Toxic Pollutants & Their Effect on Fish Health

Once water temperatures increase in the summer months, fish become more active and produce increasing amounts of waste, leading to potential water pollution. Fish produce waste in the form of ammonia, which is broken down into nitrites then nitrates by beneficial bacteria. Both ammonia and nitrite are very harmful to fish, even in very small quantities. Ammonia, in particular, is more toxic at high temperatures and can cause severe problems. In fact, water can hold five times as much dangerous ammonia at 77°F as opposed to 41°F. The effect on water quality is exaggerated by a high pH, resulting in the formation of more toxic ammonia.

High nitrite levels are also more dangerous in low oxygen water levels. Nitrite causes the hemoglobin in the fish's blood to form metheamoglobin, which cannot carry as much oxygen around the body of the fish, therefore making fish lethargic.

Nitrates are relatively harmless to freshwater fish and act as great fertilizers for plants. However, they also encourage the growth of unwelcome algae, such as green water or blanket weed. So, be sure to test the water quality every few weeks with a kit.

If there is a noticeable reduction in water flow, you can back flush your pressure filters and gently rinse any biological media in a bucket of pond water. (Depending on your type of filter, its biological media can be anything from plastic cylinders/spheres to spaghetti-like strands to foam pads.) Biological media should never be washed under the hose; chlorine contained in the water kills the beneficial bacteria. Remember to never scrub the media clean; simply rinse off any excess sludge or debris so beneficial bacteria will remain intact and active, restarting the biological process.

**************************************************
Brett Fogle is the owner of MacArthur Water Gardens and several
other pond-related websites including MacArthurWatergardens.com
and Pond-Filters-Online.com. He also publishes a free monthly
newsletter called PondStuff! with a reader circulation of over
9,000. To sign up for the free newsletter and receive our FREE
'New Pond Owners Guide' visit MacArthur Water Gardens today!
**************************************************

In The News:

pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Growing Palms

Palms Everybody recognises palm trees, they are the... Read More

Pond Filter

A pond filter is one of the most important components... Read More

Using Push Reel Mowers

If you're not familiar with push reel mowers or if... Read More

Mint: The Herb of Hospitality

The Mentha species or mints as they are commonly called... Read More

How to Choose the Right Bulbs for Your Spring Flower Garden

Choosing the right bulbs involves more than just selecting colors... Read More

Release Some Tension...Spend Some Time In Your Garden

Gardening can be one of the most rewarding and relaxing... Read More

Outdoor Living Cleanses The Mind, Body, and Spirit

Through the use of various mediums pertaining to the outdoors,... Read More

Plastic & Resin Patio Furniture ? What You Don?t Know

What is the first thought that comes through your mind... Read More

Planting Roses

The art of planting roses doesn't have to be a... Read More

The Indoor Garden: Plants that Clean the Air

There are many reasons for creating an indoor garden ?... Read More

Garden Delights For Midsummer

We have once again reached the wonderful magical time of... Read More

Why Patio Benches are a Great Place to Relax and Enjoy

Having an outdoor patio offers the opportunity and place to... Read More

Indoor Gardening Tips for Jerry Seinfeld

"I have no plants in my house. They won't live... Read More

Natural Garden Pest Control

No dig gardens essentially strive to be their own ecosystem.... Read More

Mosquito Farms? Is That What Water Gardens Are?

What is nicer that a lovely backyard garden pond. The... Read More

Understanding Weeds - But mostly How to Kill em

When I was a child, I loved to pick Dandelions.... Read More

Overwintering Pond Fish

The metabolism of koi and goldfish is controlled primarily by... Read More

What is the Right Plant and Where Do I Put It?

Know if your plants are disease-susceptible. Your choice of plants... Read More

Planting Roses in Pots

In years past, serious rosarians would never consider having a... Read More

Think Vintage for Your Garden

Container gardeners take note. Tired of clay pots? Think vintage,... Read More

Paving Stones

Imagine a beautiful pattern of paving stones as the central... Read More

Tarragon: A Favourite of French Chefs

Long a favourite of French chefs, the herb Artemisia dracunculus,... Read More

Dill: Scandinavias Most Important Culinary Herb

The ancient herb, Anethum graveolens or Fernleaf dill as it... Read More

Planning a Water Garden...

A water garden is the area of your landscape that... Read More

Tomatoes: History, Origin, Facts... or Fiction?

A tomato importer, John Nix, decided to challenge the law... Read More

Best Perennial Plants for Summer Color

Summer is here and it's time to plant and enjoy... Read More

What is Compost Tea?

Organic gardeners all know compost is fantastic stuff. But now,... Read More

Organic or Chemical Feeding of Plants - Whats Best

A fundamental question in vegetable gardening is - what is... Read More

Gardeners Gift Ideas

Plant lovers and backyard enthusiasts are special people who will... Read More

Flowers and Butterflies, the Perfect Combination!

Spring is coming fast and with it the colors of... Read More

8 Simple Tips to Keep Your Lawn Mower Running

1. If you have a non-electric mower which runs on... Read More

Cozy Nooks: Creating a Secret Outdoor Place

Everyone seems to love a secret -- and when the... Read More

Making Memories with Flower Gardening

Flower gardening is not only about the present, but can... Read More