Ponds serve as beauteous canvases to any garden or outdoor dwelling, offering a home to many life forms while imparting much-needed stillness. Any healthy pond requires proper management of its water parameters. Here, we talk about the main water parameters to consider while caring for your pond.
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Ammonia
The toxic chemical substance called ammonia harms fish and all other aquatic organisms. Organic decomposition in the pond leads to the formation of ammonia through the breakdown of fish waste together with leftover food. Pollution monitoring of ammonium levels in your pond needs to happen repeatedly to confirm safe ammonia concentrations. Ammonia should ideally be zero in a healthy setting, but costs below 0.25 ppm are generally acceptable.
Nitrite
Nitrite is another toxic material for aquatic life. It arises in the pond from the transformation of ammonia by bacteria present. Like ammonia, it is equally important to frequently test nitrite in your pond to ensure it remains within safe limits. Safe nitrite is also zero, but up to 0.5 ppm levels are generally acceptable.
Nitrate
Nitrate is the final nitrogenous product within the nitrogen cycle and comes from the transformation of nitrite by bacteria in the pond. Nitrate is less toxic than the preceding two; however, high concentrations may adversely affect life. Frequent nitrate testing would ensure it is within acceptable limits in your pond. Therefore, a level below 50 ppm is desirable, while up to 100 ppm is relatively safe.
pH
The pH value indicates the acidity or basicity of your pond water. For aquatic life, the farther its pH strays from appropriate values, the sadder the fate of that life. Different types of water, therefore, have different pH requirements. As indicated, almost all ponds should ideally rest in a neutral to slightly alkaline pH range of 7.0 to 8.0. Thus, testing the pH of pond water regularly and taking measures to correct its value if found unsuitable are essential practices to maintain the ideal pH of the water body.
Dissolved Oxygen
Aquatic life survival in pond environments principally depends on enough dissolved oxygen within the water. Your pond’s oxygen levels are influenced by three elements: the pond’s temperature, water movement, as well as aquatic vegetation. Maintaining these three factors, regularly checking the oxygen level, and taking an appropriate management approach are necessary to maintain life successfully.
Hardness
Water hardness means how many minerals exist in pond water. Species of aquatic life need different levels of hardness in the water thus you need to maintain your pond’s hardness according to the specific species present. Water hardness must be tested frequently to make necessary changes until the desired hardness level is met.
Conclusion
Water parameters that can keep life functioning in a pond should be maintained. Regular checks on all water parameters of your pond are advantageous. It will keep the entire pond ecology healthier and aqua life thriving for many, many years.
