Water Quality Information

Maintaining the health of fish and plants is directly related to the quality of the water in which they live and grow. Most people assume that because their tap water is clean and clear that it is suitable for fish and plants.This is a major misconception.

Tap water is usually filled with chlorine and/or chloramines and other toxins that should be tested for prior to adding fish and plants to your pond.

Water conditions can be determined by testing for pH, ammonia, nitrite, and salt. It is also a good idea to test for nitrate and KH as well.

Most people that already have a pond understand the importance of water quality. However, new pond owners don't understand the importance and need to be educated prior to them adding fish and plant life to their ponds.

Most problems begin right from the tap. Tap water is full of disinfectants like chlorine and chloramines that are very toxic to pond life. Tap water often contains many heavy metals as well. Let's discuss the appropriate parameters for suitable fish and plant pond water.

Most people that are new to water gardening don't think about water chemistry. The best way to prevent problems is to test your pond water regularly for elements that are toxic to pond fish. These chemical imbalances in a water garden usually have no odor or visual signs until it's too late.

Another great preventative measure is to follow routine pond maintenance schedules for spring, summer and autumn. A common thread in all of these is the regular addition of beneficial bacteria.

Water Testing

Water Chemistry is important to understand. It is also important to keep track of your ponds ever-changing water quality readings. We offer a full line of water test kits and equipment.

When to test.
An established pond with healthy fish should be checked every month. It is only when you notice something out of the ordinary, and possibly during seasonal changes, that an additional test or two might be prudent.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. A simple test, at the right time, can prevent a minor problem from becoming a catastrophe.

When starting up a new pond or Bio-converter system, daily tests may be required until the converter comes on line, then weekly for a couple of months until the system has stabilized.

So what test kits do you need?

We offer water treatment products and water test kits to enable you to maintain a quality environment for your Koi.