| Easy, Accurate Results
Water quality is the key to a healthy and beautiful pond. But even crystal clear water may contain chemicals that can harm fish and plants. Whether your pond is new or established, regular water testing can help you identify water quality problems which could be harmful. By testing for nitrate, nitrite, hardness, alkalinity, and pH levels, potentially harmful conditions can be detected and corrected before there is any damage to the pond.
Instructions
Remove one test strip from bottle and replace cap tightly. Hold strip at end with no pads. Dip all pads completely in the water for one second and remove. Do not shake excess water from strip. Hold strip level for 30 seconds. Compare alkalinity, hardness, pH, and nitrite to the color chart on bottle to determine readings. At 60 seconds, compare nitrate pad to color chart. Use weekly. Keep cap on tight between uses. Store at room temperature.
Nitrate is a by-product of nitrifying bacteria in the biological filter breaking down ammonia and nitrite. Pond plants and algae use it as a food source. While relatively harmless to the pond, high levels can lead to excessive algae growth and can damage pond plants.
Nitrate levels should be kept below 200 ppm.
To reduce nitrate: Make partial water change and add biological additive.
Nitrite is a waste product produced by bacteria in the biological filter as it breaks down ammonia. Nitrite is extremely harmful to fish and can result in fish loss. If nitrite is detected, ammonia is also present and should be tested.
Nitrite levels should be kept at 0 ppm.
To reduce nitrite: Make partial water change and add biological additive (Note: If nitrite is present, ammonia is also present, add ammonia/chloramine remover.)
Hardness is a measurement of calcium and magnesium in the water. Most pond fish and plants prefer a hardness level of 50-150 ppm. If below 50 ppm, pH is affected; if over 150 ppm, white mineral deposits will form in pond.
Alkalinity, or buffering capacity, determines the ability to maintain a constant pH in the pond. If too low, the pH will drop to dangerous levels; if too high, the pH will also be high.
The ideal levels for ponds is 7.2 - 7.6.
To adjust alkalinity: Add a pond pH buffer.
Nitrate - Pad furthest from hand.
Nitrite - Pad fourth from hand.
Hardness - Pad third from hand.
Alkalinity - Pad second from hand.
pH - Pad first from hand.
Please note: Check levels of pH, alkalinity, hardness, nitrite and nitrate once a week.
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 "Tetra Quick Dip Multi-Test Strips for Ponds")
Accurate water tests are essential to maintaining a healthy pond. Quick Dip Pond Multi-Test Strips put the answers you need at your fingertips. They're fast, accurate and easy! Just dip one strip in pond water and it tests nitrate, nitrite, hardness, alkalinity and pH levels. 50 strips per package.
