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Jan 10th, 2023
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 14
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OP
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 14 |
Has anyone had good results with any home water testing kits or strips? I saw a couple on Amazon but they seemed directed toward koi ponds. If not, suggestions on where to get my water tested would be appreciated. I live in central Kentucky. I am wanting to get testing done in the next few weeks so I can appropriately apply lime as needed this winter. Thanks.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,046 Likes: 276
Moderator Lunker
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Moderator Lunker
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,046 Likes: 276 |
I've used pool strips. They're not 100% accurate but can give you an idea.
It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.
Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 977 Likes: 1
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 977 Likes: 1 |
BassDoc,
Last year when the pond filled, I purchased and used a kit from Tractor Supply Co. The kit gave me a "ballpark" reference. But, it was close enough to get some forage fish started. Shortly, I started sending samples to Overton Fisheries and Todd would send me the results in an email. I compared the Overton results to my TSC kit. I found that the test kit from TSC indicated a little higher pH reading than samples sent to Overton's, but again it was close enough to get me going. pH readings are (as I understand) a snapshot of the pH at a certain time of day anyway.
...when in doubt...set the hook...
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 6,080 Likes: 1
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 6,080 Likes: 1 |
BD,
In addition to what the other folks have suggested, I recently saw a post from Cecil Baird1 with an Amazon link to a kit he recommends (I can't find it right now). Cecil is a real pro and a great guy. I would send him a PM and ask his recommendation.
Bill D.
![[Linked Image]](http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=11852&filename=I_subscribe_zps2qlyoyn2.gif) Be Brave Enough to Suck at Something New!
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 20,043 Likes: 1
Hall of Fame  Lunker
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Hall of Fame Lunker
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 20,043 Likes: 1 |
I use the following for my 6 indoor systems but alkalinity is not included. There are tests listed for just alkalinity. http://www.amazon.com/API-Freshwater-Mas...ds=Api+test+kitNot a big fan of test strips but as Dave says they will get you in the ballpark.
If pigs could fly bacon would be harder to come by and there would be a lot of damaged trees.
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 14
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OP
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 14 |
Thanks guys. This will get me started. Will check on the alkalinity to determine if I need to lime.
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 152
Fingerling
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Fingerling
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 152 |
You can buy a Hach test kit specifically for alkalinity for $49.00, Hach is a great company for testing different water quality parameters. Here is link for the test kit-theres a digital titration also for alkalinity but costs a bit more. http://www.hach.com/alkalinity-test-kit-model-al-ap-mg-l/product?id=7640220951
 Good land management is an extended learning experience-Aldo Leopold
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,046 Likes: 276
Moderator Lunker
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Moderator Lunker
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,046 Likes: 276 |
Josh, I bought one of those a LONG time ago. It said something about when the water turns pink. I never figured out just how much pink I was looking at.
It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.
Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 152
Fingerling
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Fingerling
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 152 |
They have come a long ways, I believe bob wrote an article that had some photos showing different water tests-did it with hach water quality test kit. Heres another style with test strips-I have not personally used but looks pretty straight forward and simple. Company has been around since late 60's. http://www.omega.com/googlebase/product.html?pn=WTS-480024&gclid=CI34uqerqckCFQaJaQod5iII_ABassDoc let us know what you used and how effective it was, would be interested in hearing about the results
Good land management is an extended learning experience-Aldo Leopold
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 14
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OP
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 14 |
I have ordered 2 kits. One for pH and multiple other parameters and one for alkalinity. Will report back with results.
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 14
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OP
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 14 |
pH 7.8
Alkalinity 1.02 meq/l
Any idea how to convert to mmol/l?
Thoughts on pH?
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,489 Likes: 265
Moderator Hall of Fame 2014 Lunker
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Moderator Hall of Fame 2014 Lunker
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,489 Likes: 265 |
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