Well be careful what you ask for, because here I am (just kidding). I was unaware of this site until receiving a very polite phone call within the past hour requesting us to join. As for the supporters on this forum, I thank you. As for others I hope we can formidably discuss the matter at hand and in turn possible educate each other. Having been in this business for 40 years, I have touched the iceburg on hybrids (especially the Georgia Giant). I will defend this fish to the death as it does reproduce (with the offspring being F-2, then F-3, then F-4...). It generally takes about 10 generations for this fish to revert completely to the size of it's "parents", but customers should never see this if predator fish are introduced to control the population. Any pond can become overpopulated if no predators exist. As for the fish kill itself, absolutely nobody on this forum or otherwise (including myself) could give you an exact answer without #1 testing your water and #2 actually looking at a sample. As for the "septic tank condition" metioned above, I was referring to possible high concentrations of ammonia that would be in the pond from any organic decay. I apologize to the customer who started this discussion if I did not explain your test thoroughly in the beginning. Here at the hatchery we test for water hardness, alkalinity, pH, and ammonia. We also dissect fish for internal parasites, bacterial infections, or external parasites (on live fish only). Sump pumps and bottom diffusers can't produce the much needed oxygen for the fish to survive. Oxygen is at its lowest right before the sun rises, on hot summer days, and on overcast days. If you will research true aeration systems (for up to three acres)on the net, you will find that our Aquarius aerator with a price of $648.95 is extremely reasonable. Again I want to apologize to the original author of this letter. Our job here is to aid you, not to discourage or disappoint. Please give us another try. If you are close by and can bring in another sample, and possibly even a fish, we will do whatever we possibly can to get you through this. There is nothing worse than to see fish floating in what you believed to be an otherwise healthy pond.

Do fish actually kiss?