Originally Posted by sandie

Dear John

Your problem is being caused by a number of factors which a-

1. your pond water temperature is too high. You should flood your pond every day in warm/hot weather to ensure it remains cool.

2. oxygen, oxygen, oxygen. You must make sure your pond has plenty of oxygen. It isn't enough just to fill it with plants you must have constant running water to force oxygen into your pond water. The best way to do it is to use a hose pipe positioning the hose high up so when the water hits your pond water it creates millions of tiny bubbles that are actually forced into the water.

3. with reference to the 'slime problem' - when fish have been dead a couple of hours they develop a 'natural' mucus which covers their body. Other factors which cause fish to become slimy are, fin rot, cotton wool fungus and costia. Also, did you know that frogs actually grab fish and spawn all over them? Their slime clogs the fish's gills and they suffocate. If l were you l would buy a good quality anti-fungal treatment making sure you mix the exact amount and treat your pond with the solution for the prescribed time. At the same time follow 1 and 2 above and your fish should remain fit and healthy.

Good luck

sandie