Quality of water

[Juan Carlos Narbon]

I just started a small AP garden about two weeks ago, and the water has turned dark green.  I think it is because of algae.  How can I control this? What effect this could have on my Koi fish?

[TCLynx]

Block all light from the fish tank till the green clears.  Add extra aeration since in the dark the algae will use dissolved oxygen and could leave your fish gasping for air.  Once the green clears, you will probably want to keep your tank well shaded but you can allow a little light in so the fish can at least tell night from day.

[Juan Carlos Narbon]

Thanks for the advice.  I have shade the tank with a piece of heavy and dark cloth, and apparently it works.  But I have another question.  I have now a high Ph value (about 7.7).  How can I lower this?

TCLynx said:

Block all light from the fish tank till the green clears.  Add extra aeration since in the dark the algae will use dissolved oxygen and could leave your fish gasping for air.  Once the green clears, you will probably want to keep your tank well shaded but you can allow a little light in so the fish can at least tell night from day.

[TCLynx]

Provided you don't have any strong buffer in your system, the pH will lower it's self naturally over time and from a pH of 7.7, I would not worry about it. If you do have a strong buffer in the system, trying to lower the pH will only cause extreme pH bouncing and isn't worth it.

 

If your pH is high because your source water has a high pH then I suggest you adjust the pH of your water before you use it to top up your system.

If you have a barrel or bucket that you can adjust the pH and let the water sit out before you use it to top up the system this will be far easier on your bacteria, plants and fish.  Topping up with water that has outgassed and been adjusted to a pH of about 6.8-7 will probably work far better than trying to adjust your system pH.

[Juan Carlos Narbon]

Thanks. I´ll try that.

TCLynx said:

Provided you don't have any strong buffer in your system, the pH will lower it's self naturally over time and from a pH of 7.7, I would not worry about it. If you do have a strong buffer in the system, trying to lower the pH will only cause extreme pH bouncing and isn't worth it.

 

If your pH is high because your source water has a high pH then I suggest you adjust the pH of your water before you use it to top up your system.

If you have a barrel or bucket that you can adjust the pH and let the water sit out before you use it to top up the system this will be far easier on your bacteria, plants and fish.  Topping up with water that has outgassed and been adjusted to a pH of about 6.8-7 will probably work far better than trying to adjust your system pH.

[Pete I]

Every system I've started always had a lot of Algae till things settle out.

[Diane Reilly]

Hi, Garden maintenance services help property owners in many ways. They can help with seeding, fertilizing, weed control, pest control, planning and planting. Often what the service provides is good advice.

garden mulching sydney