Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations I think I killed all my fish

I had a couple small issues getting started but nothing like what I’m having now..

Gills were slowly popping up and I THOUGHT it was from turning the aerator on too early from winter to spring. But it’s been warm enough that having it on now shouldn’t have been a problem. I’ve been running it a couple months now and added more fatheads I bought from the bait shop. The next day I noticed (what I think is all of them) have died. I haven’t noticed any more gills pop up but I also don’t know if any are left.. I’ve tried fishing a few times and no bites. I’m sickened. What a waste of life and money.

I just tested my ph yesterday and it was 9.6 and the day before it was 9.9. I want to get it fully tested for a full breakdown but the only thing I can think of, is the fish kill lined up with the heavy rains we got and maybe washed nutrients/ weed killers from the yard into the pond.? Idk. I planted all new grass last year since the pond was dug the year before that, and didn’t think it would be an issue. (And maybe it isn’t)

The pond looks so good right now too and from what I can tell is there’s no life in it besides snails and frogs, which I don’t know if they’re more resistant to ph changes? I don’t see any eggs frogs / toads yet. But last time this year I saw thousands of fry swimming around, now, nothing.

How much would it cost to have an expert take a look and help me fix this.

Get the water tested. Fast temp changes in the water can be a big problem.

Fatheads all dying is strange as they can take some pretty harsh conditions. It may be your runoff. How large and deep is it?

@tinylake and @ewest It’s maybe 25yrds x 20 yrds wide and 9 ft deep. Aeration at 9 ft and another at 3.5’. I understand I could’ve killed them by turning it on early but adding the fatheads properly in somewhat great weather / temps should’ve been no problem. Right?

Yeah I’ll have my water tested tomorrow and let y’all know what everything is at