Pond water quality. Controlling nitrate levels pond water

Pondkeeper's How to...

Control the level of nitrates in water features

Pond water quality... controlling nitrate levels in pond water

Pond water quality ..... nitrate levels build up over a period of time since nitrate is the last of the 3 stage nitrification process that keeps pond water clean and healthy. If left to build up they would eventually reach a level that would be potentially dangerous to fish.

It is a good idea to pump out about 10% of your pond water every month or even weekly if you have lots of fish in your pond. Then replenish with tap water. The reason is that nitrate levels from the biological nitrification process slowly build up and can reach a level that is too high for the pond and its fish.
The easiest way to arrange this is to place a valve and "Y" or "T" piece into the pond pump line then all you need to do is connect a temporary pipe to the valve and lead the pipe to a spot in your garden - pond water makes for a good garden fertilizer. Always spray fresh tap water onto the pond surface when filling with fresh tap water ... any chlorine in the tap water will then be reduced.
The use of water plants is effective in removing part of the nitrate build up in the pond water since this nitrate is a good fertilizer for the water plants.