There is no harm in checking often. As you gain experience, these checks do not need to be as often. Time and success will tell you how well you are doing. A good balanced system comes with experience.
Do you test your water?
- Thread starter DoDad
- Start date
I tested the first year and had panic attacks and added salt and soda and all sorts of strange stuff! but not in the last 3 years.
Naturalizing and well-circulating a large amount of water has seemed to take care of everything, though if my fish were ever to start acting up i'd look into it for sure.
Naturalizing and well-circulating a large amount of water has seemed to take care of everything, though if my fish were ever to start acting up i'd look into it for sure.
oldmarine
Married 32 years
Same here. Thanks for sharing, I use the same method.
I tested my ammonia, pH, nitrites, and nitrates while the pond was getting established. Didn't bother testing KH or GH, as the water out of the tap is perfect (80ppm).
After the fish had been in for a couple of months, and never even any indication of a cycle (the plants seemed to take care of everything!), I stopped testing.
I haven't lost any fish due to disease.
In the spring, if they breed and my bio load thus goes up, I'll probably test the water once a week for awhile until it stabilizes.
After the fish had been in for a couple of months, and never even any indication of a cycle (the plants seemed to take care of everything!), I stopped testing.
I haven't lost any fish due to disease.
In the spring, if they breed and my bio load thus goes up, I'll probably test the water once a week for awhile until it stabilizes.
All said and done in my situation KH is the most important to me.
right. because you have a bead filter...
That and the fact that I am positive I won't have a pH crash.
Zone 8a, Chiligirl?!?! Must be on the island, mon! I'm a lucky 2b, so they say...though my zone 4 plants disagree.
Plants are hugely benefitial, don't you think? I just think of the number of still natural ponds around me just loaded with plants and critters and clear water.
Plants are hugely benefitial, don't you think? I just think of the number of still natural ponds around me just loaded with plants and critters and clear water.
Not on the Island, in Chilliwack (East of Vancouver). It's a balmly 53F outside right now (12 Celcius). Pond is sitting at around 57F.
Intitially I agree, over time, it is best to check periodically unless you are doing regular water exchanges.
Just because a pond is clear and the ph, ammonia, kh ad gh readings are good that doesn't mean your water is in great shape.
I don't think anyone on this forum has ever suggested a 100% water change to anyone for any reason.