Pond goldfish problems since winter began

[Juststeph]

Hello. So since winter started, my pond, goldfish have slowly one by one been dying. When I find them, they are covered in slime. I noticed yesterday that one of my goldfish was off by itself, and it had big white lips which from all the reading I’ve been doing looks to be mouth rot. I probably have about five goldfish and one shebunkin left. There has been rain on and off and the temperatures have dropped and then we had a period of pretty nice weather and then snow overnight. Nobody’s eating right now and they mostly stay in there fish cavebecause it’s winter time. I have a digital water tester and all my parameters have been fine. I built the pond over the summertime and haven’t had any problems until now. It’s my first pond and I read constantly on Pond care, etc. just feeling a bit lost right now and hoping for some advice.

 

[JRS]

Welcome to the forum.

Looks like a nice setting you created, sorry to hear about your fish. Could you share the exact tests and the values you have checked? Details can help immensely. Assuming you have a filter, also wondering what you local winter water temps. are? Doesn't look too cold if recent pics.

Sometimes fish can have latent parasites or diseases which can flare up when conditions cause them more stress.

 

[Juststeph]

Welcome to the forum.

Looks like a nice setting you created, sorry to hear about your fish. Could you share the exact tests and the values you have checked? Details can help immensely. Assuming you have a filter, also wondering what you local winter water temps. are? Doesn't look too cold if recent pics.

Sometimes fish can have latent parasites or diseases which can flare up when conditions cause them more stress.

OK, I’ve included a picture of the results I got as well as what I used to test. I just did this test. and I do have a 4000 gallon per hour pump with a bio filter.

 

[Juststeph]

OK, I’ve included a picture of the results I got as well as what I used to test. I just did this test. and I do have a 4000 gallon per hour pump with a bio filter.

The temp has been sporadic really. We had a cold Snap and then we had some beautiful weather and then we got snow the past two nights. At first, I thought it was the cold that was kind of happening to them, but I’m just not sure anymore.

 

[Tula]

I can't be sure, but the third picture in your first post, it looks like the fish has dropsy.....however the picture isn't very clear. I can see the white on the lips in the second picture and as you said, it could be mouth rot.

 

[jgrandmont]

I'm afraid I don't have any advice, but I feel your pain. After 3 uneventful years, we started losing fish towards the end of last summer and they were all gone by the fall. I suspect it was fin rot that got out of control. I did try some medication, but I think it was too late. Will be starting over this year.

 

[j.w]

@Juststeph
Sorry for your loss and hope someone can help.

 

[Juststeph]

Ok so if it’s mouth rot I’m dealing with… what would be the best thing for me to do. And can I do it in the pond so I can prevent my other fish from the same experience?