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| FISH MEDICATIONS Every pond owner with fish, at some time or another, will probably have to medicate their pond. Though Koi are extremely hardy, it is very important to keep a watch on their environment to keep them at their healthiest. Attention should be paid to the quality of water and balance of the pond (i.e. pH levels, etc.) However, if problems do occur, the first step is to remove the individual fish or decide whether to treat the entire pond. It is sometimes difficult to be aware of a problem with a fish until it's too late. Be aware of your Koi's behavior patterns so changes can be detected early. A change in your Koi's behavior is usually the first sign that your Koi are stressed or ill.
► HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO AVOID HEALTH PROBLEMS:
Good water circluation - water within the pond environment that is stagnant or slow moving is an ideal environment for bacteria to flourish. Fresh water - to dilute ratio of bacteria to water, replace approx. 10% of water on a weekly basis. Crowding - DO NOT overcrowd. Water Conditions - A good filtration system will keep the pond balanced. Stress - Like humans, stress is a major factor in inducing disease in fish. Try to avoid stressful situations and conditions.
Nutrition - Make sure your fish are receiving a good diet. Feeding should be adjusted for the correct seasons & temperatures.
Injury - This is a common sense one. If the fish has an apparent injury, treat it immediately.
► PRIMARY CATEGORIES OF DISEASE:
BACTERIAL:
Fin & Tail rot (Flexibacter Columnaris), Holes (Aeromonas), Vibrio. One of the prime causes of fish mortality is bacterial disease. With the exception of "columaris" nearly all bacterial infections occur after another problem has occurred. Stress is a prime factor with bacterial disease. Most are gram-negative organisms. Treatment can be varied but some treatments are Acriflavin, Chloramphenicol, Sulphonamides, Salt, etc. as a dip, topical or in feed.
► VIRAL:
There seems to be very little in the way of effective treatments for viral infections other than to remove growths by scraping. More often the infected fish, if severe, will be subjected to further stress when the anesthetic wears off and inevitably die. Success rates increase dramatically with early detection and subsequent quarantine.
► FUNGAL:
A secondary infection in the area of some other fish injury. Also affects damaged or disturbed fish eggs. Treatments include: Acriflavin, Iodine, Malachite Green, Salt, Formalin as a bath, topical, or in pond.
► PARASITIC:
Anchor worm, Fish lice (Argulus), Flukes, Ich, Internal Parasites. Most fish carry parasites, but older fish develop a degree of resistance that prevents problems. Parasites like anchor worms and fish lice usually are a problem whenever present. Young fish are more susceptible to illness caused by parasites. Stress situations and seasonal climatic variations can bring on infections.
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