Flow Rates Through Filters ... Do They Matter?
PDF File
13 Pages
(*as they relate to ammonia in our Koi ponds)
This document is appropriate for any pond keeper who wishes to have a greater understanding of water quality. Illustrative charts and graphs along with clearly written text help the pond keeper understand the relationships between feeding rates, flow rates through bio-converters (filters), filtration efficiency, system water volume and average ambient & transient ammonia levels.
Synopsis:
We know that ammonia is not good for fish. Ammonia is a toxin and high levels can burn the gills, the skin, and the gut, and can even cause death. Chronic sublethal levels of ammonia can result in adverse effects including growth suppression and increased susceptibility to disease. We can conclude that it would be in our best interest to not only know how much of this toxic substance is in our pond water but also how we can influence its removal to make a better environment for our Koi.
Learning Objectives:
Koi Keepers reading this ebook will become familiar with:
- The difference between zero ammonia in pond water vs. a reading of zero ammonia by commonly used test kits
- About the effects of pH and temperature on the toxicity of ammonia in the water
- How to calculate the amount of ammonia released into the water based on the amount of feed given
- That given an efficient filter with adequate capacity, the flow rate through the bio-converter (filter) directly effects ambient ammonia levels in the water
- How changing the flow through your bio-converter(s) may improve your water quality
- How changing your feeding regimen may lessen transient ammonia spikes