Water Chemistry

Water Chemistry Testing Services in North Carolina (N.C. Cooperative Extension)
The N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Solution Analysis Section analyzes water samples for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, sulfur, iron, zinc, copper, carbonate, bicarbonate, pH, chlorides, sodium and conductivity. Learn more about this service.

Fertilization of Fish Ponds (Southern Region Aquaculture Center)
Fish farmers and recreational farm pond owners fertilize ponds to increase fish production and prevent rooted aquatic weeds from becoming established. Aquaculture ponds are fertilized to increase the available natural food.

The Use of Lime in Fish Ponds (University of Florida)
There are three main purposes for liming ponds: 1) to increase the availability of nutrients, 2) to increase pH and to buffer against daily pH fluctuations and 3) to sterilize ponds prior to stocking.

Control of Clay Turbidity in Ponds (Southern Region Aquaculture Center)
Turbidity can be caused by many sub-stances, including microscopic algae (phytoplankton), bacteria,dissolved organic substances that stain water, suspended clay particles, and colloidal solids.

Carbon Dioxide in Fish Ponds (Southern Region Aquaculture Center)
The primary sources of carbon dioxide in fishponds are derived from respiration by fish and the microscopic plants and animals that comprise the fish pond biota.

Water Quality Concerns for Ponds (Penn State Extension)
This is a summary of some common water quality parameters that may cause problems in ponds and how to detect and treat them.