How to treat Water Hardness in a pond
What does it look like?
- High test results
- Invisible issue
What are the fish doing?
- Gasping at the surface
- rapid gill movement
What should I do?
- Perform several small water changes with reverse osmosis or rainwater to bring the hardness down.
- Dose with Pond Guardian Tonic Salt to help support the fish's immune system.
- If your fish are gasping at the surface, increase oxygen levels by adding an air pump.
Why does this happen and how do I prevent it?
Water hardness is a measure of the total dissolved salt content in water or the quantity of certain metallic ions. E.g. calcium and magnesium. Water hardness and pH have a very important relationship in the pond. Fish require a stable pH to thrive and this is easier to provide when the KH (water hardness) level is high. Hydrogen ions cause the pH to drop. These are released as fish breathe and digest food. A high KH acts as a sponge to soak up these ions and prevent the pH from dropping.
Incorrect water hardness has a significant impact on fish and can affect their ability to maintain an internal balance of salt and water, their blood pH, kidney function and egg development.
If your tap water has a high KH then water changes should be used to prevent the KH from dropping too low. If your tap water has a low KH you can add a pH buffering substrate such as crushed cockle shells.
What treatment should I use?
Blagdon Tap Water Fresh Start
Blagdon Pond Guardian Pond Salt
Blagdon Wildlife Pond Tapsafe
Use with any of the above
Blagdon Complete Pond Dip Test Kit
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