Water Quality

This is the Nitrogen Cycle. Ammonia and Nitrites are highly dangerous to fish. Luckily, the Nitrogen Cycle takes care of this through the use of filters. In the short term, cutting back on feeding and small regualr water changes. Remember, never to clean the filter with clean water, clean it with the pond water, this can then be taken to waste. 

What is Ammonia, Nitrites And Nitrates?

The levels of these three nitrogenous compounds in the water is a critical indicator of water quality conditions. Ammonia (NH3) is a highly toxic gas produced from the decomposition of the organic wastes and as a metabolic waste product by the koi. Most in which is excreted from the gills. It is lethal in very low concentration, depending on species and levels of water conditions will kill fish fairly rapidly. Ammonia is the cause of most diseases from toxic waters.

Nitrites (NO2) are produced as a break down product of Ammonia as part of a naturally occuring sequence of biochemical reactions that has been become known universally as the know Nitrogen Cycle. Nitrites are highly poisonous; it disrupts the haemoglobin in red blood cells and produces listlessness and oxygen starvation. Raised Nitrite levels can proove fatal to koi less than 6 inches, larger koi become lethargic and may lye on their sides at the bottom of the pond although they will still swim to the surfance to feed.

Nitrates (NO3) are in inevitable, this can cause plants to grow and the dreaded blanket weed. Although fish enjoy the Nitrates because this helps algae to grow which they enjoy eating.