testing water

[Carolyn]

Umm, exactly what should the pH, ammonia, and nitrite readings be? Never
tested before, never had problems before. I believe we are having problems
now because we have had such an unstable summer?

Carolyn

[Newbie Bill]

Ammonia and nitrites should be 0, nitrates do a water change at 20 - usually
not a problem if you have plenty of plants. pH should be 7.2 or higher.
Generally it is what it is, so long as it doesnt go acidic and it remains
STABLE. You will have some swings from dawn to dusk due to respiration but
readings at the same time of day should be very similar. The stability will
be maintained by your alkalinity (kH). This is a seperate test and should
be at least 80 ppm. "It always used to work" problems are frequently
because the pond has built up mulm and needs to be cleaned. Excessive algae
or heat can cause oxygen level problems.
HTH
Bill Brister

"Carolyn" > wrote in message
...
> Umm, exactly what should the pH, ammonia, and nitrite readings be? Never
> tested before, never had problems before. I believe we are having
problems
> now because we have had such an unstable summer?
>
> Carolyn
>
>

[Roy]

Most definaley this is kill file material if there ever was
any...........



On Wed, 01 Sep 2004 14:25:51 GMT, "Newbie Bill"
> wrote:

>===<>Ammonia and nitrites should be 0, nitrates do a water change at 20 - usually
>===<>not a problem if you have plenty of plants. pH should be 7.2 or higher.
>===<>Generally it is what it is, so long as it doesnt go acidic and it remains
>===<>STABLE. You will have some swings from dawn to dusk due to respiration but
>===<>readings at the same time of day should be very similar. The stability will
>===<>be maintained by your alkalinity (kH). This is a seperate test and should
>===<>be at least 80 ppm. "It always used to work" problems are frequently
>===<>because the pond has built up mulm and needs to be cleaned. Excessive algae
>===<>or heat can cause oxygen level problems.
>===<>HTH
>===<>Bill Brister
>===<>
>===<>"Carolyn" > wrote in message
...
>===<>> Umm, exactly what should the pH, ammonia, and nitrite readings be? Never
>===<>> tested before, never had problems before. I believe we are having
>===<>problems
>===<>> now because we have had such an unstable summer?
>===<>>
>===<>> Carolyn
>===<>>
>===<>>
>===<>


REMEMBER: "This is worth repeating for benefit of al newbies!
Jo Ann asked Dr. Sooooooooooooooooolow to remind people that while she has retired from selling GF (and sold
the business to Ken Fischer http://dandyorandas.com/) she has NOT retired from
helping people with sick GF and koi FOR FREE. 251-649-4790 phoning is best for
diagnosis. but, can try email put "help sick fish" in subject. Get your fish at Dandy Orandas
Dandy Orandas Dandy Orandas........you guys got that DANDY ORANDAS