The saddest pond day

[snoozer]

I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to watch ice thaw to expose the fish that have died.

 

[Lisak1]

Thanks again everyone. I am so grateful that I can share this here, knowing I won't be ripped to shreds. There are forums where you wouldn't dare mention a problem like this. This remains my favorite spot on the internet.

I was able to retrieve two more of the fish yesterday. Oh, just so sad. I can see one more under the ice and the last one is black, so he may be harder to see. They looked absolutely perfect in every way - except dead. That may sound nutty, but you know what I mean. If you had asked me prior to this if I would feel bad if my koi died, I would have said "nah. They're just fish." But you all know they aren't "just fish". They truly are so much more than that.

On the good news front, the goldfish appear to be fine, so we will look forward to a good pond season with our smaller fish friends.

 

[BarbO]

I am so sorry for this loss Lisa. I can imagine how sad it must be. But don't give up, just keep moving forward and we will all be here to offer support.
Barb

 

[ShawnInfirmity]

I'm so sorry to hear about all your losses @Lisak1 , but I know you will always cherish your fish and will continue to take excellent care of the one's you have left!

 

[Stephen Noble]

Thanks again everyone. I am so grateful that I can share this here, knowing I won't be ripped to shreds. There are forums where you wouldn't dare mention a problem like this. This remains my favorite spot on the internet.

I was able to retrieve two more of the fish yesterday. Oh, just so sad. I can see one more under the ice and the last one is black, so he may be harder to see. They looked absolutely perfect in every way - except dead. That may sound nutty, but you know what I mean. If you had asked me prior to this if I would feel bad if my koi died, I would have said "nah. They're just fish." But you all know they aren't "just fish". They truly are so much more than that.

On the good news front, the goldfish appear to be fine, so we will look forward to a good pond season with our smaller fish friends.

So sorry for your loss, Lisa. I agree with you, this is a wonderful site. No one is mean or gives a 'Hey, told you so' response. Rather, everyone here is so respectful and supportive. I also agree with your comment they aren't 'just fish.' They are members of the family. Our kids grew up with some of our fish and reptiles. Thanks for sharing your situation and I wish you success. Spring is on the way!

 

[Tula]

This truly is a wonderful site of like minded people, who care and are supportive.

 

[Gemma]

Thanks again everyone. I am so grateful that I can share this here, knowing I won't be ripped to shreds. There are forums where you wouldn't dare mention a problem like this. This remains my favorite spot on the internet.

I was able to retrieve two more of the fish yesterday. Oh, just so sad. I can see one more under the ice and the last one is black, so he may be harder to see. They looked absolutely perfect in every way - except dead. That may sound nutty, but you know what I mean. If you had asked me prior to this if I would feel bad if my koi died, I would have said "nah. They're just fish." But you all know they aren't "just fish". They truly are so much more than that.

On the good news front, the goldfish appear to be fine, so we will look forward to a good pond season with our smaller fish friends.

I'm glad that your goldies are doing good! I'm heartbroken for you...wish there was something I could do to make you feel better!

 

[Spartamets]

I am very sorry; it can be hard for non-ponders to understand. When herons come by, it's not just a nuisance--it's a predator coming to kill your pets. Only other ponds appreciate how we grow attached to our fish and to the ecosystem as a whole. You did nothing wrong; winters are just difficult, as is the early spring, in that short window when pathogens come to life before fish have their natural protections up. It doesn't make it any easier knowing that you did all you could.

 

[Jhn]

I am sorry to hear about the loss of your large koi. They do become more than just fish especially when you have them for years. I am saddened when I see any life in my pond die whether it be frogs that choose the wrong place to winter over (the skimmer box down by the pump intake) or fish that just weren’t strong enough to make it through the winter.(occasionally some of the fry born that year)

 

[Gordo33]

Sorry to hear about your koi. I echo the sentiments of others who have posted it is heart breaking to lose any wild life associated with our ponds.
Wondering if your plumbing is flex pvc or rigid pvc? Just a guess but I would think the flex pvc piping would be better suited for your winter weather.

 

[Lisak1]

Thanks @Gordo33 - it's all flex PVC. But "flex" is a bit of a misnomer to me - yes, it will bend, but in our pump vault it's a short run that includes connections that are rigid PVC - so the flex part is only about 1/3 of the total assembly. If it had a bit more "flex" I would have been able to reconnect the pump with no issue. The assembly let loose at one of the connections - even though every plumber I've ever talked to says that will never happen when PVC is glued. We're brainstorming other ways of connecting this pump to make it easier to get in and out and connected in the vault for the future.

Thanks again everyone for your kind words. Right now the pond is frozen and snow covered, so it's like every other winter. I think once spring comes and we can see the pond again, the impact of losing all those fish will hit us. We had a few days of thawing and I could see the goldfish swimming around - they appear to be fine, so at least we'll still have some friendly, familiar faces to greet us!

 

[Big Red Comet]

So, so sorry for your loss Lisa. Its been a long hard winter and Im probably not the only one here who's feeling like "there but for the grace of God go I..."

Yeah I know a lot of people dont understand that fish can be beloved pets too and that they are really very aware and interactive and totally loveable creatures. Maybe not as smart as the dog or cat, but smart enough!

Take care

 

[MitchM]

Aw Lisa, so sorry to hear about your lost fish.
I worried about you folks in the east that are not used to a severe cold snap.
It certainly sounds like a lack of oxygen or a buildup of carbon dioxide was the culprit.
If I can offer any helpful advice, it would be to have a pond breather running in the future as insurance for keeping the water under the ice sufficiently aerated.
No matter how cold it gets or how thick the ice gets, a pond breather will keep the water under the ice aerated for the fish to survive.
Pond Breathers cost next to nothing to run.

 

[Lisak1]

I have a pond breather on my wish list @MitchM - if anyone sees a good sale, let me know!

 

[MitchM]

Too bad we didn't live closer (or in the same country). I've got 4 breathers here.