I use an API test kit about once a month. Our pond is really hard and when it rains it creates a lot of bubbles on the top (even with a skimmer) our fish like a strong current to swim against, once we added a pond pump in the corner just cerculating our fish became happier !
Hi James It is my understanding that you count the 1st drop of the KH test so 1 drop turns it blue, then 2 further drops turns it yellow, actually means your KH is 3 not 2., this is stated in the instructions. I find your videos interesting, entertaining & engaging. Cheers
That is also my understanding. All the drops are counted. I use the same NT labs test kit and find it very good. I also live in a soft water area and have just added some oyster shells to my Bakki shower to help keep KH up.
I periodically test my pond water but because my tap water is hard ph is therefore generally very stable so I don't have to do much with it. What I have to watch out for is too much rainwater in the winter making the water too soft. Plus my water flows through a wildlife pond, after the filter, before returning to the koi pond so the nitrogen situation is controlled quite nicely by the plants. My biggest gripe with my tap water is its high phosphate levels so I have to treat regularly for blanket weed.
🤣🤣 I have and use the NT Labs test kit. Until now I never knew that on the back of the box was the result readings perimeter scale. I’ve always wondered how your suppose to tell what it should be! 🤦🏼♂️ Thanks JKW 🐟
James, you’re so right but I doubt myself when I’m testing so I take it to our local pond dealer they recommend six drops after the first one but you’re so right with the KH keep doing the videos
Along with our Koi pond we also have a marine fish & coral system, part of that entails making the salt water, basically mimicking sea water, for this I run a seven stage RODI system, the tds monitor tells me that this varies every day, something you need to consider for the Koi water, you filter a lot of those problems out through your filter system, but for those just adding tap water into their pond, it’s just adding other problems, you need to filter it before use, there is a simple solution for this which I still use, EA detox dechlorinator when using water straight from the tap.
Dont you need to keep the KH level a little higher? When your system eats up all kh it will crash your ph? Im told atleast keep it above 4. And ideal above 8. ? And what if you go on holiday for a few weeks?
Everyone will tell you different ways the best way is do what works for you if I ever go away I always have someone go in and check my pond but I no not everyone can do that
You don't need to do anything mate...you must live in a hard water area like myself. Mine varies between 13 and 16, depending on time of year and how much I'm feeding.
If it’s the same all the time you don’t need to do anything unless you want to go down the RO road but that’s not needed only a optional way to get softer water
@macksir8938 This video isn't about selling anything. What is wrong with selling stuff?? how do you think we can all live if we don't earn money mate. James must put hours into creating content, surely he deserves to earn a living? My guess is you would be shocked at how little you tubers get paid for their efforts. So to make it viable for him to provide for his family, of course he will have to promote stuff!! I'd be interested to know what you do for a living? do you go to work for free?? My guess is you don't work for free, so why expect someone else to.
Hi James. I built pond about 8 years ago with very little knowledge about the hobby. Every so often I would notice my fish were reluctant to feed, I googled the problem, and then learnt all about the nitrogen cycle, Ph, Kh etc. the Nitrite was off the scale. !! Bought an API brand test kit ,and had to buy the Kh separate, as it’s not part of the kit. I guess my next kit will be the NT lads one.
I only use the NT LABS 🧪 test kits for all my aquariums the best out there…..(AMMONIA yellow = 0) (NITRITE clear = 0) (NITRATE clear = 0) it’s the easiest test kit to use especially for new people coming into either of the hobbies 🤷🤷
This is great advice. Many thanks.
Great help James, I’ve just bought a test kit, what you’re saying makes great sense 👍🏻 18:33
I use an API test kit about once a month. Our pond is really hard and when it rains it creates a lot of bubbles on the top (even with a skimmer) our fish like a strong current to swim against, once we added a pond pump in the corner just cerculating our fish became happier !
Hi James I only use the NT labs test kit, because like you say so simple and easy to use, great fast accurate results
I run some shell grit in my filter which is a good and cheap buffer that helps maintain good KH and PH.
Hi James
It is my understanding that you count the 1st drop of the KH test so 1 drop turns it blue, then 2 further drops turns it yellow, actually means your KH is 3 not 2., this is stated in the instructions.
I find your videos interesting, entertaining & engaging.
Cheers
You could be right but I always thought the first drop didn’t count?
I will ring ntlabs and find out 100%
That is also my understanding. All the drops are counted. I use the same NT labs test kit and find it very good. I also live in a soft water area and have just added some oyster shells to my Bakki shower to help keep KH up.
Great information.
Sure you count the first drop for KH with the NT labs kit mate so its better than you thought lol
I periodically test my pond water but because my tap water is hard ph is therefore generally very stable so I don't have to do much with it. What I have to watch out for is too much rainwater in the winter making the water too soft. Plus my water flows through a wildlife pond, after the filter, before returning to the koi pond so the nitrogen situation is controlled quite nicely by the plants. My biggest gripe with my tap water is its high phosphate levels so I have to treat regularly for blanket weed.
🤣🤣 I have and use the NT Labs test kit. Until now I never knew that on the back of the box was the result readings perimeter scale. I’ve always wondered how your suppose to tell what it should be! 🤦🏼♂️ Thanks JKW 🐟
James can you please do a video on how you keep the glass windows clean ❤
Yea can do
James, you’re so right but I doubt myself when I’m testing so I take it to our local pond dealer they recommend six drops after the first one but you’re so right with the KH keep doing the videos
Along with our Koi pond we also have a marine fish & coral system, part of that entails making the salt water, basically mimicking sea water, for this I run a seven stage RODI system, the tds monitor tells me that this varies every day, something you need to consider for the Koi water, you filter a lot of those problems out through your filter system, but for those just adding tap water into their pond, it’s just adding other problems, you need to filter it before use, there is a simple solution for this which I still use, EA detox dechlorinator when using water straight from the tap.
Good information 👍
I only use the nt labs, I suffer with low kh too but I just use sodium bicarb
Yea mate that works used it myself as well
I’ve just set up my pond with new water and new to all this water testing stuff it’s so confusing 😅
It’s all learning but just test your water and your tap water that you put it and just try and keep it the same every week
Dont you need to keep the KH level a little higher? When your system eats up all kh it will crash your ph? Im told atleast keep it above 4. And ideal above 8. ? And what if you go on holiday for a few weeks?
Everyone will tell you different ways the best way is do what works for you if I ever go away I always have someone go in and check my pond but I no not everyone can do that
What would you do if you had a kh above 15
You don't need to do anything mate...you must live in a hard water area like myself. Mine varies between 13 and 16, depending on time of year and how much I'm feeding.
If it’s the same all the time you don’t need to do anything unless you want to go down the RO road but that’s not needed only a optional way to get softer water
Must admit James i keep my KH about 6 to 7, I do live in a hard water area. 👍
Yea it’s down to where you live as long as it stays the same it works
❤
Sorry mate but videos are getting to selling stuff 😔
I was just trying to explain the kh and the only way to do that is to use a test kit ? And was trying to save some people some money?
@macksir8938 This video isn't about selling anything. What is wrong with selling stuff?? how do you think we can all live if we don't earn money mate. James must put hours into creating content, surely he deserves to earn a living? My guess is you would be shocked at how little you tubers get paid for their efforts. So to make it viable for him to provide for his family, of course he will have to promote stuff!! I'd be interested to know what you do for a living? do you go to work for free?? My guess is you don't work for free, so why expect someone else to.
Hi James. I built pond about 8 years ago with very little knowledge about the hobby. Every so often I would notice my fish were reluctant to feed, I googled the problem, and then learnt all about the nitrogen cycle, Ph, Kh etc. the Nitrite was off the scale. !! Bought an API brand test kit ,and had to buy the Kh separate, as it’s not part of the kit. I guess my next kit will be the NT lads one.
I only use the NT LABS 🧪 test kits for all my aquariums the best out there…..(AMMONIA yellow = 0) (NITRITE clear = 0) (NITRATE clear = 0) it’s the easiest test kit to use especially for new people coming into either of the hobbies 🤷🤷