GH & KH levels

[mrsclem]

I just finished cleaning the filters in both ponds ( I admit it was a couple of weeks overdue.)
I noticed the fish are just setting on the bottom so I tested the water. Ammonia, nitrate & nitrite levels at 0. Ph at 7. GH & KH also at 0. MIne are normally in the 180- 240 range. I tested 2 times and got the same results. Household water tested at 180.What could cause a drop in these readings?

 

[mrsclem]

Update- Did a 25% water change on both ponds with dechlor. One pond now reads GH 120 & KH 80, the other 60 & 80.

 

[addy1]

Well glad you got it fixed mrsclem! and your fish are probably very happy with you.

 

[stroppy]

it might have been because your filters as you say were over due a clean, or as much as i know about them it can be because of leaves and stuff in the bottom of your pond, i do know that if they go to low they can leed to a crash in your ph, sorry i wasnt much help :0)

 

[DoDad]

Your filters will use up the kh but gh should never change except when it rains.

 

[mrsclem]

Thanks everybody. Dodad, we did have heavy rain a couple of weeks ago, 19". Ihadn't done a water change since as I figured that would do it. I guess I will start testing my water every week again.

 

[DoDad]

You've go to watch that rain water it can give you a pH swing that will kill your fish. I always keep my kh between 150 and 200 with baking soda.

 

[koiguy1969]

exactly right.. especially large rains if your near large industrial areas...acidic rain can equal a ph crash!! ive seen mine go from 7.2 to 6.8 ...baking soda was the cure
( i am just outside detroit)

 

[mrsclem]

My ph only changed from 7.5 to 7.0. Will baking soda increase GH & KH or just adjust ph?