From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Wa

There must be some nutrients suspended in my pond! Anyone have any knowledge about whether or not the depth of the siphon picking up more or less nutrients? how about water ph? Or is it just a temperature difference? thanks

6/3/2004 11:42:40 PM

Western Pa.

I believe that water PH is just as important as soil PH.(They should be about the same.) For years Fred Calai was using city water that was off the charts. After he started capturing rainfall, came the 846, 1074, and others. You do NOT want to siphon water from the bottom of the pond. Here there may be a buildup of heavy metals or other bad stuff!

6/4/2004 8:06:51 AM

Western Pa.

It took a little search, but Fred's journal stated his city water had a PH of 12.4!

6/4/2004 8:11:45 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

All of the above. LOL

Dissolved oxygen levels & temperature layers (thermal stratification) are also of concern. I'd follow kilr on this. Get a pH test of the water from the surface, If it's in range 6.4 - 7.2, then go for it. But from the surface.

Nutrient levels in the water should be minimal. But if they're not, come summer as the air temps rise, the oxygen drops, & the temps & nutrient concentrations of the water go up, and you'll notice a proliferation of aquatic weeds/vegetation.

At times like these, another test would be in order.

Dissolved oxygen tests might be available at no cost from a public agency, but aren't needed anymore once you learn to watch & read the vegetation.

I'd get a phone call into the local ag-station & contact their water testing unit. Tell them what you have in mind. They will have pamphlets available for free & guidance based on local history.

6/4/2004 8:41:09 AM

Wa

Kilr, Steve, thanks for the reply. Looks like the surface is best. warmth, and maybe less metals. I would bet that my water is acidic, being I am in the NW. Would a simple ph strip give a close enough result. I don't have another source of water anyway

6/4/2004 1:54:00 PM

Western Pa.

I'm not sure if surface water is best. Phytophera floats, and I've heard it can actually be at any depth. I get my water a few inches from the bottom in a shallow end.

6/4/2004 2:04:02 PM

Long Island,New York

I hear pond water actually has TWICE as much hydrogen as oxygen !! ;)

6/4/2004 4:51:28 PM

Eveleth MN

unless your pond is near a Nuclear power plant, then you have 3 times as much hydrogen.

6/4/2004 8:32:21 PM

Tipp City, Ohio

lol.....H20

6/4/2004 8:56:01 PM

Snoqualmie, Wash.

I did a PH test of my compost tea with a reg. PH meter, and found it was 6.0, I then tested my 5 sites. Each read 6.0. I then added PH+ like I use in my hot tub, and got it to 6.8. After two feedings with my tea, I checked the 5 sites, and they all read 6.8. Not quite sure what it all means, but I am growing pumpkins, so I am hoping it works. My compost tea is made with goat poop, liquid seaweed, and fish fertilizer bloom with air added to two bubble bars.

7/7/2004 12:16:30 AM