Proud new pond owner

[toadfarm]

I live in Maryland and built a pond. I didn't realize how much is involved with the build and then the build of the ecosystem. Picture attached. I have since added more hyacinth and 2 margin plants.

Size is 10' x 10' with levels to 42" deep. 1500 gallons

The pond is now 1 month old and I lost my first fish. An Apricot Comet. When i inspected it, it's gill plates were very red. Not sure what would cause this.

My test readings are;

PH - 7
KH - 30
GH - 20
Nitrates and nitrites very low

any thoughts?

Also, are regular comets known to jump out of the water? I have one that thinks it's a dolphin

 

[addy1]

What is your ammonia reading?

I have heard of fish jumping out esp when they are new to the pond.

 

[sissy]

welcome toadfarm and addy lives there and it could be a lack of oxygen because of the heat .Do you have an oxygen pump ?

 

[sissy]

oh hi addy LOL

 

[toadfarm]

I have a submerged pump that feeds the waterfall. Is that not enough oxygen? I also have oxygenating plants. it was very warm when it happened

 

[toadfarm]

I'm not sure what the ammonia is. I'm going to purchase a better kit than the basic strips that i have.

 

[sissy]

could be both high ammonia and lack of oxygen .Remember plants give off oxygen but also take a lot of oxygen from the pond too .It may not be enough .you may need an air pump .

 

[sissy]

I saw that in my neighbors pond when her air pump went out and she did not know .They were breathing real heavy and gills were a little red

 

[toadfarm]

It did coincide with my son giving way too much food that day too.

 

[addy1]

Check you ammonia, I have test strips, but found that the liquid kit is more accurate. With way too much food, the water may have fouled, low o2, hot. all factors in

 

[toadfarm]

Addy - I looked at your pics. Amazing pond!

If ammonia is high, what's best way to lower?

 

[addy1]

Thanks we really enjoy it.

Water change and watch how much food you feed. See if you have a build up of muck on the bottom. Your pond is on the new side, how many fish do you have in it?

and oh hi sissy! lol

 

[koiguy1969]

water change ...25%... be sure to dechlorinate....no food for a couple days...

 

[sissy]

yeh seems over feeding in the heat is a big problem and right now they are only getting food in my pond every 2 or 3 days

 

[toadfarm]

I have 3 regular comets, 1 koi and 3 apricot comets. about 30" total fish length. I also have some tadpoles.

there is muck on the bottom, but the snails do a good job of staying up with it.

I changed about 300 gallons, 20%. We are on a well so no chlorine to worry about.

I will definately lay off the feeding for a few days and monitor.