Oxygen testing

[mrsclem]

Do any of you test oxygen levels and how do you test? I have a liquid test kit but not sure how accurate it is.

 

[crsublette]

I do not see why testing for dissolve oxygen levels would be beneficial for the context of goldfish/koi pond hobbyists. When good pond husbandry is practiced, that is not allowing too much plant decay, good water circulation and aeration (waterfalls are not sufficient aeration), then you should never have to worry about your dissolved oxygen. If you maintain some good healthy algae in the pond, then this will also significantly increase oxygenation as long as it does not "spontaneously" collapse, dieing, turning into plant decay that zaps the oxygen.

I have been using a Pinpoint DO Oyxgen digital meter, but my pond is starting to transition more into growing vegetables, rather than just goldfish/koi/fish, and this changes things a bit.

If you want to use a cheaper liquid test kit, then look into LaMotte's Dissolve Oxygen test kit.

Dissolve Oxygen (DO) is quite difficult to accurately test due to the fact the test sample is instantly contaminated once the water is moved. This is why the meters with probes give better readings since water does not need to be moved.

 

[mrsclem]

Thanks for the info Charles. Didn't think about the results being affected by removal of the water from the pond. Makes sense.
I had never used air pumps on the ponds before but lost my largest fish right after a storm. Air stones now running in both ponds-

 

[Demi Weston]

Good information is shared by Charles.
Thanks Charles it will be helpful for other forum members too.

 

[Dave 54]

Good information is shared by Charles.
Thanks Charles it will be helpful for other forum members too.

Tetra do a O2 test kit and you could also buy a digital version that tests for a number of things but are quite expensive to say the very least see link:-

http://www.absolute-koi.com/subcat335.html

Ph test kits :-

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=5163+5167+10489&pcatid=10489

http://www.pondkoi.com/water_testing_supplies.htm

Dave

 

[mrsclem]

Both ponds doing well- no more problems and I no longer freak out with storms. Air stones in both ponds and adding lots of crushed oyster shells to bring up water hardness. Tossing out the Tetra O2 test kit!