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Water Testing
There several characteristic of pond water that must be keep in certain parameters, in order to provide ideal conditions for your pond fish. The most important are PH ammonia, nitrate and nitrite. It is vital that you test your pond water for toxic waste and PH before introducing your fish, and if necessary take corrective action. It is also important to carry out regular tests of your pond water even when it has been stocked with your fish, so that any changes in the waters chemistry can be identified quickly and resolved before they lead to more serious problems.
Water's Ph
What is it?
Basically water from different places is classified as either acidic, neutral or alkaline, depending on the number of ions present i.e. the higher the proportion of hydrogen ions the more acidic the water.
Why is PH important to a fish's health?
Fish are most happy in water conditions with a specific and stable PH, The waters PH has many effects on the fish's life processes. Most fish have the ability to survive small or slow PH changes (i.e. under 0.5 PH per day). If the PH is outside the fishes normal range these conditions can be very stressful to the fish and increase the chances of the fish contracting disease. If the PH changes suddenly and greatly outside the fishes natural range this will lead directly to death.
Why does PH change in a Pond
In Ponds there are many natural process that are constantly changing the waters PH. For example biological filteration makes the water more acidic and strong plant growth make water more alkaline.
What is the ideal PH for Pond Water?
The Ph should be between 6.5 and 8.5. Outside of these levels fish will become stressed and susceptible to disease.
How often should the PH be tested?
The pond waters PH should be tested every two weeks to ensure it remains stable and has not moved out of the PH range required.
What if my PH is too high?
If your PH in your pond water is too high but not excessively high, you can use a PH adjuster* for alkaline ponds. This will slowly and carefully adjust the PH down to the correct value.
If the PH is Excessively high then a 25% – 50% water change with tap water will be required.
What causes High PH?
1) Excessive Plant Growth
2) Sever Algae Blooms
3) Unsealed concrete leaking alkaline lime into the water
What is my PH is to Low?
Again you can use a PH adjuster* for acid ponds. Or in an emergency change 25% – 50% of the water with tap water, preferably using a purifier*
What causes Low PH?
• Build up of waste of rotting material in the pond
• Overstocking your pond
• Insufficient partial water changes
Toxic Wastes – Ammonia, Nitrate and Nitrite
Why are Toxic wastes such a problem in garden ponds?
In larger natural bodies of water i.e. lakes the toxic wastes are diluted by the sheer volume of the water body. Or are naturally removed form the system.
However in a pond environment were the volume of water is much smaller, toxic waste accumulates very quickly to levels which are dangerous to your pond fish. Unless the pond is carefully managed
Where do these wastes come from?
The most significant waste matter is ammonia. This waste will quickly build up in ponds, as it is a natural by product from the dead garden plants, uneaten and pond fish faeces. It is also excreted from the fish as a by-product of the process of using protein for energy.
How do we get rid of these wastes?
Unfortunately for the pond keep there is a naturally occurring process which breaks ammonia down into slightly less toxic nitrite, which is then converted into an even less harmful compound know as nitrate. This process is carried out by bacteria within your pond filterbox. It is therefore very important that you filteration has matured adequately to handle these toxins * .
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