| Pond Water Quality . . . five important factors Return to top of page pH is a measure of acidity and alkalinity. A pH value of 7 is neutral; less than 7 is acidic and more than 7 is alkaline. The pH of pond water should never go outside the range 6.8 to 8.2. Ideally is should remain within the range 7.0 to 7.8. If the pH value is too high, use pH Value Minus to reduce the pH. To overcome low pH values, use Hardness Plus and Oxygen Stabiliser to increase the pH. As a preventative measure, also use Biostable Regulator which, among other things, will mildly increase and regulate the pH balance. Return to top of page This is principally a measure of dissolved Calcium and Magnesium salts. The Total hardness should be in the range 8° to 15° GH If the GH is too high it can be reduced by changing part of the pond water with unmineralised water (such as rain water which has been captured and stored in such a way that it has not come in contact with mineralising compounds). Tap water may be ok in some areas - but check its GH first! Failing this, the use of Biostable Regulator is recommended. If the GH is to low use Hardness Plus and Oxygen Stabiliser. Adding Biostable Regulator will help maintain an appropriate total hardness level. Return to top of page This indicates the pH buffering capacity of the pond water. It helps stabilise the water's pH level. To ensure adequate buffering, the CH value should be at least 5° CH (90 mg/litre or 90 ppm). If the CH level is too high (above 15° CH) use Biostable Regulator which, under these circumstances, will lessen the water hardness and help stabilise the pH level. If the CH level is too low, use Hardness Plus. Return to top of page The breakdown of organic waste in a fish pond produces ammonia – which is highly toxic; and/ or ammonium, which can be taken up by water plants as fertilizer. The first step in the conversion process (to eliminate ammonia/ ammonium) is to produce nitrite (which is also toxic – but no so toxic as ammonia). Ammonia occurs when the pH value of the pond water is too high; ammonium when it is too low The presence of nitrite is an indication of a serious disturbance in the bacterial balance of pond water. To treat this imbalance, and before adding fish stock to the pond, use Oxygen Stabiliser, Starter Bacteria and Biostable Regulator. Return to top of page The next phase in the conversion cycle (often referred to as the nitrogen cycle) is to convert nitrite to nitrate. Nitrate is only toxic in very high concentrations, and is taken up as a nutrient by pond plants. The use of the treatments indicated above will initiate and support this process.
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