Are my Koi fish sick?

Question

I have a large pond housing about 20+ adult Koi, and just recently, they all have not been eating as energetically, and they all seem tired. One fish in particular is normally white with black spots, but he has just developed red stripes all over, like a rash (and I have noticed his fins slightly clamped). I know this is not natural color change. Others have this unusual red developing as well, so this is effecting the whole group. The water has been layered with bubbles from the waterfalls, and these bubbles do not pop as quickly. This is not characteristic of healthy water, obviously. The filters generally do seem fine, but I am not sure. I have just performed a more than +20% water change, and just shortly thereafter, they seem a little relieved. I'm not sure if this is permanent, because in previous water changes, I have had the same observations, only to find out that they are showing the same symptoms again just the next day.

So far, I've not tried water conditioners, Quick Cure or anything similar to that. Or anything ammonia or nitrate related.

But just before they got sick, my UV light did burn out, and it took me a good 5 days to locate and purchase a replacement. This may have been the foundational cause of my problems, but yet again, I am not sure.

Few days after the new UV light was installed, the symptoms stated above were observed. I've tried Melafix and Pimafix in a combo cure with aquarium salt to no avail. There was approximately 4-5 days of this attempted treatment until the posting of this question.

*I am asking any expert or hobbyist out there that has any knowledge of Koi diseases to evaluate the situation and suggest a plausible cure for my Koi.

Thank you for your time.

=D

Answer 1

My first suggestion would be to be sure your biological filter isn't in need of backflushing or any obvious things such as media being clogged, etc.  Have you tested your water & are ammonia & ph levels normal or ??   You don't mention how large your pond is,but 20+ koi is A LOT of koi - for that amount you need to have massive filtration and aeration.  I understand you have waterfalls, but you really should have an airpump providing additional aeration, especially during the summer heat.  Your salt level should be at .10, especially when the fish are stressing - do you have a salt level tester?  If not, I suggest you buy one and bring the salt up to that level.   Check the website koivet.com for a list of symptoms & try and figure out what's wrong if you don't have a vet who handles fish in your area.  good luck!

Answer 2

If there is increased protein in the water, they make foam that doesn't pop.

Also red streaks in fish can indicate bacterial sepsis.

If your fish are really valuable you might try to contact a vet familiar with fish:

http://www.aquavetmed.info/

Answer 3

Most ponds with a waterfall or fountain have some foam or froth from normal water agitation. But if that foam keeps accumulating and does not dissipate, spreading like a white carpet across your pond, it may be a sign of an underlying problem with your pond's water conditions. These stubborn bubbles (white foam) are commonly due to an excess of dissolved organic compounds (DOCs) collecting in a slick along the water's surface. The DOCs can come from many sources including overfeeding, a buildup of fish waste, or decaying plant material. DOCs not only produce unsightly foam, the can also reach a level at which they become deadly to your fish.

Heavy rain will also make koi red like a rash then don't like to eat and less active.  Partail water change will help.

kOi keeper & goldfish keeper

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/world...

http://www.geocities.com/koiphilippines/...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArAlwupRy...