Measuring pH in a pond

Measuring pH in a pond

If you have a pond, measuring and monitoring its pH is very important. Fish, plants as well as amphibians and birds live in and around a pond. Measuring pH in pond water is done in most cases to monitor whether the micro life in the pond is good. Rain, soil and other organisms living in the water can change the pH in pond water. Do you have a koi pond? Then regularly test the pH value of the pond water.

Nieuwkoop has developed several pH meters for measuring pH in pond water that are easy to use and accurate in results. Our best pH hand meter for measuring pH in ponds is the PH1200 – pH meter in carrying case.

Why is it necessary to measure pH levels in a pond?

For a pond, pH is very important. This is because the plants and animals that live in it benefit most from an optimal habitat, and this includes a good pH value. The exact value depends on the specific needs of the organisms in the water. The balance of the water is determined by the bacteria and oxygen plants, which use co2 to change the water’s acidity and thus its pH value. During the night, the pH drops because plants do not absorb co2 and the acidity rises, and during the day the plants absorb co2 and the pH rises again.

With a measuring instrument from Nieuwkoop, you can take reliable measurements and obtain reliable data on which you can monitor the pH value of the pond. It is not possible to control the pH value of a pond with additives, but it is possible to add plants or install a biological filter, for example. It is important that when you have a koi pond that you often test the values in the water.

How can you test pH levels in a pond?

If you have a pond then you can test/measure the pH level in the pond in different ways. The simplest way is to use pH test strips. You hang it briefly in the water in the pond or in the sample taken from the pond. The pH test strip then discolours based on the pH value of the water. However, this remains an indication and will never give the exact pH value.

If you want to measure more accurately and therefore more reliably use a digital pH meter. A digital pH meter measures, depending on the model, the pH value of the water in 1 or 2 decimal places. With a digital pH meter from Nieuwkoop, you are therefore always sure of a good meter to measure the pH value of your (koi) pond.

How does a pH meter work in a pond?

To test pond water, we recommend taking several samples and then testing them with a pH indicator or hand-held meter, as these are very accurate. Measuring pond water is done as follows:

1. Take a water sample from the pond with a pipette. 
2. Fill a sample cup with the pond water from the pipette.
3. Use the digital pH meter/indicator to take an accurate measurement of the water in the sample cup.

Do this measurement in the evening and in the morning. Check that these values are good for koi carp or other fish living in the water.

Which pH meter do you need for your (Koi) pond?

This depends entirely on the desired accuracy and measurement method. We offer a number of options for measuring the pH value in your (koi) pond:

• The pH test strips.
• Digital pH indicators.
• Digital pH meters.

pH test strips are the simplest way of measuring pH, but at the same time the least accurate measurement method. Our digital pH meters are the best and most reliable solution. In doubt? Our experts will be happy to advise you on making the right choice!