thanks Eddie, it probably would be better to wait a bit.
The water testing strips are a product called "ecosure". I got them from the local pond supply place. They specilize in those little decorative ponds. I think there are about 25 strips in a bottle, at about $15/bottle. They obviously can't tell you anything about specific deficiencies, but they do seem to give you some general health info. I may use the old "if you can see your fingertips when you put your hand in the water up to your elbow, it's time to fertilize" trick
