JUNE 2013 POND CONDITIONS
06/09/2013
water temp 71*, Air Temp 60-85*, pH 7.5, ammonia/nitrate/nitrite 0
two weeks without filter cleaning so was a bit gnarly. Otherwise conditions are good. We have had much rain this month so water has been replenished. Purchased new food.
06/23/2013
water temp 71*, Air Temp 60-85*, pH 7.5, ammonia/nitrite 0 nitrate 80(high)
went on vacation so did not change filters for 2 weeks. There was a bunch of sludge in skimmer bottom, so stirred it up and pumped it out to waste. While gone, my most attractive showa got into the skimmer but managed to stay alive in the water. He would get food that the others didn’t eat. The water is fairly clear but has some debris. Need to build a foam fractionator.
06/29/2013
water temp 74*, Air Temp 65-90*, pH 7.0, ammonia/nitrite 0 nitrate 40
Lost a fish to the skimmer this week. one of my Showas got into the skimmer and apparently bucked the lid off trying to get out. He eventually found his way outside the pond. RIP fishy. I need to remedy the skimmer opening so that the larger fish can not get in there. Also need to order new Jandy valve handle and a new leaf basket (again). Weekly filter clean out was about normal.
Expenses
Food – $44
pH test kit – $9
Water bill – $12 < 900 gallons
Fish sitters while on vacation - $80
