new filter

[steve s]

Last monday I replaced my old filter with a new kockney 4000litre model. I put brushes in the first compartment under the inlet, Japanese matting in the second compartment and alfagrog in the third and fourth. I checked my Nitrate and ammonia levels yesterday and they were high, obviously because the bacteria has built up enough. I am just wondering how long it usually takes for the bacteria in the filters to build up again. Ihave roughly a 1000 litre pond? Also will the fish be ok Ive done the partial water change and am leaving my air pump on so theres plenty of oxygen.

 

[addy1]

Just keep an eye on the levels, change the water if they get to high. Since your pond has been running it shouldn't take as long as a new pond to get cycled again.

 

[Koilady]

Hi Steve. It usually takes about four to six weeks for the good bacteria to start building up in the filter to start removing ammonia and nitrites from the water. They say that by adding some live bacteria to the pond it takes about two weeks off of the growing period of the bacteria.

Your's Koily, Lorraine

 

[fishin4cars]

Your pond should already have bacteria growing in it, but as stated it can take from 4-6 weeks before the new filter media really gets going. Keep a eye on your ammonia and nitrites, If they start to climb do water changes to keep them in check and the filter will catch up very soon. Also as stated adding a good beneficial bacteria supplement won't hurt and could speed the process up some.

 

[steve s]

Thanks for the replys. My ammonia and no2 have climbed so I will do a water change now. 4-6 wks is longer than I thought it would take. My no2 is between 0.3-0.8mg/l do you think this could kill my new small koi?

 

[addy1]

Here is a good link on pond chemistry

http://users.vcnet.com/rrenshaw/H2Oquality.html


Whenever 0.25 ppm of Nitrite or more is detected in a pond:

1. Increase aeration to maximum. For a Nitrite level of 1 ppm or greater, add supplemental air, if possible.
2. Stop feeding the fish if detected in an established pond, reduce amount being fed by half if starting up a new bio-converter/pond.
3. Discontinue use of any UV Sterilizers, Ozone Generators, and Foam Fractionators (Protein Skimmers).
4. For a Nitrite level less than 1 ppm, conduct a 10% water change out and add 1 pound of salt per hundred gallons of changed water.
5. For a level between 1 and 2 ppm, conduct a 25% water change out and add 2 pounds of salt per hundred gallons of changed water.
6. For a level greater than 2 ppm, conduct a 50% water change out and add 3 pounds of salt per hundred gallons of changed water.
7. Retest and repeat above in 24 hours.
8. For Nitrite levels of 4.0 or greater, consider transferring fish.

 

[stroppy]

i would do small water changes daily ... and cut down on feeding till your filter is up and running

 

[steve s]

Thanks for the advice . Ive put an extra stone in so hopefully theres plenty of oxygen. Will continue with the water changes. Thanks for the link addy, an interesting read. If I hadnt tested the pond I would think that everything was fine because the fish all seem very happy!!

 

[addy1]

Your welcome, it is a good read

 

[KennethO]

I would be carefully with the salt if you follow that. Could get to high if it isnt monitored. I'm sure it's there to promote the slime coat. Might use stress coat or Prime instead since it's a lower salt content.