Goldie lives



change of water temporarily

Last Monday was a very hot day here and was out and about on my scooter during the morning, which was a bit cooler then. Back home and by lunchtime it was very hot and humid so lay down on the bed for a rest as it was a bit cooler in the bedroom.

Nothing exciting really, but it must have affected the fish in the pond as the following morning, when I walked down the garden Goldie my large Koi was laying on her side and rolling round upside down, gasping for air. Decided she might be suffering from lack of oxygen so took her out and popped her in a bath of fresh rainwater, then held her upright urging her to get back to normal. After some time, I decided that although all the other fish did`nt seem to be having a problem, I should empty the pond somewhat and put fresh water in. Having started the procedure and because the liner was leaking and suffering from blanket weed, which I could`nt seem to get rid of, decided to drain it all and flip the liner over for a fresh start, at least until I could get a new liner. So all the fish were taken out and put in the receptacles together. Made some alterations to the base of the pond once it was empty and then put the liner back and filled it up again.

Goldie was still struggling and still on her side gasping, so allowed the water from the hosepipe to flow over her as the pond was filling, but seemed to be losing the battle keeping her alive.

Put all the fish back and allowed the pond to fill. Decided to keep the hose running low to keep it topped up. Not long after, when I checked Goldie was laying around the bottom of the pond and seemed to be getting more active, so hope springs eternal overnight!

Come the following morning and Goldie was swimming around with all the other fish, so seems to have survived and more or less back to normal with an occasional lapse on her side.

Decided to get a new liner and go through the process all over again, so got a rubber liner this time for better strength and pliability and a few days later did the process all over again, putting the fish in the bath this time, so I had longer to make any alterations and do the job properly. Once filled and treated, the fish were put back and seemed happier for the experience as they had fresh plants and water this time round.

Goldie lives to tell the tale!!