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Overview
Water
changes are imperative for the health and well-being of your fish. I
have found, through many years of trial and error, that weekly water changes of
10% provide the least amount of stress and most amount of benefits for your pond
fish. Koi on the other hand, will benefit more with more water changes and
thrive with a flow through water system.
Application
Werner's
Ponds
recommends the following: A 10% weekly water change and a one time 50% change in the
fall of the year. Drain the water from the pond first and then add the fresh
water. If you just overflow the pond, only 6% of the water will be changed,
since you're flushing out fresh and old water. If your fish noticeably perk up
after a water change, chances are your water changes are not frequent enough.
Topping
Off
It's not the same as water changes and over time, pollutants will concentrate in your pond, changing your water quality to a
deadly chemical soup. Heavy rains, unless they
last for 24 hours, will serve to add further pollutants to your pond as well as
changing the water chemistry, as rain is acidic and soft.
City
Water & Chlorine
City water treatment plants vary the amount of chlorine
and/or chloramines depending on the time of year and amount of rain. The very
best way to add water is to first put the water into a separate container add
your de-chlorinator and then test for chlorine. Use a good de-chlorinator such as
Amquel, Aqua Safe, or, if you
have a large pond, Sodium Thiosulfate is available from Aquaculture supply
houses. De-chlorinators should be added to the water before any fresh water is
introduced. Chloramines are a combination of Chlorine and
Ammonia. When you add your standard de-chlorinator, the Chlorine is eliminated, but the
Ammonia stays in the water until your bio filter converts it to more harmless
Nitrates. Only products that specifically mention Ammonia binding such as Amquel
(tm) will bind the Ammonia in a harmless state, until your bio filter bugs
can convert it.
Did
you know that even small amounts of Chlorine can eat away at your fish's gills,
weakening and stressing them?
Well
Water
If you have well water, de-chlorinators are
unnecessary, but, because well water contains very little, if any oxygen and
massive amounts of carbon dioxide, aerate or de-gas the water by means of a
trickle tower, shower filter, fountain or a garden spray wand when filling your
pond.
Flow through systems
These systems utilize varying
amounts of water flowing
through from a well or cistern or even an unpolluted brook. They are the
ultimate in fish keeping since the water is replenished constantly. If you have
access to a pure water source, this is the way to go.
Conclusion
Water changes should be an
integral part of your ponds maintenance schedule.
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