We have a 5,000 gallon pond which is in need of lots of care. We have had it for over 20 years, and in the past few years, have not maintained it well at all. Most of the water lilies have died and we need to replace lots of those to have shade for the fish, and also cover the surface to help with algea formation. We pump water to 2 large rubbermaid containers fitted with special brushes imported from Japan to trap debris. We also run a large Rainbow double barrell UV sterilizer.

Our son is using a pond vac to clean the bottom and will be done with that in a few days. He noticed that some of our goldfish have body fungus on them. We have pulled 5-6 deal goldfish out of the pond in the past month, so I know the water quality is poor. The pond has maybe 100 goldfish and 3 large 2.5'-3' koi. Some smaller koi as well. I know we need to remove some goldfish and find a safe area to release them in, since the over population of the pond is causing alot of the problems. We have a golf course nearby where my husband knows the owner and he says it would be fine with him to release the fish in a pond there. But the chemical runoff worries me. There are wild fish in there, but will the goldfish be fine?

Years ago, when I was taking better care of the pond, I would add salt to the water. How much salt should I add to 5,000 gallons? It has not had salt added in maybe 15 years. I am ashamed that we have not taken care of the pond, and am committed to taking on the responsibility once again. The last time I put it in, I poured a box of kosher salt in it-it was a 3# box. If someone could tell me which salt to buy, and where (I need to find an inexpensive salt, since I will be buying so much). I also need to know how much to add, since I do not want to over salt. I have read some threads here, warning against oversalting. When I googled the subject this morning, it was suggested that 2.5 cups be added to every 100 gallons. That sounds way too high, and just doesn't sound like good advice-this is the problem with the internet. We have half of the pond drained, in order for our son to clean the bottom, and will be adding new well water which we have used for years, when we refill it. So it won't be city water. Even though we have had this pond for years, I realize that I need to change the way we are doing things, and take better care of it. I know that I need some direction with a few of the questions which I have asked, and appreciate anyone's help.