Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Georgia Giant Put to the Test?

High Ammonia. There are certain situations where a pond can develop high ammonia or nitrite concentrations.

1.The most frequent occurrence is in ponds that are stocked with lots of fish, i.e. an aquaculture situation. As fish biomass continualy increases due to fish growth the production of ammonia is continually increasing. I add a quote from the Southern Aquaculture guide sheet: " Most pond systems probably have a finite limit to the amount of ammonia and organic loading that can be managed." I assume they mean managed naturally. Deb says she has products to help in reduction of ammonia when it becomes high. In my opinion, if ammonia levels are high the pond owner is "pushing the limit" and is in potentially dangerous fish raising territory. Unless the causative agents are reduced the potential problem will persit. A fish die off will definately reduce the problem of high ammonia.

2. Adding high amounts of feed to lots of fish will result in more ammonia produced. Over fed fish and feed waste promotes more ammonia.

3. Cooler water will suppress activity of bacteria for conversion of ammonia to nitrite and then nitrite to nitrate.

4. Phytoplankton, who absorb ammonia, will not grow as well in cooler water, thus the likelyhood of high ammonia will then be greater.

5. Use of blue dye will reduce plant growth that can directly remove ammonia. The higher the concentration of dye the more likelyhood an ammonia problem will develop.

Any of the above combinations plus maybe a few I omitted can result in high ammonia levels in a pond.

Bruce will provide additional information below.