Dissolved gases, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, ammonia, alkalinity, pH and hardness has to be in correct proportions for fish to growth, and reproduce. When these proportions are not correct fish will not bite or feed, reproduction declines (which couses your fish population to get out of balance). Fish will not grow in out of balance conditions and fish death can occur.

General dissolved oxygen requirements in parts per million (ppm) for fish.

     Carbon dioxide (CO2) is commonly found in water from photosynthesis. Fish can tolerate concentrations of 10 ppm provided dissolved oxygen concentrations are high. Water supporting good fish populations normally contains less than 5 ppm of free carbon dioxide. In water used for intensive pond fish culture, carbon dioxide levels may fluctuate from 0 ppm in the afternoon to 5-20 ppm at daybreak.  Excessively high levels of carbon dioxide (greater than 20 ppm) may interfere with the oxygen utilization by the fish. 

Dissolved gases, especially nitrogen, are usually measured in terms of "percent saturation." Any value greater than the amount of gas the water normally holds at a given temperature constitutes supersaturation. A gas supersaturating level above 110% is usually considered problematic. 
  The signs of gas supersaturation can vary. Bubbles may reach the heart or brain, and fish die without any visible external signs.
Fish excrete ammonia and lesser amounts of urea into the water as wastes. Two forms of ammonia occur in Aquaculture systems, ionized and Un-ionized. The Un-ionized form of ammonia (NH3) is extremely toxic while the ionized form (NH4+) is not. Both forms are grouped together as "total ammonia." Ammonia (NH3) is extremely toxic. One ppm can cause trouble big time. 

Pond Turnover
Summer stratification is a greater problem for fish raised in farm ponds. This condition may develop into a major fish kill when sudden summer rains occur. These rains will cool the warmer upper layer of water enough to allow it to mix with the oxygen poor layer below resulting in an overall reduction in the dissolved oxygen level.  

Gases (carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, methane, etc.) can build up to dangerously high levels and fish die without any visible external signs.

pH 
The quantity of hydrogen ions (H+) in water will determine if the environment is acidic or basic. The scale for measuring the degree of acidity is called the pH scale, which ranges from 1 to 14. A value of 7 is considered neutral, neither acidic or basic; values below 7 are considered acidic; above 7, basic. The acceptable range for fish culture is normally between pH 6.5-7.5. 
                                    
Our prices on water analysis 
 $69.95 
until August 30, 2004 
just $39.95 
That's a savings of over $30.00
 $19.95 For Customers with a fish order!

Suttle Fish Farm realizes  that a one time water sample is fine if your water test is O.K. but if a problem is found you need to have your water checked until the problem is fixed.  If we find a problem we will suggest to your ways to fix it and test your water until the problem is fixed free of charge.

Send me 4 ounces of pond water in a plastic container such as a soft drink container with a check for $39.95 to 

Suttle Fish Farm 
16 Shorty Smith Road 
Laurel, MS 39443 

Please enclose your address, e-mail, & phone number with the sample.

Suttle Fish Farm is a full service fish farm. We can sell you the fish to stock your pond, mangage your pond or lake, test your water and guarantee you complete satisfaction with our work or service. We want to make this experience a good one to remember. Suttle Fish Farm is here to help. If we can be of any assistance, let us know.