How to Agitate Fish on the Bottom of a Pond

It becomes necessary to agitate your bottom hanging fish when you notice a high rate of fish kill in your pond. Since different species of fish require different water temperatures, at certain times of the year the fish may congregate at the bottom of the pond. Difficulties arise in ponds that are not properly aerated, which means oxygen is not reaching the bottom layer, and the fish begin to suffocate. Agitating them off the bottom is achieved by providing them with adequate oxygen so that they carry on normally.

Things You'll Need

  • Thermometer
  • Bottom aerator
  • Bush hog
  • Outboard motor
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check the temperature of your pond. Water temperatures not suited to the species you have chosen are problematic. If you find this to be the case, the best way to get your fish swimming and feeding again is to re-stock your pond with a species able to tolerate your climate's water temperatures.

    • 2

      Aerate the water with an automatic aerator. A bottom aerator forces air from the surface to the bottom of the pond. From the bottom, bubbles rise to the surface, properly aerating the different layers of water and delivering oxygen to lethargic fish.

    • 3

      Aerate in emergency situations by backing a bush hog up to the pond and allowing the spinning blades to skim only the surface of the pond. Or use a small outboard motor with the propeller wash directed to the center of the pond to adequately aerate for a short period of time.