Chlorine Burn in Koi: Emergency Dechlorination

Chlorine Burn in Koi: Emergency Dechlorination

Grandson's 8-inch koi floating sideways after garden hose left running hours in yard pond. 3 goldfish dead, 8 ok. Moved to 30-gal established tank. Asked if oxygen helps or fish doomed.

Chlorine Damage

• Burns gills → respiratory distress.
• Added oxygen + stress coat helps healing.
• Severe burns = irreversible.

Critical: Dechlorinator on Hand

• If caught within 2 hours, dechlorinator often saves fish.
• Keep bottle by pond always.
• Act fast — damage is time-dependent.

Current Care

• High aeration (air stone).
• Stress coat / slime coat replacement.
• Clean water, no feeding until stable.
• Monitor for secondary infections.

Survival depends on exposure duration and concentration. Oxygen helps but isn't a cure. Prevention is key.