If all or most of your koi and goldfish are gasping for air or hanging out where the water returns to the pond this is a big indication that your fish are suffering from not getting enough oxygen.  This could be caused by several things.  One thing is for certain.  They need more dissolved oxygen!

First Aid Steps:

1. Test the Water for Ammonia, Nitrites and pH.
2. Change Out Most of the Water and Don't Forget to Add De-Chlorinator if Necessary
3. Turn on All Fountains, Waterfalls and Aeration Equipment

Find the Cause:

Test the water's parameters, especially the ammonia.  Ammonia burns the gills of the fish and makes it hard for them to breathe. 

Notice what time of day it is.  Is it first thing in the morning or right in the hottest part of the afternoon?  Do they do this at the same time each day?  This could indicate that your pond does not get sufficient amounts of oxygen and it shows up during the hours of the day when the dissolved oxygen is at its lowest level.

Have you added any new fish to the pond recently?  Are the fish showing any signs of parasites such as rubbing themselves against the sides or bottom of the pond or hanging their heads?  Parasites can cause fish to have difficulty breathing, especially gill flukes.

Gently lift the gill plate on one of the fish gasping for air and examine the gills.  Are they tattered with uneven edges?  Do they have grey-colored areas?  The gills should be very red and perfect semi-circles.  If they look torn or ragged or have dead tissue and scars they could have Bacterial Gill Disease.

Choose the ONE statement below that best fits the situation:

• They do this everyday at about the same time and there's no ammonia in the water.
• This is the first I've noticed but the water is very warm and there's no ammonia.
• Tests show I have ammonia in the water.
• No ammonia but I added new fish less than a month ago.
• No ammonia but they are scratching themselves.
• No ammonia but I checked the gills and they look like hamburger or show signs of trauma or injury.

Items You Might Need:

Master Liquid
Drop Test Kit

Air Pumps & Accessories

Doc's De-Chlorinator

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