The Nitrogen Cycle occurs naturally and invisibly on a microscopic level within a pond or water garden. It is a vital, natural process in all healthy, organic, aquatic ecosystems so it is good to know and understand this process and how it works.

First, the fish waste and uneaten food becomes Ammonia. Ammonia (NH₃) can be an industrially produced chemical, and it also is created and exists naturally in the environment. Ammonia is essential for many biological processes and serves as a precursor for amino acid and nucleotide synthesis; the nitrogen cycle. In the environment, ammonia is part of the nitrogen cycle and is produced in the water from bacterial processes. Ammonia naturally occurs from decomposition of organic matter, including plants, animals and animal wastes. Basically, when the fish feed, their waste (along with uneaten food) becomes ammonia. The ammonia molecule is then turned into the nitrite molecule.

Nitrite is a waste produced by bacteria in the biological filter as it breaks down ammonia. Nitrite is extremely harmful to fish if left in quantities unconverted. Tested levels of 0.25 ppm or higher are dangerous to your fish and if levels are allowed to rise up to 0.5 ppm, it can result in severe fish loss..

Biological filtration provides the environment for this nitrogen cycle to take place naturally. In this cycle naturally occurring bacteria (nitrifying bacteria or aerobic bacteria) break down the ammonia into the nitrites, and then is converted further; produces the byproduct called Nitrates.

Nitrate is the byproduct of nitrifying bacteria in the biological filter breaking down ammonia and nitrite; Nitrate can be taken in by aquatic plants and algae as a nutrient for growth. High levels can lead to excessive algae growth. Levels should be kept below 40 ppm and should be tested weekly.

Thus, when the fish eat, their waste/the ammonia is converted by aerobic bacteria (the good bacteria) into the nitrites, and is further converted into nitrates. Nitrates then in this cycle become “food” for the plants to grow on (fertilizer) and then in turn, the fish eat the plant material as a food source, produce ammonia …..thus creating an on-going natural process called, completing the Nitrogen Cycle.

If you listen close enough the next time you’re enjoying a nice day at Echo Park Lake, you’ll be able to hear some croaking sounds coming from the lake or see a rustle in the water lilies, and now you’ll know that its the Bullfrogs making their presence known from within the wetlands!

We have been noticing more and more that the Bullfrogs have been doing well and living healthy in the environment of Echo Park Lake. The Pond Company has been working hard and diligently to ensure that the waters are clean of trash and other debris so that the wildlife can live a healthy lifestyle out in Echo Park. We hope that our efforts can bring more wildlife to Echo Park, and also more humans to come by and enjoy a day at the park as well!

Have you been to Echo Park Lake recently?

The Lotus Bed and all other wetlands of the lake have been looking full and healthy throughout the Summer of 2015 thanks to the help of The Pond Company Inc.

The Pond Company Crew has been going to the lake and maintaining and taking care of the lake, keeping it clean and looking fresh on a weekly basis.

Lotus Bed was kept looking full and healthy throughout the summer and leading up the lotus festival, as you can see in the picture.

If you haven’t had a chance to come and visit the beautiful Echo Park yet, come stop by and check it out! We have been happy to hear all of the positive feedback from the public that visit the park!

Though the treatment is straightforward, we recommend that you have a professional do the treatment, because it should be done accurately and the fish should be observed to make sure the fish do not suffer from any adverse reactions. The nice thing about this product is that it is completely neutralized and safe at the completion of its application.

“All these chemicals are naturally-occurring ingredients that are safe for fish, humans, and the environment, unlike other treatment options using organophosphates (known toxins to animals), or Malachite Green and Formalin (both known carcinogens)” -AquaFinn

The water quality of your pond is important for the health and well being of your fish, plants and the overall eco-system. There are many ways and reasons to test your water. If for instance a chemical is spilled into the water, that chemical needs to be tested for specifically.

The normal and basic naturally occurring chemical levels in your water that you would test for are as follows: Ammonia, Nitrites, Nitrates, Hardness, Chlorine, Chloramine, Alkalinity, and pH. (There are many testing kits on the market, as pictured to the left)

Each of these can have a different possible reasons for taking place, and individual causes. For example: a factor such as having a high level of ammonia is very harmful to your fish, and it will damage to their gills, making it difficult for them to breathe; it will stress them out, and even possibly cause death. Once you have evaluated each of these above items, a possible solution can be found to solve problems that are occurring or even prevent them from occurring in the first place.

We recommend testing for these basic levels when drastic changes take place in your pond, anticipating a potential problem, as well as identifying an already existing problem. Knowing and monitoring all of these naturally occurring levels will help you to have a successful and healthy eco-system and pond.