiotics will kill any bacteria in your biofilter.
by Hilda Adams