Keeping pond water healthy: a beginner's guide
Most fish problems are water problems. Here are the checks we do twice a day, and the simple habits that keep a pond calm and fish growing.
By Mrs Aniekan Udoh, farm manager · 5 minute read
Watch the fish first
Healthy fish rush to the surface at feeding time and dive away when you approach. Fish gulping at the surface in the early morning are short of oxygen. Fish that do not come up to feed are telling you something is wrong.
Oxygen, morning and evening
Oxygen is lowest just before dawn. We test every pond at 6am and 6pm with a simple meter. If it is low, we stop feeding, add fresh water and run an aerator. Cloudy, still days need extra care.
Keep pH steady
Fish like water that is neither too acid nor too alkaline, around 6.5 to 8.5. We lime ponds between cycles and test pH weekly. Sudden changes stress fish more than a slightly high or low reading.
Feed what they eat, not more
Uneaten feed rots and fouls water. That is why we use floating feed: you see what is eaten, and you stop when fish stop. Feed in the same spot at the same times each day.
Write it down
Our pond book records feed, water readings and anything unusual, every day. Patterns show up in the book long before they show up as sick fish. Every training course leaves with a copy.
FAQ
Can I visit to see this in person?
Yes. The Saturday family tour stops at the smoking house and the water lab.
Do you teach this on the course?
Both topics are covered on our three-day farmer training.
Can I share this piece?
Please do, with a link back to the journal.
From the reading room
From the page to your pot
Order smoked or fresh catfish for tomorrow morning.