Slowly adjusts the pH of pond water, which can change from day to day, without harming delicate pond fish or pond plants.
The measure of the acidity of water is pH. A pH reading of 7.0 is neutral, a pH higher than 7.0 is alkaline, and lower than 7.0 is acidic. The pH of pond water will naturally fluctuate, and pond fish and plants are accustomed to these fluctuations. A pH range between 6.8 and 8.0 is ideal for garden ponds. However, acid rain, mineral leaching, soil runoff, and decomposing plant and fish waste can cause unacceptable pH levels to occur. Some sources of tap water used to fill ponds can also cause extreme pH levels. A pH below 6.8 or above 8.0 should be avoided. A pH level of 7.0 is ideal. Low pH levels of less than 6.8 can stress pond fish and suppress the activity of the biological filter. A high pH of more than 8.0 will limit the ability of many plants to absorb necessary nutrients.
Pond Care pH Up and pH Down adjust the pH in garden ponds by neutralizing excess acid or base. These products can be used daily to adjust pH until conditions stabilize. pH Up and pH Down contain no algae-promoting phosphates. It is important to accurately measure the level of pH in a pond before initiating adjustments. Use a Pond Care pH test kit to measure your pH weekly.
pH should only be either raised or lowered by no more than 0.5 units every 24 hours. Do not treat pond water more than once every 24 hours. Plants and algae cause a temporary increase in pH in the afternoon; therefore, pH should be tested in the morning to obtain the most accurate reading.
Problems of low pH
Nearly all ponds tend to turn slightly acidic (between 6.8 and 7.0) as the pond life grows. A pH below 6.8 will stress pond inhabitants. A low pH may be caused by increased carbon dioxide concentrations, the result of overstocking with fish or poor surface agitation. Proper fish stocking, as well as adequate pond filters or fountains, will correct carbon dioxide build-up and help stabilize pH.
A low pH (acidic water) may also be caused by decomposing organic matter, solid wastes from fish and birds, and decaying vegetation. The use of Pond Care® Pond Zyme® Plus and regular pond maintenance will help eliminate potentially deadly pH fluctuations.
Note: The pH of pond water goes through a natural "cycle," fluctuating from day to night. Plants and algae, through photosynthesis, consume carbon dioxide from the pond water. This causes a gradual, temporary pH increase during the day. As sunlight diminishes, photosynthesis slows down and the pH level drops to the normal level. Testing pH in the afternoon will consistently give a higher pH measurement, hiding a low pH condition that may arise in the evening and morning hours. Therefore, it's best to test pH in the morning hours before plants become active and pH goes up. Always test around the same time of day for the most accurate evaluation of pond pH.
Directions For Use:
Please read extra warnings on the label.
Keep out of reach of children.
For Garden Pond Use Only.