High pH Pond Plants and Oranda Behavior

350-gal pond, well water → high pH. pH-down ineffective. Hyacinth dies, lilies okay. Orandas often sit on bottom. Asks for high-pH plant list and if behavior normal.

pH Management

If pH ≤8.5, usually fine. To lower: sulfuric acid (pH Down) or muriatic acid (pool store). Few plants tolerate high pH; marginals best bet. Trial and error needed.

Oranda Behavior

Fancy goldfish (orandas) rest more—harder to swim. They're sensitive and predator-prone. If active at pet store but not pond, check: cover, water quality, predators.

Lilies surviving suggests pH not extreme.