Articles related to keeping healthy fish, koi ponds, watergardens, landscaping and garden plants.
The Pond Nitrogen Cycle Nitrogen is essential for all living cells. The nitrogen cycle is the process by which decaying organic nitrogen compounds-and also specifically toxic ammonia waste- are oxidized. Establishing the nitrogen cycle is the key to maturing a new pond. At any time, ammonia and further-oxidized nitrogen compounds may be consumed by plants…
A winterizing checklist for backyard ponds in Wichita, Kansas & Midwest Great Plains Should I leave my pond pump on in the winter? If ice on your waterfall will cause water runoff or freeze-thaw damage to rocks, you must shut off your pump. If you shut off your pond, you must add a heater or…
After heavy rains and during the summer heat, the Wichita Municipal Water utilities add ammonia to the tapwater. This is done to keep the chlorine more stable, but it forms highly toxic CHLORAMINE! For example, I tested water from the faucet on September 8th, 2013 to find lethal ammonia levels between .25ppm and .5ppm! …
Quick Reference: All Aquarium Test Parameters I use and recommend API test kits for 3 reasons: They are simple to use They are cost-effective They are accurate enough for the average hobbyist Critical Parameters are the ones that are most important to check frequently because they can change quickly and have a drastic effect…
Procedures notes on testing In order to achieve the best results with SPS, there are only two factors that matter pertaining to water quality. Stability and Ionic Balance. To achieve both, you need two things: 1) to be diligent about testing and dosing 2) Reliable tests (and I don’t take these big companies at their…
