Thanks fer the replys guys! I really want to get aeration going this year but so far the budget wont allow it. I agree with testing my water but how would i go about doing this? I am a rookie as far as pond analysis. Recommended ph level? What should i look for as far as a new pond must have?also the fhms were on the small size i thought, 1 - 1.5in. Shiners are 2in. I noticed alot more fhm than shiners dead although the dead fhm looked to be dead maybe a day or two.I am thinking something must be pretty bad to kill fhm like that