Okay, how many pondowners out there have a generator/power backup for their ponds if the power should go out? As all of you are aware the lack of dissolved oxygen is crucial for our fish, especially in the summer when the water temperatures are higher and dissolved oxygen levels are lower AND especially for those who have a heavily stocked pond.
Now that I've got your attention: How do you avoid this potentially deadly mishap?
One solution would be to invest in a mechanical backup system, a piece of equipment that may be pricey, but if you have invested a lot of money already in your fish then you probably should do the same in emergency equipment. Visit: American Power Conversion for more info.
Another, non-mechanical solution that I have come across is to use a .03% solution of Hydrogen Peroxide. This information was given originally as a de-activating ingredient for Potassium Permanganate treatments at Dr. Erik Johnson's Koi Vet Website (www.koivet.com): Apply standard OTC Hydrogen Peroxide 3% USP at a rate of ONE QUART per FIVE THOUSAND GALLONS of pond water. Dilute this among the pond's water in a large bucket and gradually add along the pond's edges away from the fish, as it can be caustic to the fish's gills if applied too strong or directly on them. When in doubt divide the amount in half and dilute well, then apply. This should last 3-4 hours, depending on fish density and water temperature, supplying your fish precious oxygen while you wait for the electricity to come back on.
It would be wise to monitor the pond and maybe swish the water around with a net or paddle or use a bucket to repeatedly pour water back into the pond to aerate. Be careful not to stress your fish out if they are not used to this commotion. I like to gradually build up a current when swishing the water so they know I'm not going to hurt them. I've had them come by to play in the current too. Although I did have one small shy fish jump out of the pond the same evening I was "playing" with them, possibly because it was too intimidated from my activiites on the otherside of the pond, or maybe just coincidental from having the other bigger fish be frisky. It may be good to get them acquainted with your movements now before you have an emergency. As this is summertime and the heatwave we're enduring may cause a blackout or two from the excessive burden of air conditioning systems, etc.
His site also can connect you to Greg Crane of Koi Camp. Greg can supply you with almost any medication, medicated food, water treatment or equipment that you may need to treat your koi for disease. He helped me out a lot when I had my problem. I would suggest in getting yourself a Medical Kit BEFORE you have an emergency, as waiting 3 days for the mail to deliver your supplies will cost your fish valuable time to fight off the disease. 3 days of illness can kill your fish. I bought the Medi-Kit and Aquagen treated food and other injectibles and am glad I did. My koi are alive and well today because I had them and Dr. Johnson's book & video to refer to. Unless you have someone there with you to hold your hand and show you how to do everything, you're on your own and disease will hit when you least expect it. So don't be unprepared, get your supplies NOW! And read all you can about how to treat your koi. You wouldn't want your surgeon reading up on proceedures during your surgery would you???
If costs are a factor in not getting your supplies and references, think about the money you've spent on your koi. If you have quality koi, you should invest in keeping them alive. If you are a pet owner of a dog or cat, you'd spend a lot of money on vet fees to save them wouldn't you? So why wouldn't you spend a little money to save your koi? And who's going to help save your fish if they get sick? There aren't many Fish Doctors out there so you best learn to do it yourself and BEFORE disaster strikes. Be prepared. Do your research and acquire your emergency kit.
Salt, NON-Iodized - Used for treating for parasites.
Potassium Permanganate (KMn04) - used for cleaning wounds and sterilizing pond water of pathogens. Highly caustic, MUST use with extreme caution.
Amikacin, Baytril or other Injectible Solution - used to treat bacterial infections.
Aquagen treated food - Helps fish's immune system to fight off pathogens. Feed with regular food in 6 week intervals.
Medicated Food - Used when fish are fighting infection along with other medication for best results. Sick fish who don't eat, don't live.
