Preventing and curing unseen water problems that causes fish disease

The first signs that there is a problem with the water will be shown by the fish behaviour: it may be sluggishness; gasping at the surface; peculiar behaviour such as 'flashing' or rubbing themselves on the sides of the pool.

IF the problem seems to be affecting most or all of the fish then it is likely to be a water problem or an indirect result of poor water quality.

It maybe that the water quality is caused by the fish; they may be so overcrowded that they are causing themselves stress. The water will be tainted by their excretions anyway, but once a fish is in a stressful environment the excretions become more toxic and therefore that more stressful. This is particularly so with Koi Carp. They excrete ammonia from their gills, which is a poison that they are extremely sensitive to. Very quickly the resilient film that coats the fish and acts as a barrier to all the bacteria, fungi and some of the parasites, loses its effectiveness.

Signs of poor water quality as manifested by fish in their behaviour

Gasping at the surface If it is not merely an over population of fish, Ammonia, nitrite or pH levels are very high, causing a lack of oxygen.

Flashing or wriggling might mean a very high pH or Chlorine in tap water.

Lethargy and poor colour - Metal poisoning, especially copper from coins thrown into the pool, copper ornaments or pipe work.

Im afraid even stunning creations like this Humphrey Bowden copper fountain dont mix with fish in a pond.

Many of these symptoms can also indicate diseases or parasites, therefore it is essential that you do a thorough analysis of the water so that poor water quality can be ruled out as the direct cause of the fish behaviour.

Even if you were to find that the behaviour is a result of a particular disease or parasite, it is wise check the water since poor water quality not induces a greater propensity to disease and susceptibility to parasites, it inhibits any possibility of recovery.