Question
QUESTION: We have a pond-2700 to 3000 gallons that has been in place for 3 years. This year starting mid-May, our rural water will have chloramines instead of free chlorine added to the water. We have a automatic water fill with a float for the pond. I can add enough AquaSafe for the first time, but how do I know how much and/or how often to add more of the AquaSafe? Does the concentration need to be at a certain level? Or do I just need to add an "educated guess" amount each week? Example: Guess 50gal/week automatically replaced, so only add the appropriate 10mls of treatment? We have goldfish and some Koi in the pond. Will adding to much treatment hurt the fish? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you, Joyce

ANSWER: The only difference between the two is that chloramine is bonded with ammonia to make it hold up longer.

You only need to use the recommended dosage when you add new water from the tap, maybe 1 1/2 times dosage.  There will be an excess of ammonia, but nothing that your biological filter can't handle.

You should perform an ammonia test on the tap water once it changes over just to see how much you are dealing with.

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QUESTION: We do not have a biological filter. What is that and what is it for? What is an acceptable ammonia level and what is a lethal level? Does ammonia disapate on its own? We have a pump and a stream with several water falls. That is how we aerated the chlorine out of the tap water in the pond before. Thanks, Joyce

Answer
Technically you want 0 ppm.  Up to 1 ppm is acceptable for a short period of time, although it would take over 2 ppm to kill most pond fish.  Ammonia is even worse for the fish if the pH is above 7.

Ammonia dissipates with the aid of microscopic bacteria, which are readily found in a pond.  A biological filter is just a way to ensure an environment for the most bacteria possible.  While they're not required, they are necessary if you intend to have a lot of fish.

(corrected for spelling)