Pumps and power outages

[bagsmom]

That size pond could probably support 100x as many fish of that size without any pump. Unplugging it should protect it if you're concerned.

If you want something to be concerned about you could measure KH. Really low KH and lots of rain (which has a pH in the 2.5 to 5.5 range) can drive KH to zero and crash pH. Fish don't like that too much. But that's just if you need something to take your mind off twisters.

I will check it out in the morning.
Is it true that baking soda can help remedy low ph? Don't worry -- I'm not running out there with the Arm and Hammer -- but I had read something about that and wondered...

 

[Waterbug]

Low pH isn't exactly a problem that needs fixing. If you live where your source water is low pH (low KH), like 6.5 range, then rain water is of little concern. You can just run there or do the KH buffering thing. Your call.

It's more an issue when a pond and source water is higher pH, like 8+. KH normally gets used up in pond so can creep down. Buffering with baking soda can be a cheap and easy way to reduce risk and keep pH steady.

I once read a discussion with a chemist pond keeper who computed the max safe amount of baking soda that could be added. It was about 10,000 ppm and the danger was due to the tiny bit of salt in baking soda. Sounded good to me. Most people would say 200 ppm KH is good, but high end ponds with serious bio filter will run 300, 600, whatever. Difficult to add too much, so pretty safe. But no reason to go crazy.

The main thing to check is ammonia. Should be zero or very close before adding baking soda...or have a good understanding of NH3 and NH4+, but zero ammonia is fine..

 

[bagsmom]

Thank you! I ordered the Pond Master testing kit -- Amazon Prime! Should be here Friday!