UGLY h2o

[2vetts]

i've heard of brown water in ornamental ponds but it's the first time i've seen it . it was brown and now it looks like someone poured a 55 gallon drum of rust in it . it has some problems but ammonia , nitrite , and nitrate are zero , ph is 8.8 , salinity is .02 % and temp is 58 [ yesterday 46 ] . filtration isn't on yet but with temp rising and fixing a minor cosmetic problem in next couple days it should be by first of week . the fish don't seem to be bothered by it ,the want to be fed , but it bothers me a LOT . leaning toward filling it in and planting a garden ......peace

[miguynmkoi]

My koi pond water had brown cloudy water and extreme ammonia, Nitrate and nitrite readings.  Got it closer to ideal but still waiting for the beneficial bacteria to kick in full force.  My bio-filter got too cold this winter, killing all the bb and creating havoc with the water.

I had to do lots of water changes, add another bio filter, and lots of amquel+.  Witht he wacky weather extremes we've experienced the water is nice one day and yucky the next.  I'm putting back more plants into the pond.

I hope you find the reason for the brown water.

[flyhawk]

plants plants plants plants
do you have some type of plant life?

i have found that most brown algae is from lack of plants and too much fish!!!

[Julles]

Sometimes, brown water is simply discolored water.  Nothing wrong with the water quality, but something has stained the water - leaves, tree pollen, pine needles, etc.   I deal with this all the time.  Partial water changes each week help remove some of the discolored water.

Don't give up on your pond, 2V's.  I know you love it.  Just now and then there's gonna be a glitch.  Once you get past it, you'll enjoy the pond all the more.

[2vetts]

turned filter on and ran it 3 days and pond looks decent

[2vetts]

been about a week and the difference is amazing .

[tinkster]

woohoo glad to hear that.. cant give up on ponding!

tink