Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Fish kill caused by pond management company

I hired a company in Indiana to manage my pond this year due to having 90% of the surface covered in algae.
They came and treated half the pond 2 weeks ago, saying that they couldn't treat the whole pond because it would kill the fish. They came back 3 days ago and the guy treated the entire pond. This morning, I had over 100 dead fish and more that are gasping for air at the surface.
I called the company and they cleaned up the dead fish. I asked him what we can do to fix this and asked about the contract I signed for their services for the year.
He told me that I can void the remainder of the contract but I have to pay for the first 2 treatments. I told him that I'm not paying him to kill my fish. He said that it wasn't his fault and that they only sprayed half at a time. I have video of him spraying the entire pond. He also told me that the rain might have killed the fish! It hasn't rained in over a week and that's ridiculous anyway.
I haven't told him about the video I have.
Any advice on this and how to keep my pond clean without chemicals.
The pond is 100ft x 40ft and 14 feet deep in the middle. It is only fed by rainwater and is used as an outlet for my geothermal system. I have bluegill, catfish and triploid grass carp.

I have seen two fish kills - one on my pond and one on someone elses - due to oxygen depletion. The ponds turned over. It is devastating to say the least.

However in your case is seems too much a coincidence - if you have video of the entire pond being treated at one time then that most likely caused it. Not only would I not pay I would demand for retribution to restock some of the dead fish.

I am so sorry to hear about that, newt!

The true experts will be along soon to help. I had a bad experience myself last fall with fungus on my biggest CNBG, felt sick to my stomach just looking at them.

Tilapia are usually better than grass carp for algae, but I don't know if they are legal where you are.

I'd be pissed. I don't have a lot tied up in my fish, but if I hired a "professional" to take care of my pond, he'd be held liable for damages. I think fish kill qualifies. Unfortunately, you'll probably have to go legal to get any retribution, but word of mouth has a way of hurting a business deeper than just your loss. Hope they own up to their mistake and you don't have to do that.

Good luck!!

My best advice to keep the pond clean would be to install an aeration system, it can also help prevent a dissolved oxygen sag related fish kill. I have seen summer fish kills happen due to the weather and also due to the use of herbicides, the common denominator is dissolved oxygen sag from a sudden algea or vegetation die off.

If you are really serious about getting retribution consult with a lawyer and have him send a letter to the pond management company. I would include the info that you have a video. Or send the letter yourself and include the info about your video. Tell them if they do not contact you for an agreeable resolution within a specified time you will take them to small claims court. When front of a judge you may have to have an expert witness to verify the impact of what spraying the whole pond and killing all the algae at once can do to a fish community. Or look the impact as noted by info from Purdue Univ or IU Extension up on line. There is written info about not killing all algae at once during summer to minimize fish kills.

Well said Bill

Thank you everyone for your replies. I am going to call him Monday morning and tell him about the video (and an audio recording of the guy that sprayed, apologizing to my wife) and see if he is willing to resolve this without legal issues and social media posts. I feel that having him void the contract with zero balance and paying to restock my pond is fair for both parties. I'll post his reply.
Thanks again!

I like how Bill assumed your lawyer is a he.... The best lawyer I have ever had is a she.

That youngster above will make a great lawyer someday. I apologize for my gender bias.

After I informed them of the video, they agreed to terminate the contract and return any funds paid. Also, they will pay to replenish the pond. Thanks for all your help!

Good for you. No doubt that is the way it should have been resolved. Also, nice to have another Hoosier aboard. Where in In are ya?

See - did not even need an attorney ! Be sure not to provide anyone with their name in a public fashion - don't want any defamation claims.

Good advice, although truth is an absolute defense!

Yes but , that is only a defense and does not help much when you have to pay someone to defend you even when you are innocent.
… an once of prevention type advice !

Bob - I'm in Rolling Prairie. NW Indiana.