Bagspond update for July -- a dead fish :(

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We were away for a day and I came home to a dead fish. Sad. Everyone else seems fantastic. Perky and crazy as ever. I've been feeding them only a tiny bit, once a day (if that) to keep them social. I've enjoyed watching them tear at the algae on the rocks. Everyone has a great appetite!

Sad dead fish had no fin or body damage. He had been dead long enough for his eyes to get cloudy. The only thing I noticed was redness showing through the gill area -- but his body is white -- so maybe that is normal?

I tested pH -- consistent at 8, like it's always been. No ammonia. The waterfall is flowing great and I cleaned out the skimmer and filter pad (as I do every week,) so everything is flowing nicely. The pond is deep enough to get away from the heat and actually feels coolish to my hand. No crazy weather changes or anything. No chemical usage in my yard or neighbor's.

I did add a little water before we left town, but only enough to raise the pond level about a half an inch.

Let's all cross our fingers that it was just a weird thing. I hope everyone else is as healthy as they seem!
 
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It was one of my big fish. (Big being relative. He was about 7" long.) As I said, the water stays fairly cool, since the pond is shaded most of the day and never in full sun very long. There's quite a good flow of water with the waterfall, and I haven't seen anyone gasping. Do I remember you all saying early morning is when oxygen levels are lowest? I can go out tomorrow and have a look. I hope no one else bites the dust!
 
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I don't know if it will improve oxygenation, but I moved a few rocks. I had placed some rocks to calm down the white water from the waterfall a while back. I moved them away this morning to let the current really flow. I don't know if that oxygenates the water or not, but the fish might enjoy the change!
 
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I just went outside and I do think the fish are having a good time body surfing in the rapids! They do their weird little Follow the Leader course -- check for stuff to eat/do in the shallows; proceed to the skimmer -- everyone in, then everyone out. (It's new and exciting every time); go around to the edge of the deep side -- see what's happening there; get under the waterfall spill and BODY SURF!!!!! Repeat, repeat, repeat! :)
 

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