Bait Store Goldfish Die in New Pond: Source, Quarantine & Ick Cycle

3 large goldfish from bait store → 2 jump out, all get white spots (Ick), 2 die, 1 dying. Bait fish = diseased. Quarantine skipped. Pond re-infected.

Why Bait Fish Fail

• Culls, runts, diseased — sold as bait because unsaleable as pets.
• High parasite/pathogen load.
• Stress of capture + transport + new pond = outbreak.

Rescue Protocol

1. Treat pond for Ick 2 more rounds — kills hatching tomites.
2. Salt to 0.3% — supports fish, slows parasite.
3. Aeration max — meds lower O₂.
4. Source healthy fish: Reputable pond store, not bait shop.
5. Quarantine 4 weeks — every fish, every time.

Restart Rules

• Don't feed new fish 3–4 days — bacteria catch up.
• Salt at optimal level — reduces transition stress.
• Test water from pond at store — verify.

Bait fish brought Ick. You treated once — need 2 more cycles. Buy from a pond dealer. Quarantine. The pond will heal.