Koi Fish Pond Water Testing

As a part of good Koi fish pond maintenances practices, it is very essential to get the pond water tested at regular intervals to avoid annoying situations.

The following are some of the important tests and pond water quality standards, which if done at regular intervals will help to maintain a Koi fish pond at Ideal conditions.

TEMPERATURE - It is the first test to do on any pond to determine, the pond temperature. Even though Koi fishes will survive from 1.66 Deg C to 29.44 Deg C 35 To 85 F.
The ideal temperature for rearing Koi fishes is between 18.33 Deg C to 23.89 Deg C / 65 to 75 Deg F. Always use a reliable thermometer to get accurate readings. Since many factors like the dissolved Oxygen content depends on the temperature of the water accurate readings are important.

Test For pH
Is also commonly known as the Power of Hydrogen test / Acidity of Water, pH of 7 is neutral, anything below is acidic and anything above the pH value 7 and up to 14 is Alkaline. The ideal range for Koi fishes is between 7.5- 8.5 pH. The recommended and reliable test kits for this purpose is the API brand Freshwater master test Kit.

High Range PH (7.6 to 8.8)- Since Koi Fishes likes an Alkaline environment be sure to test high range ph also.

Both High and low pH levels are bad and often it can lead to fatalities.

Alkalosis is a Pond water condition which exists, where the pH of the koi fish pond water is 9.3 or higher. Some indications include excess slime production, isolation, fishes gasping at the pond surface, blood-streaked fins, resting on the bottom, and finally death. The Alkalosis state of koi fish is irreversible once the symptoms begin.

A condition known as Acidosis occurs when the pH is too low (5.5). The symptoms are similar to that of Alkalosis it can also end in a fatality in a matter of days.

This is one of the main reasons why it is important to test the Koi Fish pond water at regular intervals.

AMMONIA
Ammonia is generated by the fishes excretion, urine, plants and also from excessive fish feeding. Ideally, the free Ammonia level should be 0 i.e, 0.00 PPM If it reaches 0.20 mg/L or more your should take immediate steps to control the ammonia levels. It also indicates whether your biofilter is working as indented.
Partial water should be done immediately if any abnormalities are observed during the test. Water changes followed by the addition of fresh beneficial bacteria you can reduce the risk of ammonia damage to your fish.

NITRITE
Ammonia is converted into nitrites by good bacteria called Nitrosomonas, The safe level of Nitrite is Zero. Like ammonia, if the concentration reaches 0.20 mg/L or more your should take immediate steps to control the Nitrite levels. Partial water changes are a good method.

NITRATE
Nitrates are the final product of the nitrogen cycle that occurs in ponds. The best method is to have only the correct fish load in your pond and closely monitor the feeding and water parameters by regular testing.
The safe nitrate level for koi fishes is between 20-60 ppm, it is also the ideal range. If it is close to 70ppm you should start the process of partial water changes to reduce nitrates to a safe level. Nitrate above 120 ppm is very toxic this undesirable conditions should be avoided at any cost.

GENERAL HARDNESS
The general hardness of water is largely determined by the dissolved calcium and magnesium ions, It is referred to as soft if its general hardness is less than 8 – 10 °dH and as hard if it is above 10 °dH. Very low values are signs of poor general hardness in ponds. Which is not a recommended value.

CARBONATE HARDNESS (KH)
KH - Alkalinity (KH) range of 75 to 200 mg/L (ppm) CaCO3 is considered ideal, as water within these parameters will have good buffering capacity against pH fluctuations, and fish will have sufficient carbonate salts for healthy biological processes.
3 °dH is a good carbonate hardness level in ponds. Routine water changes will help to maintain carbonate levels in Koi fish Ponds.

PHOSPHATE
Phosphate is the building block of all life forms it plays a very important role, but an excessively high phosphate level can lead to an alga outbreak. It is advised to keep the phosphate levels to the bare minimum level.

The accumulation of sediment and low-quality fish feeds contributes to high levels of Phosphate in ponds. Routine water changes and sufficient vegetation in ponds can help keep the phosphate level in check.

OXYGEN / ORP
The Oxygen level in a Koi fish pond should be between 150 to 250 mV. The quantity of oxygen which is dissolved in pond water has direct relations with the water temperature. As the water becomes warmer the dissolved oxygen content becomes less.

Always do the ORP test during the early hours of the day as the oxygen content is lowest at this time of day. The most important equipment which helps in managing the desired Oxygen levels in your Koi pond is your Pond Air Pump. The Aerator pump shall never be switched off it should be and should be of very good quality build.

All of these levels are very important to the quality and health of your Koi fishes in your outdoor pond or indoor pond.

We are the best koi fish pond designers and builders in India, to find out more about what KJA & Sons Pond Services has to offer, check out our pond service website or call us. 

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