The pH (power of Hydrogen) of a neutral solution is 7. An acid solution has a pH less than 7, and a basic solution has a pH above 7 up to 14. Because the pH is a logarithmic, a change of 0.3 units approximately doubles the Hydrogen or hydroxyl activity! This is why pH changes should be made slowly in a pond or aquiarium.
Koi are relatively tolerant of pH changes as long as they are gradual. They will survive in pH ranges from 6 to 10, although the optimum is about 7-7.5. The use of chemicals to adjust the pH is not recomended because the resulting pH changes are usually temporary, so the koi become subjected to frequent fluctuations of the pH. It is safer for a koi to adjust to a pH of the local water of 8.2, for example, than to be constantly stressed from the pond owner's changing of the pH with chemical treatments to get it to the 7-7.5 range.
Be aware that the higher the pH, the more toxic any ammonia in the water becomes. Hard water tends to be more basic and resists changes in pH, whereas soft water is usually acidic and the pH will fluctuate more easily.
Sings of low pH toxicity includes increased mucus and chronic stress. Treat by doing a partial water change with water of appropiate pH, and removing organic debris from the pond that can lower the pH as it decays. Buffers (calcium carbonate) can be added to soft water to prevent pH changes. Do not raise pH in water with elevated ammonia nitrogen levels, as increasing the pH will convert ionized ammonium into toxic ammonia. Any changes in pH should be made slowly if possible, not more than about 0.3-o.5 units per day.For more information call Chuck 770 359 997 or email him at chuck@splendorkoi.com
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