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My koi pond of about 1200 gallons has a GH and KH of 1.

I believe this is due to the torrential rains we have experienced here.

My question is, can this be harmful to the fish somehow? If so, how can I raise the GH and KH.

The rest of the parameters are:

ph of 7
Ammonia, Nitrites and Nitrates all near 0.

None of these have exhibited readings anywhere near 'dangerous'. Can this be attributed to the large body of water?

A quick drop in pH can indeed be dangerous to fish, and with a GH and KH that low, a crash could quite easily happen.

That being said, koi are remarkably adaptable to a wide range of conditions. However, it certainly wouldn't hurt to get those up a bit higher just in case. I'd go to a landscaping store and see if you can get some limestone -- that should raise both the GH and the KH. Start with about 10 pounds and see what that gets you after a couple of weeks.

Hmmm you know what is interesting, I think the rocks that border the top of the pond are limestone, lol...... Would dropping a few in there raise them then oor would it be better to pulverize em first?

*I appreciate your help alot(almost forgot to mention that)

Holy quick reply, Batman!

If you crush them, it'll raise the GH and the KH faster because there is more surface area for the water to react with. If you're going to get a lot more heavy rain, that's not a bad idea. If you're going to have fair weather for a while, I'd just chuck them in there. Raising the pH, GH, and KH too fast is just as harmful as dropping it too fast.

Just to be sure that it's a good rock, take one and scratch it with a nail or something. Take some vinegar and pour it on the scratch. If it bubbles, it'll be good to go to raise everything. If it doesn't, don't even bother putting it in there. It won't do anything or it'll do it too slowly to matter.

Is anyone else with me in saying "do nothing?"

Koi are extremely hardy fish in all respects and I think a lot of people get carried away with parameters. I'm sure wherever any fish originates, they experience rainfall and if they can exist in British ponds for decades I'm sure they can survive anywhere quite happily.

Superstar, I believe the issue isn't surviving rain, but sudden changes in the water caused by sudden heavy rain.


El Tiburon, any chance you knew the GH and KH of the water before the rains started?
Here's a pretty good read that you may find helpful.

^_^

Hey Babel, nope, I bought the kit after setting up the pond but I can tell you that it has rained mercilessly here for just about 4 months now. By mercilessly I mean there have been floods in several places in the country, three bridges within 5 minutes of my house are either OUT completely or severely damaged, etc etc.....

I have never seen so much rain in my life, this is a tropical rainforest heavy country so we have a prolonged rainy season but nothing like this. Just when you think it cant rain anymore, another monster shower falls...

Im at work now but I as I left the house 2 hours ago, I just took out about 25 gallons with a bucket to avoid an overlow (there are flowers around the pond) and Im not looking forward to destroying the whole thing by letting it overflow.

Hi,
My initial reaction is to do nothing. The pond will
recover naturally.

Here is a great series of articles that address Koi
in ponds, and by following the various links you will find
additional information on the desired (prefered) water
chemistries:

http://www.vcnet.com/koi_net/H2Oquality.html

Hope this helps...
Frank


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