EP186: Saving Sick Fish w/ Dr. Erik Johnson

The Pond Digger Podcast

Eric and Leslie sit down with Dr. Erik Johnson. Dr. Erik is a veterinarian who has written many books on tropical fish, pondfish, goldfish, and Koi health and husbandry. After disappearing from the aquarium scene for over a decade, Dr. Erik is back with a new book called Saving Sick Fish. In this episode, he provides insights on the proper management of ponds and aquariums, fish health, and conservation. At the end of the discussion, he also answers some questions asked by the audience.

In this episode, they talk about:

• What led Dr. Eric to step away from the fish industry in the past, and what inspired his return

• Dr. Erik’s experience dealing with industry politics and misinformation in the past

• Details of Dr. Erik’s new book Saving Sick Fish – the inspiration, purpose, and what readers can expect

• Information and QR codes available on the book and how to utilise them

• About Dr. Erik’s first book, Koi Health & Disease

• Eric and Leslie got 501(c)(3) for their wildlife rehabilitation foundation

• Tips for koi pond/aquarium management

• Different pond filtration systems – ecosystem ponds versus dragster systems

• Various resources for addressing bacterial infections in koi

• The best source of medicated food for koi

• Using the book Saving Sick Fish as a training manual for your employees

• Eric’s passion for fish and how it led to his career in the water features and fish industry

• Method for treating turtles with broken shells, using stainless steel wire, duct tape, and silicone sealant

• Consequences of practising veterinary medicine without proper training or licensure

• How to approach fish care and treatment without making a diagnosis and liability

• A situation where trout in a backyard pond are struggling due to lack of oxygen and how Eric approached the situation

• Dr. Erik’s plans to write more books

Mentioned:

Saving Sick Fish Website: https://www.savingsickfish.org/

Saving Sick Fish private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/savingsickfish

Dr Erik Johnson Website: https://drjohnson.com/

Dr Erik Johnson on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erikjohnsondvm/

Dr Erik Johnson on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/erikjohnsondvm/

Dr Erik Johnson on TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@erikjohnsondvm

Dr Erik Johnson on X: https://twitter.com/erikjohnsondvm

Links to resources:

Book A Call With Triplett: Call with Triplett

The Pond Digger - https://theponddigger.com/

You can also check out The Pond Digger's products at:

http://helixpondfiltration.com/

TWT Contractor Circle

TWT Contractor Power Circle

And follow his adventures in the pond world at:

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok