Can You Use Light Sodium Carbonate As A Ph Buffer In Koi Ponds?

Comments

1. steven_d says:

   November 7, 2009 at 10:16 pm

   You can, but I wouldn’t. Koi are remarkably tolerant of a wide range of Ph, and once they get used to it, they’re fine. It is better that the Ph, whatever it is, be constant, rather than fluctuating wildly as you try to correct it first one way and then another.
   Hope this helps.
2. Poopy says:

   November 7, 2009 at 10:45 pm

   Yes, it’s an easy, cheap, reliable method that is safe for the fish.
   How much will be different for everyone depending on the parameters of the water they’re starting with. Your best bet is to measure X amount of gallons of pond water into a separate container and do your experimenting in there, gradually increasing how much you use and taking measurements. Once you reach your desired results, you know that X amount of carbonate per X gallons of water is what you need to add.
   Remember to introduce it to the pond gradually so you don’t shock the fish with any sudden changes.
3. Ghapy says:

   November 7, 2009 at 11:06 pm

   Don’t mess with your ph you will do more harm than good. Change the water. If your water is too soft from the tap (test it) then you can add buffering salts from the pet store. I use reverse osmosis water and I use Kent Marine R.O. Right and Neutral Controller to buff the water.
   If your ph is low and the water is soft may be due to not changing enough water, the system eventually goes acidic, and the cycle goes in reverse because the beneficial bacteria die when the ph drops too much. Usually tap water is hard and alkaline so a good water change in the pond will staiten the situation out.