Control

In a previous article we discussed preventive measures to prevent one of the six pathogens among our pond fish can occur. In addition to preventive measures, we can implement a set of control measures, enabling us to detect problems at an early stage. This gives us more time to adjust and prevents a minor disaster from developing into a major one. The set of control measures consists of four components:

Water quality

By regularly measuring key water parameters, we can detect deviations outside the safe range and, with a bit of luck, correct them before the fish become affected. When we record these values ​​in a logbook, we can even detect trends after a number of measurements and make adjustments before the values ​​threaten to exceed the safe range. For example, if your KH is slightly lower each time you measure it, you can already predict when a pH crash will occur (namely, when the KH is no longer measurable). Regularly changing slightly more water can then prevent a disaster. A handy tool for systematically tracking your values ​​and automatically detecting deviations can be found at www.koitoday.nl under "downloads".

Technical inspection

Because we often conduct intensive livestock farming in our ponds (lots of fish in a small amount of water), we depend on the proper functioning of our equipment and the construction of the pond and filter system. Especially in a wet environment, the risk of defects (due to short circuits, corrosion, limescale, etc.) is high. Therefore, it's important to keep our equipment in good condition (maintenance) and regularly check its proper functioning. Technical inspections include checking for leaks, blockages, power outages, and equipment ( pumps , etc.). air pumps , UVC etc.), sharp objects, toxins (from poisonous plants around or above the pond, finishes with paint, stain and heavy metals such as lead, zinc or copper).

Physical check

This refers to abnormal external characteristics of the fish. The sooner you detect them, the sooner you can intervene and the greater the chance of turning the tide. Therefore, check your fish daily for completeness (are all my fish still swimming around?), but also for skin abnormalities (thickened mucous membranes, cloudy mucous membranes, missing mucous membranes, wounds, pustules, pox, fungus, etc.). Fin abnormalities (bloody, frayed), weight loss, swollen bodies, bulging eyes, tumors, and so on. Sometimes I see inquiries from people with photos of fish with holes the size of tennis balls. This didn't happen overnight and should have been discovered much sooner.

Behavioral control

A fish will exhibit abnormal behavior when sick. Be alert to this. Abnormal behavior can manifest as rubbing/flaring, lethargy, isolation, stress, increased breathing, balance problems, and so on. If you notice abnormal behavior (or abnormal physical characteristics), it's time to have an investigation conducted.

Effort

The above set of control measures may seem like a major undertaking. However, it isn't. With just a few minutes of focused attention each day and a weekly water test, these control measures are easy to implement. Practice makes perfect. With a little effort, you can prevent a lot of problems.

Joop van Tol (www.koitoday.nl)