Fish Health and Genetics Laboratory
Routine Water Quality Monitoring
Dissolved Oxygen
To obtain good fish growth, dissolved oxygen levels need to be above 5 mg/liter.
Temperature
Optimal temperatures for growth:
- Coldwater species (trout, for example) - 48 – 65°F
- Coolwater (walleye) - 60 – 85°F
- Warmwater (bass) - 75 – 90°F
Ammonia
Nitrogen waste products are excreted from the gills primarily as ammonia.
Un-ionized ammonia levels of 0.02 mg/L are considered safe to fish.
pH Factor
pH & temperature regulates the toxic form of ammonia (un-ionized) that will be present in pond water. pH for fish culture should be between 6.5 and 9.0.