The connection Between Fish Heath And Pond Water

The overall health of your pond life is determined by the quality of pond water in your garden pond. If for whatsoever reason the quality of pond water deteriorates then fish will in due course get sick. There are many chemical characteristics of water lsuch as ammonia, nitrate and PH levels that if not regular will make your fish far more likely to become sick. Prevention is better than cure is how garden pond keeper should manage their ponds. A garden pond owners main job is to maintain a healthy pond. Fish diseases can propagate very quickly. A common perception is that unclouded water is always healthy water, this is not always accurate.

pH Measurement

pH of a solution, in this case water is the measure of acidity or alkalinity. The pH scale normally in use ranges from 0 to 14. Neutral solutions will have a pH of 7, 7 or below is acidity and above 7 is alkalinity. Even in a healthy pond it is fairly normal for little changes in pH. Fish breathing, filter operation and water contamination all have an outcome on the carbon dioxide levels in the pond water. Impurities in tap water also lower the pH level and hence it is advisable not to use tap water if possible. There are products available that can be used to condition normal tap water. The ideal pH level for your garden pond is between 6.8 and 9.

Ammonia

Ammonia is converted into Nitrite by Nitrosomonas (Nitrosomonas is a genus of ammonia-oxidizing proteobacteria ) Nitrite is converted into Nitrate (plant food) by Nitrobacter (Nitrobacter is a bacteria that is an important part of the nitrogen cycle ). A garden pond with high ammonia levels is much more probable to make the health of its pond life deteriorate over time. Ammonia in a garden pond can be quickly reduced by checking the bio filter combined with various water changes. Over feeding is a cause of ammonia in a garden pond If there is any food left over after two minutes of feeding then you need to decrease the amount you are feeding your fish. In nature the levels of fish are dictated by quantity of food and therefore no ammonia concern, but in an contrived garden pond the amount of fish is determined by the pond keeper. So limit the amount of food and stocking levels.

For more Information regarding Backyard Fish Ponds please go to www.gardenfishpond.co.uk