Hot do I get the ph balance right in my pond without using chemicals or getting rid of my fish?

Question

Hot do I get the ph balance right in my pond without using chemicals or getting rid of my fish?

Answer 1

Hi .. It will be a lttle trial and error.  You have to test the pH of your tap water to see where you stand to start with and like Bryan states you will have to use chemicals as with many fish tanks.

It will depend on how big the pond (volume of water) and how many fish as well and how often it is cleaned or part water removed and then replenished.  Aquarium shops will be able to help you out.

Answer 2

your going to need to use chemicals. just go to your local pet store and ask them what you can  use. a pond can be kept just like a small fish tank.

Answer 3

Regular testing will allow you to measure the ph of your water,  and know if things are not quite right.  

Ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels can fluctuate as part of the Nitrogen cycle within ponds, and fish and decaying matter in the water will all affect this.  You can facillitate this cycle with natural bacteria which will supplement those already within your pond, thus preventing use of chemicals or removing fish.  Remove any debris as you it occurs.  If you have a water filter, this will also help process decaying stuff,  and speed the process up.  

With a mature pond, you should generally see a fairly stable ph level,  though as your fish mature or breed you will get more waste being produced.  I add the beneficial bacteria regularly,  and this helps to keep things stable.  

If things are ever way out, ie. extreme cases, it may be wise to move some fish,  whilst the water is recovering its natural balance, though reintroducing them will increase the fish waste etc. This would help safeguard your fish, and protect their health - though is generally to be avoided.   Also ensure that you don't overfeed your fish, as this will produce more fish waste, as well as unused food that will decay.  

Some pond/aquarium suppliers will do free water tests for you, otherwise you can buy kits fairly inexpensively to do this for yourself.

Hope this helps.  Good luck!  Rob

Answer 4

If your fish are happy, who cares what the pH is. Some of my aquariums need specific water conditions to induce spawning but I've never checked my ponds. Now you made me curious and will check it out but won't do anything to change it. If it ain't broke....RScott