In this video, Daniel Creel, a graduate student in the Auburn University School of Fisheries, describes how to use LaMotte test kits to measure the alkalinity and hardness in recreational fishing pond water.

Alkalinity and hardness are important to the productivity and stability of ponds. If the pond water is below 20 ppm for either, and the pond does not have excessive flushing of water, Alabama Extension recommends adding agricultural lime to raise those values.

For more information, see the Extension publication Adding Agricultural Lime to Fishponds, ANR-0232.