LaMotte pH Test Kit
This is a measure of hydrogen ion concentration, or more simply, whether the solution is acidic or basic. Units 0 to 6.9 are referred to as ...
PondCare pH Test Kit
Liquid Wide Range pH Test Kit from Pond Care Quickly and accurately measures the pH of pond water, reading pH levels from 5.0 to 9.0. Mak ...
Tetra pH Freshwater Test Kit
It’s important to monitor the pH value of your pond. That’s because a pH value of 6.5 to 8.0 will suit most species of freshwater aquarium fis ...
YSI pH 10 Pen
YSI's pH 10 provides the ultimate features in the pen instrument market. The pH 10 pen features an easy-to-use graphic interface, simple one-hand oper ...
pH Tests
The pH range of 6 to 8.5 is acceptable for most pond life. The primary concern with pH is its direct relationship to the toxicity of ammonia and nitrite. Each pH interger above the neutral 7 reflects a tenfold increase in such toxicities.
Any pH value below the neutral 7 is considered acidic. Baking soda or ground limestone will raise the pH level.
pH values over 8.5 will definitely stress the fish to the point of disease. We receive some calls where the pond owner claims to have a pH reading of 9.0 or more, and the cause for this is cement or mortar leeching toxic lime into the water. Bricks or untreated mortar blocks used as plant pedestals, run-off water, and reconstituted materials used in or around the pond may be washing in leeched lime which can cause severely high pH readings.
We suggest you use a commercial lime neutralizer or a nontoxic pool sealant paint if you have a concrete pond.
If the pH is normally high in your tap water, we suggest obtaining more suitable fish for your pond, such as the common goldfish, shubunkin, or comet goldfish. These fish can tolerate higher (non-toxic) pH levels.