How Much Per Gallon? Pond Water Treatment Comic Guide with Gilbert the Goldfish

Pond Water Treatment: How Much Per Gallon?

1. Dechlorinator (Water Conditioner)

• How much?
  Usually 1 teaspoon (about 5 mL) treats 10 gallons of tap water.

• Per gallon:
  0.1 teaspoon (0.5 mL) per gallon

• Why?
  Removes chlorine and chloramine instantly to protect fish.

2. Beneficial Bacteria

• How much?
  1 ounce (30 mL) treats 1,000 gallons (varies by brand, but this is common).

• Per gallon:
  About 1 drop (0.03 mL) per gallon

• Why?
  Boosts the biological filter by breaking down waste.

3. Algaecide or Barley Extract (for algae control)

• How much?
  1 ounce (30 mL) treats 300-500 gallons (read the label!).

• Per gallon:
  0.06 to 0.1 mL per gallon

• Why?
  Stops green water or stringy algae.

4. Pond Salt (Optional, for fish health)

• How much?
  1 cup (about 250 grams) per 100 gallons

• Per gallon:
  2.5 grams per gallon

• Why?
  Helps fish with stress and parasites, but don’t use with plants that can’t handle salt.

5. UV Clarifier

• How much?
  This depends on pond size not gallons treated. Example: A 9-watt UV clarifier is good for up to 1,000 gallons.

• Rule:
  1 watt per 100 gallons is a safe minimum.

6. Aerator (Air Pump)

• How much?
  Choose a pump rated for your pond size.
  Example: If you have a 500-gallon pond, get a pump rated for at least 500 gallons.

• Rule:
  1 air stone for every 500 gallons (more if you have a lot of fish).

7. Filter

• How much?
  Your filter should be rated for at least your total pond gallons (bigger is better, especially if you have a lot of fish).

Tip:

Always check the label on whatever product you buy—different brands may have different dosing instructions. When in doubt, it’s safer to under-dose than to overdo it, especially with chemicals.