What to Test For?
pH- Most pond owners look for a pH of about 7.0 – 8.0 but here at Dreamscapes Watergardens, we tend to run at around a 9.0. Koi generally like a higher pH. The most important thing to note is that while 7.5 and 9.0 are both healthy, a swing in pH can most certainly shock and harm a fish. Thus it is important to acclimate fish properly no matter where you buy them or adopt them from.
Nitrite – Less toxic than ammonia, but still very toxic, we want our nitrite levels to be ZERO. Nitrite is the second stage of the nitrogen cycle and is the result of ammonia being broken down. In the spring, nitrite poisoning can be common if the conversions are not working properly.
Infrequently Tested:
Hardness – Koi do better in hard water because of the relation of salt within their bodies to the dissolved salts in the pond. Hard water allows koi to ease up on osmoregulation, and therefore reduce stress on your fish.
Phosphate – Another fertilizer for algae in your pond, its not uncommon to see it introduced from private wells. If algae is a problem, and all other things have been considered (water changes, feeding, filtration), we look at phosphates as a potential source for algae to grow from.
Copper – Generally only tested if you used a copper based medication or if you are currently using the Aquascape Ion Gen system. Copper at excessive levels will inhibit plant growth and can damage the skin and gills on your fish. If you notice your fish acting funky or even dying while the other levels are fine, test for copper and check your Iongen. Your Iongen should ONLY BE TURNED ON if string algae is present. If string algae is not present (such as in the spring) unnecessary Copper is released into the water and not absorbed.
So Now What???
Dreamscapes also carries a full line of pond supplies from water treatments and fish medications to pond pumps, heaters, fountains, plants and fish! Tadpoles and snails are also available at our Aquatic Retail Center in Lebanon, Pennsylvania seasonally while supplies last from May-August. If you think you need it, we have it!
Retail Hours: April 5th-October 27th 2018:
Monday-Wednesday: By Appt
Thursday-Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 9am-12pm
October 28th-April 2019: HOURS BY APPT
Contact Us
2155 State Route 343, Lebanon Pa | 717-272-6555 | [email protected]
Dreamscapes Watergardens services the city of Lebanon, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Cleona, Cornwall, Fredericksburg, Indiantown Gap, Jonestown, Kleinfeltersville, Mount Gretna, Myerstown, Newmanstown Palmyra, Quentin, Reistville, Richland, Schaefferstown of Pennsylvania, PA