Algae, Hard Water, and pH in Arizona Container Pond

18-Gal Buried Container, Fountain, Feeder Goldfish, Extreme Hard Water

Western AZ, 100°F+, very hard well water, house has softener + RO. Algae in fountain, high pH, hard water. Using drinking water (softened+RO) for top-off and ice.

Algae Control

• Barley straw bales (or extract) in pond—natural algae inhibitor.
• Shade fountain (cloth, lattice) to reduce light/heat.
• Plants: Floaters (hyacinth, lettuce), submerged (anacharis).

Water Chemistry

• Do NOT use softened water—sodium harms fish.
• RO water is excellent—pure, no minerals. Mix 50/50 with well water to moderate hardness.
• Rain barrel: Collect rain (even 8"/yr) to dilute hardness.
• High pH + hardness = goldfish tolerate well if stable. Don't chase numbers.
• Test KH—if >100 ppm, pH stable. If low, add crushed coral in mesh bag.

Key Point

Goldfish are tough. Stable, clean water > "perfect" parameters. Focus on filtration, plants, and not overfeeding.