Complete system for testing both tap and pond water. Contains four essential tests to protect fish from dangerous water conditions. Tests include: pH, ammonia, nitrite, and phosphate. Each kit contains an instruction book, improved color cards for easier reading of test results, four test tubes and a holding tray.
Please click on "More Information" for instructions for use.
| Instructions for the Wide Range pH Test|
Why Test for pH?
pH is the measure of acidity or alkalinity in water. A pH reading of 7.0 is neutral, a pH higher than 7.0 is alkaline and a pH lower than 7.0 is acidic. A healthy pond depends on proper pH balance. Many factors can significantly alter pond water pH, creating an unhealthy environment for pond life. Acid rain, minerals leaching from soil or rain runoff, decomposing plants and animal waste can all contribute to unstable pH levels in the pond.
A pH of 7.0 is considered ideal for plants and fish in the pond. Some species of pond plants, such as water lilies and water hyacinths thrive in slightly acidic water below 7.0. Pond fish prefer an alkaline pH above 7.0. Therefore, an acceptable pH range is between 6.8 and 7.6. Extreme pH levels above 7.6 or below 6.8 should be avoided.
Nearly all ponds tend to turn slightly acidic (between 6.8 and 7.0) as the pond life develops. A pH below 6.8 will stress pond inhabitants. A low pH may be caused by increased carbon dioxide concentrations, overstocking with fish, or poor surface agitation. Proper fish stocking as well as adequate pond filtration or fountains will correct carbon dioxide buildup and help stabilize pH.
A low pH (acidic water) may also be caused by decomposing organic matters, solid waster from fish and birds, and decaying vegetation. The use of PondCare Pond-Zyme Plus with Barley (#907039 & 907052) or PondCare ECOFIX (#11762, 11874, and 24820) and regular pond maintenance will help to eliminate stressful pH fluctuations.
Directions for Testing pH
Instructions for the Ammonia Test
Newly set up ponds need time to develop the biological filter. Until sufficient numbers of nitrifying bacteria grow in the pond, ammonia will be detected. Overstocking the pond with fish, uneaten fish food, and decomposing vegetation can cause excessive ammonia. Ammonia is highly toxic to all pond life.
What the Test Results Mean
In established ponds, the ammonia level should always be zero. Ammonia levels above 0.5 ppm indicate possible overfeeding, overstocking of fish, or excessive decay of organic matter. The elevated ammonia level is not necessarily an indicator of the nitrite level. The nitrite level should be tested separately on a regular basis.
Directions for Testing Ammonia Levels
Instructions for the Nitrite Test
Newly set up ponds have not developed sufficient nitrifying bacteria to detoxify ammonia and nitrite. Ammonia and nitrite will accumulate when the pond is initially set up, especially if fish are added. Overstocking with pond fish, as well as excessive uneaten food and decomposing vegetation can cause excessive nitrite levels. Some pond plant fertilizers contain nitrite or ammonia. Nitrite is highly toxic to pond fish.
What the Test Results Mean
In an established pond, the nitrite level should always be zero. A nitrite level of 0.25 ppm, or higher, indicates possible overfeeding, overstocking, of fish, or excessive decay of organic matter. The elevated nitrite level is not necessarily an indicator of the ammonia level. The ammonia level should be tested separately on a regular basis.
Reducing Nitrite Level
Protect Fish from Nitrite Toxicity
Directions for Testing Nitrite Levels
Instructions for the Phosphate Test
Directions for Testing Phosphate