My fish are acting skittish and won't eat after I cleaned the pond.

[Souper09]

I'm jumping late on this one so excuse my tardiness, can I ask what kind of water are using to replace ? Tap water?

I've also found that adding pond salt is a big help for the pond and fish health.

 

[EAC]

I added tap water w/ dechlorinator.

 

[EAC]

So, I drained 1/2 and refilled w/ dechlorinator and some bacteria in a bottle. I also added some lettuce and 4 additional gold fish. They all seem to be pretty happy. I only added the bacteria because the owner at the Pond Store suggested it.

 

[studiovette]

So, I drained 1/2 and refilled w/ dechlorinator and some bacteria in a bottle. I also added some lettuce and 4 additional gold fish. They all seem to be pretty happy. I only added the bacteria because the owner at the Pond Store suggested it.

I believe that we made the bacteria recommendation here first LOL

 

[EAC]

I believe that we made the bacteria recommendation here first LOL

Yes, I know! Although some said it was a waste of money...

 

[HARO]

Hey, the pond store owner has to make a living too.....
John

 

[sissy]

Bacteria bought is not a waste and most use it to start there ponds up in the spring .I never understood the total cleaning of a pond and never will .The fish eat all the good stuff off the liner .It is like a salad bar to them .

 

[EAC]

Fish are doing good. I have alot of trees dropping "helicopters". Talk about a annoying mess.

 

[JohnHuff]

I only added the bacteria because the owner at the Pond Store suggested it.

Yes, I'm sure he would...

 

[EAC]

Also, my water went from being crystal clear to being pretty murky. Is this because of it cycling or because I still don't have a filter?

 

[JohnHuff]

Why kind of murk are we talking about? Sandy murk or green algae murk or other...?

 

[EAC]

It's greenish.

 

[bettasngoldfish]

Why no filter?

 

[EAC]

I don't know where to put one?

My pump is in the pond and there is no place for a filter on top of the waterfall.

Why no filter?

 

[CometKeith]

Eric, I think you got some excellent advice on this thread and this would apply to anyone that is thinking of cleaning a pond on the proper do's and don'ts. I don't understand that if you now realize your fish are probably in crisis mode because they are swimming in their own waste because there is little good bacteria left in the pond to absorb it, why would you buy additional fish that will produce more waste until your problem is completely resolved?