The Importance of Material Sourcing
Research, research, research!
Before buying any large quantities of materials for your project, it is extremely important to do your research and test any materials that will be going into your pond. If you are using a lot of decorative rocks, or building stacked rock walls, make sure to test how it will affect the pH of the water. It is also necessary to test the water source you will be using to fill your pool. High pH (or alkalinity) will promote algae growth, and on the other side of the spectrum too low pH (or acidity) will put your fish and plants in danger.
Test rocks pH affect of water in a glass jar
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You can easily test how materials will affect your pH by placing it in a container filled with the water source you'll be using (well or city water) and using test strips to monitor if the materials change the pH of the water.
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The first thing you should do is test your water source using a test strip. We like the Microbe-Lift 5 in 1 Test Strips like the picture to the right. Record the results from your water test, then place the rock or other material source inside the water source and test it immediately, then test it again in 24, and 48 hours (even longer if you have the time!).
Did the pH raise, lower, stay neutral? Ideally the added material doesn't change the pH of the water at all after days or weeks of being submerged. Most places will give or sell you a sample size of materials before you commit to a larger purchase, if you ask nicely! |
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Tricky Materials
Not all materials under the same name will have the same result. For example limestone in the plains is known for having a very high pH, and will also degrade underwater over time, giving you endless algae blooms and a NSP that may be more of a headache than anything else. However, some limestone found further to the east has been known to stay fairly neutral in water.
Concrete is another material that can be tricky; it will raise your pH very quickly and cause extreme algae blooms. However, if you use a proper sealant (many come is pleasing colors) then the risk of the concrete leaching into your water and raising the pH is very low.
Bottom line? Test everything!
Concrete is another material that can be tricky; it will raise your pH very quickly and cause extreme algae blooms. However, if you use a proper sealant (many come is pleasing colors) then the risk of the concrete leaching into your water and raising the pH is very low.
Bottom line? Test everything!