On Thu, 7 Jul 2005 17:54:39 -0600, "G & K Meyer" wrote:

pond 4 years old at least. ph out of tap is 6.3. fish about a dozen.
fish about as old as pond with some new off spring. Fish seem to be fine.
but plants not doing so good.

Strips are only good to show a problem, and thus get the big guns out, the
liquid test kits. I highly recommend Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, if buying in
local store, check the lot no. for the date of manufacture.

Since your strip only goes to 8.4 you don't know if your pond is 8.4 or
much higher. Get a wide range pH testor that goes to at least 9.0 and get a
KH tester.... in the meantime, gives us your pH in the AM and PM. If it is
swinging widely, that is more reason to be concerned.

The only acceptable numbers for ammonia & nitrite are zeros. Anything else
treat them. Ammonia with an ammonia locking (chloramine remover) chemical
and salt for nitrite. ~ jan

~Power to the Porg, Flow On!~