Testing the Water in your New Koi Fish Pond

The most important step you can take before adding plants or pond inhabitants is to test the water.  Good water quality is essential to the success of your pond.  Also you will want to iconicon periodically test the water in your Koi pond after it has been established to avoid any potential threats such as high ammonia or nitrate levels.  Be especially cautious after a storm in the event runoff has polluted your pond.

 
When I first filled my Koi  fish pond with water, I knew it had to be tested as  it could contain chemicals and minerals that might be toxic to my Koi as well as my pond plants.  I have well water which contains hydrogen sulfide so I needed to use extra aeration.  During the summer, my Koi pond experiences evaporation, so I also test it when I add water.   If you live in the city, there is a good possibility that your water could contain other chemicals such as chlorine, chlorine dioxide, or ammonia.  You will need to test your pond water for these chemicals  You can rid your new Koi pond of chlorinicone by simply allowing the water to stand for a few days, but that won't eliminate chlorine dioxide or chloramine.  Those will require chemical treatment.

Therefore, because of the concern for contaminates, after filling your new Koi pond, but before introducing plants and fish, test the water.  Most pond dealers, garden suppliers, and pet shops carry test kits for these and other problems, such as the PH level or nitrates.  The pH tester shown at right also shows the water temperature.  You can buy it now by clicking on the picture.  These water- testing kits usually come with instructions on correcting any problems you may come upon.
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The most user friendly test kits contain test strips along with a chart to measure the strips against, as shown at left.  Once the strip has been dipped into your pond water it will change color.  When icon testing,  you need only to compare that color with that of your chart to get an idea of your icon pond water conditions.  Also, many pond dealers and pet shops offer water-testing services and can advise you on how to best treat the water in your Koi fish pond.