Whiskey barrel pond gone wrong?

Started my whiskey barrel pond about three months ago. I began by scrubbing out the interior several times with water and scouring pad. Then I filled the barrel up and put some water hyacinth in (heard this would help filter out remaining toxins). Put rinsed river rock in the bottom, and bought more plants (anacharis, lily, water lettuce...). Month later I got an apple snail to help with algea and a couple goldfish. Fish die within a couple days (think they didn't have enough oxygen) and the snail is secreting an oily film. Water is cloudy. So I give up on fish (snail lives) and wait another month. Got mosquito dunks. Now I get two more fish and some dechlorinator. I use the recommended dose after changing out some of the water, but the fish are dead the next morning. Now there is a strange red slime on the insides of the barrel! Could this be caused by the dechlorinator? It's never been there before. And why can't I get this ecosystem stable? I have heard people who have no problems!

Whiskey barrel pond gone wrong?
I suspect the oil you think is from the snail may be leaching from the whiskey barrel. It is probably treated with a preservative. Just scrubbing will only take care of the surface and not what may be in the pores of the wood. Fish are VERY sensitive to the chemicals in water. You need to test the water for ph, ammonia, nitrates, etc and make sure the water in the barrel tests okay before adding the fish. You can bring water to a local pet store or garden center that carries pond supplies and they may test it for you. The water may require filtering/oxygenation also. You may need to line the barrel with some rubber pond liner to avoid getting any chemicals in the water. .

I recommend that you go to a garden center that carries pond supplies and get the lowdown on everything you need to be aware of before you try any more fish.
Reply:my suggestion would be.. go to a pond/ garden supply in your area.. Menard's, Lowe's, where ever... they sell pond liners that are like thing black garbage bags i would line you barrel with this.. reset up everything add i water pump to add o2 dont add fish.. then take a little of the water into a petsmart or petco and have them test the water.... from there then can tell you whats up with the water.. and if you can ad fish.. take the snail out .. although i dont know where you could put it.. do you or a friend have a fish tank it could live in for a while? good luck!!!!!

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