| Taking a few simple steps in the spring can help you to enjoy your pond all season long. Make a 15-25% water change to remove dissolved organics that have built up over winter. Add a neutralizing product to eliminate harmful chlorine & chloramines, such as
Drs. Foster & Smith Chlorine Neutralizer (79364) and a salt product such as
Pond Salt by PondCare (111676), to replenish essential electrolytes. Then add Quick Start to start the biological filter. The unique, patented bacteria in Quick Start consume ammonia & nitrite to keep fish safe. Use Quick Start in an established pond to maintain an active biological filter all season long.
Directions: Shake well. Using the dosing cap, add 60 ml (4 Tbsp.) per 180 U.S. Gal. (680 L). May be added to the pond or into the biological filter.
Effectiveness of QUICK START Nitrifying Bacteria in Ornamental Ponds
Overview
This test was designed to show how PondCare QUICK START nitrifying bacteria can be used to control ammonia and nitrite in ornamental fish ponds. The test compares the level of ammonia and nitrite during an ammonia surge in ponds treated with QUICK START and untreated control ponds. A rise in ammonia can occur at the start of the pond season after winter dormancy, when new fish are added, and after accidental over-feeding. This puts fish at risk of exposure to harmful ammonia and nitrite. This test demonstrated that QUICK START nitrifying bacteria speeds up the development of the biological filter and significantly reduces exposure of fish to ammonia and nitrite.
Experimental Design
A total of six 280-gallon (1058 L) ponds were used. Three were QUICK START Treatment ponds and three untreated Control ponds. All ponds had been set-up for a year before the test. Each pond contained ten goldfish (Carassius aratus) approximately 3" (7.5 cm) long. All fish were transferred to other ponds during the test. All ponds were identical in water chemistry and temperature.
Water temperature: 78-88°F (25-32°C)
Water chemistry: pH 7.5-9.0; GH/KH 5-6°
Results
Removal of ammonia in the QUICK START-treated ponds was more efficient than in the untreated control ponds (Figure 1). The ammonia in the QUICK START-treated ponds was quickly removed compared to the untreated Control ponds.
Figure 1. Average ammonia levels in the QUICK START and Control ponds over time.
Removal of nitrite in the QUICK START-treated ponds was more efficient compared to the untreated Control ponds (Figure 2). The average peak nitrite level in the untreated ponds was 0.17 mg/l compared to 0.07 mg/l in QUICK START-treated ponds.
Figure 2. Average nitrite levels in the QUICK START and Control ponds over time.
Conclusion
Ammonia and nitrite problems can occur at the start of the pond season after winter dormancy, when new fish are added, and when fish are overfed. Even brief exposure to harmful ammonia and nitrite put fish at risk. Low, non-lethal levels can stress fish, impair the immune system and lead to disease outbreaks in the pond. The study demonstrated that QUICK START nitrifying bacteria speeds up the development of the biological filter and significantly reduces exposure of fish to ammonia and nitrite. QUICK START will make new pond start-ups easier and safer for the fish. QUICK START instantly starts the biological cycle process in new ponds and will help maintain an active biological filter in established ponds. | 
 "PondCare Quick Start")
Protect your fish during spring start-up by quickly and effectively controlling your pond's ammonia and nitrites with all-natural nitrifying bacteria. Also supports your biological filter throughout the season. Contains unique, patented strains of Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter bacteria. Use when starting a new pond or starting up an established pond in the spring, adding new fish, changing water, changing filter media, after medicating or whenever ammonia or nitrite are detected. 16 oz treats 1417 gallons.
