Pond Goldfish Fungus

Question
My husband and I have a large, approximate 1500 gal pond in the back yard.  One of my 29 cent goldfish (who is now approx 6 inches in length got caught in a lily net that fell into the pond.  
He obviously had major abrasions along the side of his body and now is growing fungus, very think fungus in that area.  

I set up a 20 gal hospital tank.  I haven't had an aquarium for almost 10 years so my knowledge is a little rusty.  

We used well water, added stress coat two days ago.  Yesterday I added Jungle Tank Buddies Fungus Clear.  The only thing I could find during the day.  

The package says not to change the water for four days.  This doesn't seem right to me.  I don't really remember anything about pH testing, so any suggestions would be helpful.  

What can I be doing better?

Answer
Hi Tiffany;

Don't worry about pH and all that. I don't think it will be necessary because it's a temporary home for him.

The type of medicine in Fungus Cure has to stay in the tank without water changes in order to work. The problem is the tank is so new that there is no beneficial bacteria to keep the waste toxins down. What you might want to do is get some rocks from the pond and put them into the tank. They will have beneficial bacteria on them and maybe help with some of the toxins until the 4 days is over. After the four days, replace 50% of the water 3 days in a row. After that, replace 25% of it every 3 or 4 days. It will get rid of the medicine and keep the toxins low so he can feel even better.

Aquarium salt and Melafix are two very good natural things to use along with the Fungus Clear and after the four days are over. The salt helps inhibit further infection and give back electrolytes to the sick fish. The Melafix soothes irritated tissues and helps the damaged tissues regenerate. Use both according to the instructions on the label. Once you add the initial dose of salt, only add salt again when making a water change. The salt doesn't "decay" or become old like medicines do. When you make a 50% water change in a 20 gallon tank, only add back enough salt to treat 10 gallons. He should start looking better very soon

Let me know if there is anything more I can help you with or clarify...

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins