new water-fall & pond

Question
Hi Robyn,
Our pond was installed last week. It's main body is 3x4x3. Foam has formed on top of the water. One of the four fish  =died. Is that normal when the pond is new? Does the water need to stablize? Is there a skimmer that we need? Do we need to agitate the water to help keep it clean? Thanks so much for being here to answer our questions!
Vince & Jacqueline

Answer
Congratulations on your new pond!  It is not normal for a new pond to foam or for healthy fish to die.  What is your pond made of (liner, cement, etc.)?  If your pond is cement, that would explain it as without first been treated with acid, it would cause foaming and a deadly pH spike.  If it's a liner pond, then the foam is probably coming from something in or around the pond.  Is there any cement, limestone, fresh mulch, dirt, etc. in or around the pond?  I suggest doing some small water changes and putting fresh carbon into the filter.  If you don't have a filter, I suggest getting a pump and filter to filter and aerate the water.  That will help a lot.  Also, check your pH, hardness, ammonia, and nitrite levels to see how they are.  The pH should be 7 to 8.  The hardness should be moderate but lower is okay (mine is low).  The ammonia and nitrite should be zero.  Check out my site for more pond information.  Good luck!

Robyn
fishpondinfo.com