Algae Bloom Causes Carbon Dioxide Levels To Rise

As oxygen levels in the pond water increase, the level of carbon dioxide decreases and vice versa. This is a natural process. Oxygen levels are at their lowest at dawn, due to the processes taking place in your pond over night. During the day as sunlight appears the level of oxygen rises, peaking when the sun sets. After sunset the carbon dioxide which is at its lowest at this time of day starts to rise, peaking just before sunrise. This continues day in and day out in your pond. It is important not to stop the levels of carbon dioxide, caused by green algae blooms from killing your pond fish.

Where Does Carbon Dioxide Come From?

In a pond environment Carbon dioxide is produced by aquatic pond life through respiration. It is also produced as a result of rotting organic matter on the pond floor, including decaying algae blooms.

Carbon Dioxide Causes Fish Fatalities

If your pond suffers from heavy algae blooms then there is always a chance that you will find dead fish, particularly in the morning, after algae bloom has filled the pond water full of carbon dioxide the previous night.

Carbon Dioxide Problems Are Lower In Winter

Oxygen levels in pond water are at their highest during the colder fall and winter months when there is significantly less biological activity taking place in your pond. There is an overall reduction in the level of nutrients (nitrates and phosphorous) present in the water. This is mainly due to the plant life and pond life producing less waste; the plants have stopped growing and pond fish feed less. There is also less sunlight resulting in algae populations diminishing.

It is also much easier for atmospheric oxygen to dissolve in cold water than it is for oxygen to dissolve in warm water.

Carbon Dioxide And Pond pH

The ideal pH for pond water is between a 7.5 and 9. Carbon Dioxide dissolves in water to produce carbonic acid. As a result the pond pH will drop and become more acidic as the carbon dioxide levels increase in line with the increased respiration from aquatic life. It is when the pH level drops and becomes more acidic that the potential for carbon dioxide problems increase.

Add Oxygen To Reduce Carbon Dioxide Levels

Garden ponds can never have too much oxygen. A well aerated garden pond will suffer considerably less from the catastrophic effects of high carbon dioxide levels, such as fish fatalities. Using a waterfall or pond air pump is the best way.

Pond Buffers Increase Pond pH Levels

A buffer is any substance that reacts with an excess of hydrogen ions (H+). The most commonly used buffer is Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) which is frequently used in garden ponds to prevent the pH from becoming acidic (pH less than 7). It is a good idea to add a buffer to your pond filter to prevent fluctuations in pH levels. The most commonly used buffers are limestone chippings, Cockleshell and even calcified seaweed. As long as you have calcium carbonate in your pond filter, your pond water will be protected against swings in pH.

Remember that a UV clarifier or UV sterilizer is the best way to control the build up of green pond water leading to algae blooms.

The full article can be read at http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/garden-pond-carbondioxidearticle.htm where you will find money saving advice and information to help you choose the right pond keeping equipment the first time around.

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