September 18, 2009

Essential Tests For Garden Fish Ponds

First of all you need to know the approximate volume of water in your pond before you are able to determine the number of fish your pond can hold, the amount of water that equates to say a 15% water change and before you are able to use feeding products and pond-maintenance products properly.

Why Test Pond Water pH?

There are many different factors that affect the quality of the water. In terms of fish ponds the pH is commonly talked about! A pond will be either neutral (pH of 7), acidic (pH less than 7) or alkaline (pH greater than 7).

Factors such as acid rain, minerals leaching from soil, rotting vegetation and aquatic life waste matter all have an effect upon the pH of the pond. In general an acceptable pH range is between 6.8 to 7.8 for the majority of aquatic plants and pond life. Extreme pH levels either below or above this range should be treated quickly.

Factors Causing Low pH In Garden Ponds

As the aquatic community within your pond grows you will notice that the pH becomes acidic i.e. below a pH of 7. This is normal as long as it isn't allowed to dip below 6.8, as this causes stress related problems within many fish species, particularly Koi.

The full article can be read at ...
http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/Newsletters/newpondwatertesting.html ...

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