~ janj wrote:
On Fri, 24 Mar 2006 18:16:24 -0500, CanadianCowboy©
wrote:

I didn't add any fertilizer to the pond for the hyacinth. It was my
first year last year with these plants. Should I give them any
treatment other than throwing them in.

Thanks in advance !

Before throwing any fertilizer in, check your pH. If the pH is too high or
low, you can throw all the fert. you want in, and the plant will still fail
to thrive. ~ jan


~ jan/WA
Zone 7a

Do you know "off hand" what the PH level should be ?
What is the most economical way of testing ?
What can I do to raise or lower it ?

Thanks !

Before throwing any fertilizer in, check your pH. If the pH is too high or
low, you can throw all the fert. you want in, and the plant will still fail
to thrive. ~ jan

Do you know "off hand" what the PH level should be ?
What is the most economical way of testing ?
What can I do to raise or lower it ?

For most aquatic plants that we hobbyist use, 6.8 - 8.4. As far as a test
kit, I like the Hagen/Nutrafin Wide Range test. It tests from 4.5-9.0. One
should have on hand a KH test also. Without a good KH reading your pH will
jump all over the place.

Fixing a pH problem is on a case by case basis, but to raise pH, baking
soda works great, plus it adds buffering. To lower pH is a touchier subject
and I won't address it at this time, questions need to be asked an answered
before preceding with lowering one's pH. ~ jan )


~ jan/WA
Zone 7a

In article ,
~ janj wrote:
Fixing a pH problem is on a case by case basis, but to raise pH, baking
soda works great, plus it adds buffering. To lower pH is a touchier subject
and I won't address it at this time, questions need to be asked an answered
before preceding with lowering one's pH. ~ jan )

Too high a pH isn't really a problem. Plants will lower it just by growing
through biogenic decalcification. Old water gets more acid with just fish
in it too. Loweing pH is not the wisest thinf to do and commercial fish
products to do this have nasty side effects.

Vinegar can be used, as can nitric or hydrochloric acid. DO NOT do this
lightly or without fully understanding what you're doing.

It's all good till somebody loses an eye.

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