Water quality in fish ponds is affected
by the interactions of several
chemical components. Carbon
dioxide, pH, alkalinity and hardness
are interrelated and can have
profound effects on pond productivity,
the level of stress and fish
health, oxygen availability and the
toxicity of ammonia as well as that
of certain metals. Most features of
water quality are not constant.
Carbon dioxide and pH concentrations
fluctuate or cycle daily. Alkalinity
and hardness are relatively
stable but can change over time,
usually weeks to months, depending
on the pH or mineral content
of watershed and bottom soils