Maintaining the health of fish and plants is directly related to the quality of the water in which they live and grow. When people think about water they often judge it by the appearance, since when a pond is filled directly from the faucet, it is clear and appears to be ready for fish a and plants. However, nothing could be further from the truth. To determine the water quality, we should test our ponds for pH, ammonia, nitrite, and salt. It is also advisable to test for nitrate and KH as well.

Today’s advanced pond hobbyists, fish breeders, and water garden enthusiasts know the importance of water quality. However, new hobbyists do not fully understand this. Water coming from the tap is often the main reason for fish losses and disease problems. Common disinfectants in tap water, such as chlorine and chloramines are highly toxic to pond life. Other chemicals often used in water treatment include aluminum sulfate, copper slats, lime, phosphate, and silicate. Tap water can also contain heavy metals that can harm both fish and plants. Harmful substances can also enter tap water supplies unintentionally, as a result of human activities and natural processes. It may contain ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate due to agricultural run-off. If left untreated these substances will lead to chronic fish disease and possible death.

Water conditioners are used to remove harmful substances in municipal drinking supplies. When tap water is added to a pond containing fish, the chlorine, if left untreated, will dissipate after a few days; However, during this time chlorine destroys the gill tissue, stresses the fish, and can cause suffocation. Damaged tissue prevents normal respiration, impairing the uptake of oxygen and the release of ammonia and carbon dioxide from the fish’s blood. Chloramines are basically a combination of chlorine and ammonia. Unlike chlorine, chloramines last longer and will stay in the pond for weeks. The chloramines, if left untreated, pass through the gills and enter the bloodstream, binding to iron in blood cells and preventing them from carrying oxygen, causing suffocation. Whether the water is added for evaporation or during a water change, tap water should always be treated with a chlorine/chloramine product such as AquaSafe to protect both fish and plants.