Quickly and accurately measures the pH of pond water, reading pH levels from 5.0 to 9.0. Makes 160 tests. Prevents the harmful effects of too alkaline/too acidic pond water resulting from minerals found in tap water, high ammonia levels in the pond, rain runoff or overstocking of pond fish. Includes test solution, glass test tube w/ cap, color chart & instructions.
pH is the measure of acidity or alkalinity of water. A pH reading of 7.0 is neutral, a reading above 7.0 is alkaline, and a reading lower than 7.0 is acidic. Many factors can significantly alter the pH of pond water. Acid rain will lower the pH to 6.5 or less. If the carbonate hardness (KH) level is low the pH level will swing up and down over a 24-hour period. Water with a high KH will usually have a high pH. Aquatic plants and algae remove carbon dioxide from the water during the day. This causes the pH to rise above pH 8.0 in the day then fall at night. These fluctuations are normal and will not harm pond life. Extremes in pH, however can stress fish and plants.
A pH of 7.0 is considered ideal for plants and fish. Many species of aquatic plants thrive at a slightly acid pH while koi and goldfish prefer a slightly alkaline pH. Therefore, an acceptable pH range is 6.8 to 7.6.
