We have not been able to find all the leaks in our liner, so we have ordered
a new one to replace it. That means that the fish will have to be moved and
I am nervous about stressing them to the point that they develop infections.
We haven't had any fish deaths from illness (unless you count restless fin
syndrome, which causes healthy koi to jump) in several years, but my
memories of the cases we had are decidedly unpleasant. We are very attached
to one of our butterfly koi, and I would hate to lose that one, or any
others.
First, I do not want to use a net, but we have never had success herding
them into a tub or bucket. I will likely do it from inside the pond, but I
don't know any other way to improve the "fish rodeo", as we call it here at
our house.
Second, it seems to me that there should be some preventive that we can add
to the pond water to reduce the likelihood of infection. Salt comes to
mind, but I have read that it isn't effective against bacteria. Does it
protect their slime coat? Are antibiotics useful as a method before the
infection takes hold? If so, what type should I use? Can I get it at a
feed store, to reduce the cost? I have about 2200 gallons.
I am open to all suggestions. We will keep the same filter, and it will be
easy to add back some of the pond water. We are on a well, and I have never
had any trouble with really large water changes straight from the hose.

TIA,

Ann