api freshwater master test kit accurate in ponds?

[starbear]

Hello all,
i got out test kit, and was wondering if it is accurate for small ponds,
i went ahead and tested the water with it to start getting used to using liquid test kits. if its accurate i think i need help, ph 7.6 ammonia 2 nitrite .25 nitrate 0

so is the kit accurate? if so what do i do?
...i know that in a tank it would mean the water would be way messed up.
any help would be great.
when i put the fish in the water was fine, but my 3 year old thought the fish needed dirt in the pond. and we have had a few storms so not sure if the wind blew anything into the water. we live on a lake, could that be a problem?

 

[jetajockey]

Yes it's accurate, freshwater is freshwater whether it's inside or outside. The ammonia could be from the breakdown of organics that are in the pond i.e. dirt etc. Did it test this high before you put the fish in? What kind of filter is on it? If the system isn't processing ammonia/nitrite then you'll have a problem if you don't start doing water changes to control the levels.

 

[starbear]

I did a 25% water change and let that run and got a better filter, the numbers went down alot, ill post the results as soon as I get home to my notebook. I also tested my tap for amonia and it was 1ppm right out of the sink, I do treat the water , could the amonia from the tap be a problem

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[treemanone2003]

I did a 25% water change and let that run and got a better filter, the numbers went down alot, ill post the results as soon as I get home to my notebook. I also tested my tap for amonia and it was 1ppm right out of the sink, I do treat the water , could the amonia from the tap be a problem

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Since you treat the water, no it should not be an issue at all.

 

[starbear]

Ok so the resaults are now 7.6ph .50ammonia .25nitrite and still a 0nitrate

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[jetajockey]

The short answer is that the pond isn't cycled yet.

Sent from Peabody's rabbit hole.

 

[starbear]

Ok, what would help with fish in?

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[starbear]

Would adding shrimp or a snail or something help?

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[jlk]

Ok, what would help with fish in?

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Same as a tank. Water changes to keep toxins from reaching high levels and use a good water conditioner that will help to detox ammonia, nitrite and nitrate (temporarily). Depending on the size of your pond, regular Prime will be fine for under @300g or use Pond Prime for something larger.

Adding lots of fast growing plants such as water lettuce, water hyacinth, parrots feather, etc will also help the cycling process. Increasing the bioload with the addition of further creatures should wait until the pond is fully cycled. Please ask if you have questions!

 

[starbear]

Any lead on super cheap places to buy that? Or anyone on here have some I could buy cheap?

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[treemanone2003]

+ 1 on the above from jlk !! As for plants, many members will have stuff for sale from time to time. Check the for sale boards here and you find what you're looking for. As well, it may be a lot cheaper as many are looking to get rid of it fairly inexpensively since they are quality people and have great reviews. Good news travels fast and bad news even faster !!!

 

[starbear]

So can I post a want add? itll have to be after payday

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[treemanone2003]

I don't see why you can't post an ad or just see what's available. Nothing says that you have to buy it now either. Most folks know what it's like to have to wait for a paycheck and are usually willing to hold it. As well if there's some now there'll be more later.

 

[starbear]

So tested again today, 7.6 ph 1.0 ammonia .25 nitrite 5nitrate, that means its starting to cycle right?

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[treemanone2003]

Yes you're correct !! Congrats and keep up the good work.

 

[starbear]

Im so happy its starting to work, I feel so bad for my fish. Now I know to take time before, so when I start tanks im going to take a long time to cycle first

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[treemanone2003]

Don't feel bad. You made an error and learned. You're the better person to admit fault, learn from experience, and still have pride !! Keep it going !!!

 

[starbear]

Thank you, I have anouther post about a future tank with a list of possible fish, if you feel like giving me opinions? It starts about loaches but my last post was a list

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[jetajockey]

I have stuff from time to time . I don't really consider it super cheap, but it's fair. As of right now I have water lettuce, azolla caroliniana, mosaic plant, red root floaters, duckweed (who doesn't), anacharis najas, hornwort, and water sprite to name a few that come to mind. I also deal in some marginals but typically only sell them locally because of their size.

 

[starbear]

If you can give me an idea of the cost, I can know what im needing to save up to get it, if u dont mind me having to wait

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