 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.
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