We live in Zone 5 (Ohio) where temps have been running mid-50s to high
60s the last couple of days. We took our pump out before winter and was
wondering when it would be safe to start up. The pond is still in the
high 40s but fish are coming to the top. Water green, etc. but I guess
is to be expected this time of year.

Also, I did an ammonia check which was 0 but my PH is 9.0! Should I be
concerned about that, and if so, what should I do. I prefer not to use
chemicals to move it around. Is this common this time of year?

Thanks.

Mary Samery

Mary,

If the ice is off the pond, and expected to stay off, then I would restart
the pump. Just a question, what time did you check the pH? With green
water, the CO2 level goes up and down with the time of day. Overnight it
builds up, and the pH will go down. During the day due to photosynthesis,
the CO2 level goes down, and the pH increases. I would not worry about the
9.0, but I would worry about high fluctuations, which cause stress to the
fish. If it is fluctuating, then add some baking soda to buffer the pH. It
will both lower high pH and raise low pH.
--
RichToyBox
http://www.geocities.com/richtoybox/pondintro.html


"Mary C." wrote in message
...
We live in Zone 5 (Ohio) where temps have been running mid-50s to high
60s the last couple of days. We took our pump out before winter and was
wondering when it would be safe to start up. The pond is still in the
high 40s but fish are coming to the top. Water green, etc. but I guess
is to be expected this time of year.

Also, I did an ammonia check which was 0 but my PH is 9.0! Should I be
concerned about that, and if so, what should I do. I prefer not to use
chemicals to move it around. Is this common this time of year?

Thanks.

Mary Samery

I live in zone6 PA My pumps are on with the filter. I never feed the fish
till the water temp is over 50 degrees. You should give the fish time to
adjust their digestive tracts to accept food. Feeding to early could cause
dropsy(bloat) and there is no cure. They will be fine picking at the sludge
from winter.

Patty