API Freshwater Master Liquid Test Kit

Important Information

Why Test for pH?
pH is the measure of acidity or alkalinity in water. A pH reading of 7.0 is neutral, a pH higher than 7.0 is alkaline and a pH lower than 7.0 is acidic. A healthy pond depends on proper pH balance. Many factors can significantly alter pond water pH, creating an unhealthy environment for pond life. Acid rain, minerals leaching from soil or rain runoff, decomposing plants and animal waste can all contribute to unstable pH levels in the pond.

A pH of 7.0 is considered ideal for plants and fish in the pond. Some species of pond plants, such as water lilies and water hyacinths thrive in slightly acidic water below 7.0. Pond fish prefer an alkaline pH above 7.0. Therefore, an acceptable pH range is between 6.8 and 7.6.

Why Test for Ammonia?
Ammonia is a toxic waste excreted into the pond by fish, birds, and other pond life. The natural process that controls ammonia in the pond is called the biological filter. The biological filter is comprised of nitrifying bacteria that use ammonia as a food source to grow and reproduce. The nitrifying bacteria convert ammonia to nitrite (also toxic), which in turn is converted into non-toxic nitrate. A healthy pond has no detectable ammonia.

Newly set up ponds need time to develop the biological filter. Until sufficient numbers of nitrifying bacteria grow in the pond, ammonia will be detected. Overstocking the pond with fish, uneaten fish food, and decomposing vegetation can cause excessive ammonia. Ammonia is highly toxic to all pond life.

Why Test for Nitrite?
Fish, frogs, birds, and other pond animals release solid waste into the pond water. This waste is turned into toxic ammonia. Nitrifying bacteria in the pond convert toxic ammonia to nitrite (also toxic). Nitrite is then converted to nitrate.

Newly set up ponds have not developed sufficient nitrifying bacteria to detoxify ammonia and nitrite. Ammonia and nitrite will accumulate when the pond is initially set up, especially if fish are added. Overstocking with pond fish, as well as excessive uneaten food and decomposing vegetation can cause excessive nitrite levels. Some pond plant fertilizers contain nitrite or ammonia. Nitrite is highly toxic to pond fish.