Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Water chemistry PH levels of spring water

The pH in my ponds is always over 8, sometimes as high as 10 and have never noticed any negative effects on fish.

Most of the literature supports the idea that high pH (over 7) is better than low pH.

There are threads on how photosynthesis and respiration cycle of plants will cause daily cyclical variations on pH in ponds, as will application of alum.

Furthermore pH will affect how much of your ammonia is in unionized form, which is toxic to fish. Aquaculturists are concerned about such things because of high density stocking of fish.

A pH of 8 would be the least of my concerns at this point. I'd look more at how water temperatures and dissolved oxygen will influence your ability to achieve your goals.

Someone else will chime in on alkalinity issues, but your numbers seem to be within normal parameters.