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!
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!
