How to deal with Ammonia.

[andywatkins]

Hi all,

I have been monitoring all my nitrates, nitrites and ammonia levels in my 25 gallon tank and they are doing quite well, I am quite pleased with myself.

However I have used the same kits in the garden pond, which is quite small and just has goldfish in it. Nitrates etc seem fine but the ammonia level is about 5-6ppm. (tropical tank is about 0.5)

I put some ammo lock in the pond.

I have a water fountain for airating the pond, but no filter. There are plenty of plants in it, and some barley to soak up algae.

Is thereanything I should do to combat this level of ammonia? the ammo lock seems to be working but I guess I can't put that in for ever.

The pond is only a couple of months old

Thanks very much

Andy Watkins
PS Sorry this isn't "tropical" but you are all so helpful!

 

[tstenback]

If you dont want to add chemicals forever and you are not filtering then the only option i see is water changes daily to keep the levels down. Alot of work depending on the size of the pond but thats the only alternative i can see.

 

[Nina7777]

Start doing water changes, about 25% every day and make sure you are not overfeeding.

 

[andywatkins]

Thanks for the advice, just realised there is a forum here for ponds!

I think I will do a combination of water changes and chemicals.

I have to pay for my tap water with a water meter, 25% water changes daily could make me bankrupt!! The chemicals will be cheaper....

Andy

 

[Nina7777]

True True......you could always try smaller ones say 10% 3 times a week. Or if you have a filter that has carbon, you can always use amonia resin chips, and then you won't have to buy chemicles for the water itself. All my tanks are fully cycled as well as my mothers outdoor pond but we still use them just to be on the safe side.