My test results.
- Thread starter 420benz
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I just went through the start-up of my first pond. Lots of testing until all the tests were right. Added fish and NO2 went to max over night. It was panic city until I got advice to add Prime. That knocked it down to zero for 24-48 hrs then it rose again but not as far. Added prime again and that time NO2 stayed down and it has all been perfect since. My theory is I had bacteria to handle the ammonia but the NO2 bacteria were not that far along. So, my advice on meager experience is get the ammonia to zero, then add some fish and test and be ready with enough prime to handle any nitrite or ammonia level rises.
To get a better answer from the folks here you need to give some info on your pond: description of pond, bog, filtration, pumps, aeration and how many fish you want to add to start. I added five, 4 inch shiniest (they were on sale 5 for $40.00). That was to much for my 1200 gallon pond with bog, skimmer and waterfall. See my pond today in picture. Water is still green but all tests are great. Fish are so happy!
To get a better answer from the folks here you need to give some info on your pond: description of pond, bog, filtration, pumps, aeration and how many fish you want to add to start. I added five, 4 inch shiniest (they were on sale 5 for $40.00). That was to much for my 1200 gallon pond with bog, skimmer and waterfall. See my pond today in picture. Water is still green but all tests are great. Fish are so happy!
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Your nitrogen cycle is only just beginning. It could take another couple months to complete. Maybe even longer if you're running UV. Patience.
The day you filled your pond you could have added fish. How long did you wait as a kid to put goldfish in a bowl? Just because someone says it loud enough and often enough does not make it a fact. Things get repeated over and over again on the internet. Fish are fish and these are not rare tropical fish, they are carp.
Yes, you can add a fish. You need something in the pond to get the cycle going. You can do it fishless or start with one, small goldfish.
Me too, I originally thought you had fish. Yes, add fish. That will 'kick start' the cycle. Your pond is beautiful. Please package it up and send it to me.
If you are talking about small goldfish, the size you would put in a fishbowl you could add 20 and it wouldn't make a hill of difference. They are small and grow very slowly. On the other hand, if you are talking about koi then one would be the limit from what I can tell from looking at the picture. Just don't try and overthink things.
bettasngoldfish
Maria
Just remember ammonia and nitrite (which will show up after ammonia) are both toxic to fish.
I would suggest using Prime by Seachem. It will help protect the fish while your filter matures.
I would suggest using Prime by Seachem. It will help protect the fish while your filter matures.
[B]bettasngoldfish[/B]: What do you mean until my filter matures? Are you saying not to backwash. If i don't backwash once a week the pond gets cloudy.
What should my readings be when the pond is finely cycled?
What should my readings be when the pond is finely cycled?
bettasngoldfish
Maria
Here is some good info (even though on a koi site it still pertains to goldfish or any other fish for that matter)
http://www.koihealth.info/nitrogen-cycle.html
While in the process of cycling/maturing your pond it's best not to clean the filter. You want to give the bacteria a chance to grow. The cloudy water is a normal part of the cycle. If left alone it will clear up on its own as things balance out.
Once the pond is mature you should have zero ammonia, zero nitrite, and 20-40 nitrate (although it could be much lower depending on stocking levels, feeding schedule, and how many live plants you have to use up the nitrate)
http://www.koihealth.info/nitrogen-cycle.html
While in the process of cycling/maturing your pond it's best not to clean the filter. You want to give the bacteria a chance to grow. The cloudy water is a normal part of the cycle. If left alone it will clear up on its own as things balance out.
Once the pond is mature you should have zero ammonia, zero nitrite, and 20-40 nitrate (although it could be much lower depending on stocking levels, feeding schedule, and how many live plants you have to use up the nitrate)
bettasngoldfish
Maria
Do you have any fish in the pond?
How long have you been up and running?
How long have you been up and running?
bettasngoldfish
Maria
I would go ahead and dose with prime so the ammonia isn't dangerous to your fish. You should continue to use it until you see ammonia at zero and then once you see nitrite and it goes back to zero you can stop dosing (the bottle says every 48 hours but I have always done every 24)
Keep using your test kit so you know when your cycled. Then you will be ready to add more fish.
Keep using your test kit so you know when your cycled. Then you will be ready to add more fish.