How to Identify Garden Pond Parasites
Pond parasites attack and live off the fish you're keeping in your pond. Parasites pierce a fish's skin to suck its blood, and cause the fish to itch. Once the fish's skin is broken, it becomes susceptible to bacteria and may become sick. Further, when fish are attempting to rub the parasites off, they may lose scales or injure themselves. If you think you have parasites in your pond, treat the water immediately.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Salt (non iodized, mineral free)
- Parasite treatment chemicals (available at pet stores)
Instructions
-
Instructions for Identifying and Treating Pond Parasites
-
1
Watch your fish; if they are "flashing," or rubbing against the sides and bottom of your pond, chances are good that they have parasites.
-
2
Observe your fish individually; if their fins are reddish, they look like they're struggling to breathe, they have white spots, or have green or brown spots around their gills, they have parasites.
-
-
3
Use a salt treatment to kill some of the more common parasites. Use 3 lbs. of salt per 100 gal. water for your salt treatment. Stir 1/3 of the salt into the pond on the first day, 1/3 on the second, and the last 1/3 on the third day. Allow the salt 14 to 21 days to set, then change out 50 percent of the water. Allow two more days, and change out another 50 percent of the water
-
4
Treat the pond with chemicals that eliminate parasites, available at pet and pond supply stores. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, and follow your treatment with a 25 percent to 50 poercent water change about a week later.
-
5
Quarantine new fish and treat them for parasites before you introduce them to your pond. This will prevent parasitic infestations in your pond in the future.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Parasites can also come in on frogs, lizards, and birds.
Some parasites can kill fish in a very short span of time. Always treat water immediately. Remove plants from your pond before treating for parasites; salt and treatment chemicals can kill plants.
