Balancing Pond PH the Easy Way
In order to determine how important pH can be to our ponds, we need to first remember what pH is. This means we have to go all the way back to high school chemistry class.
According to the Carlsberg Laboratory, pH stands for the power of hydrogen. It is basically a scale from 0 to 14 that measures the acidity or basicity level of an aqueous solution (a liquid with water as its base). Pure water is said to be neutral, having a pH of 7. A solution with a pH of less than 7 is said to be acidic while a solution with a pH greater than 7 is said to be basic (or alkaline).
As it relates to garden ponds, a safe range for your flora or fauna would be anywhere between 7.0 and 7.5. In order to test the pH level in your garden pond, I would recommend picking up a standard pool testing kit for $5 or so at your local "sell everything" store. They are very easy to use and last a pretty long time.
Usually, a pond owner shouldn't need to do anything to their water to maintain a stable pH. Remember water is naturally neutral. There are some regions where adjusting your pH may be necessary. If you find you have a lot of limestone in the ground around you, this may be a concern. If adjustment is necessary, remember, only adjust your pH levels in your pond about.2 units per day. Sudden changes in your ponds pH could result in the illness of even the death of your plants and fish.
Also remember the easiest method of maintaining your ponds pH is to keep it as clean as possible. Remove the leaves and sticks as they fall in and keep your water circulating. Always check your water after a storm or heavy rain! This is a time when water can become its most "disturbed".
Remember, the pH levels of your pond are fairly easy to check and maintain. With a little practice and a bit of courage, you can control the clarity of your pond with ease. Don't be afraid to get your hands a little wet and dig in!
According to the Carlsberg Laboratory, pH stands for the power of hydrogen. It is basically a scale from 0 to 14 that measures the acidity or basicity level of an aqueous solution (a liquid with water as its base). Pure water is said to be neutral, having a pH of 7. A solution with a pH of less than 7 is said to be acidic while a solution with a pH greater than 7 is said to be basic (or alkaline).
As it relates to garden ponds, a safe range for your flora or fauna would be anywhere between 7.0 and 7.5. In order to test the pH level in your garden pond, I would recommend picking up a standard pool testing kit for $5 or so at your local "sell everything" store. They are very easy to use and last a pretty long time.
Usually, a pond owner shouldn't need to do anything to their water to maintain a stable pH. Remember water is naturally neutral. There are some regions where adjusting your pH may be necessary. If you find you have a lot of limestone in the ground around you, this may be a concern. If adjustment is necessary, remember, only adjust your pH levels in your pond about.2 units per day. Sudden changes in your ponds pH could result in the illness of even the death of your plants and fish.
Also remember the easiest method of maintaining your ponds pH is to keep it as clean as possible. Remove the leaves and sticks as they fall in and keep your water circulating. Always check your water after a storm or heavy rain! This is a time when water can become its most "disturbed".
Remember, the pH levels of your pond are fairly easy to check and maintain. With a little practice and a bit of courage, you can control the clarity of your pond with ease. Don't be afraid to get your hands a little wet and dig in!
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