Does Potassium Help Pond Fish?

The delicate ecosystem of a fish pond is complex. Pond waters are a bustle of life including infinitesimal micro-organisms, a variety of coldblooded vertebrates and an array of plant life. In nature, these liquid estuaries come and go at the determination of Mother Nature. Sustaining a fish pond ecosystem for personal enjoyment takes a basic understanding of water chemistry, marine ecology and fish biology.

  1. Potassium Permanga What?

    • The form of potassium that serves to help regulate fish ponds is called potassium permanganate. Potassium permanganate works to diminish waste and compost particulates. Potassium permanganate oxidizes undesirable organic matter such as algae, bacteria, excrement and sediment. Potassium permanganate is also used to rid pond water of common pathogens. Pathogenic micro-organisms derive from an abundant concentration of fecal bacteria. Fish pond pathogens include fish gill parasites, fungal contaminates and external bacteria. Left untreated, pathogens lead to diseased fish with a compromised immune system.

    The Purchase Ponder

    • You'll find potassium permanganate in the garden departments of most home improvement stores, but it is best to acquire it from an establishment dedicated to keeping ponds and fish. Aquatic pet stores, water garden specialty stores, and feed and farm supply stores carry potassium permanganate; they also have people on hand who are familiar with the product. A potassium permanganate treatment must be applied properly for it to work, and an improper dose can be detrimental to fish and pond plants.

    Not Rocket Science

    • Using a commercial potassium permanganate solution specifically designed to treat fish ponds is best. These potassium products are premixed and require only the addition of water. Determining the amount of solution to use calls for a simple calculation. Multiply the length and width of the pond by the average depth of the water. Once the pond water quantity has been determined in cubic feet, directions on the potassium permanganate solution label will dictate how much to use.

    Last But Not Least

    • Testing pond water is essential to keeping a healthy pond ecosystem. Most pond owners keep water testing kits; but some swimming-pool specialty stores will test water. Using a clean jar, reach an arm's length into the pond to take an accurate sample. You must take into consideration the amount of plant an animal life within the pond to perform a thorough and effective potassium permanganate treatment. A highly organic pond, teeming with fish, may call for additional treatments.