JULY – Dec 2013 Pond Conditions
I forget to log results weekly so am moving to yearly post which will contain summaries for the month. The pond has become relatively stable after 3 years in operation.
07/14/2013
Basic filter clean. not much to report.
07/27/2013
water temp 74*, air temp 70-90*, pH 6.0 (low), ammonia/Nitrites 0, Nitrate 80 (high)
Went two weeks with out water changes due to rain and vacation. PH has dropped so I its time for new oyster shells. Nitrate is really high too, but have been feeding more recently.
07/29/2013 – pH 6.5(eve) added 1/2 cup baking soda.
08/2013 – ph 6.5-7.0, Nitrates 20-80
Pond has been relatively stable with little algae growth or clarity issues. Filter cleanings have been once every 10-14 days.
09/07/2013 ph 7.0, Nitrates 40
Cleaned filters, not any solid waste. Water clear and stable with slight rise in Nitrates. Less rain this month so doing midweek flush of filter and refill to change water. Smallest fish is not eating aggressively with others but waits until food is in a corner, he may be partially blind but otherwise appears healthy.
Expenses
Water bill $12.00 800 Gallons (rain offset usage) July
Water bill $12.00 Aug
Water bill $12.00 Sep
Replaced handle on 3 way valve – $14
Food – $45 Jul
Food – $49 Sep
baking soda – $1
