Water Quality Testing
Water quality is critical for the life within it and is usually the first step towards solving problems. In almost all cases, when clients come to us with a problem, we recommend a water quality test. The basic test alone provides us with the key readings that indicate how well the water is able to host life and gives an indication of future problems.
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Water quality testing |
Algae identification testing |
Individual tests |
Few people realise that poor water quality is one of the largest causes of fish fatalities and health problems. Incorrect water balance can lead to increases in algal blooms and aquatic plant growth, can reduce the ability of bacteria that consume waste, can cause behavioural changes and stress in fish and can even lead to the water being hostile to aquatic life.
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Sedimentation in water samples
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Finished tests
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After each test you will receive a document summarising the condition of your water along with recommendations on how to remedy any problems. By testing water regularly, problems can be spotted early and especially in shallow, eutrophic lakes, fish kills may be prevented.
Basic water testing
This range of tests covers most aspects of water quality and is a good and reliable range to enable many recommendations to be made. For most water owners this will provide the information required to ascertain the success of the biological systems and the suitability of the water as a habitat.
We test water for 13 different parameters including: oxygen, carbon dioxide, pH, nitrite, ammonia, nitrate, phosphate, chlorine, general hardness (GH), carbonate hardness (KH), calcium and chelated/non-chelated iron.
| Number of Tests |
Price inc VAT |
1 - 4 |
£ 60.00 |
4 - 9 |
£ 56.00 |
10+ |
£ 51.00 |
For information on submitting samples, please scroll to the bottom of this page.
Trace nutrient testing
This suite of test looks specifically for the range of nutrients required by plants and/or aquatic fauna to thrive and grow. If there is an abundance of certain constituents this can lead to prolific plant and algal growths throughout a water.
This set of tests is particularly valuable for water owners wishing to establish colonies of submerged, emergent or marginal water plants or where there is an excess of aquatic plant life and the desire to know what is assisting the proliferation.
We test for ascorbic acid, cobalt, copper, molybdate, potassium and zinc.
Number of Tests |
Price inc VAT |
1 - 4 |
£ 54.00 |
4 - 9 |
£ 51.00 |
10+ |
£ 47.50 |
For information on submitting samples, please scroll to the bottom of this page.
Pollutant Testing
This suite of tests looks for undesirable constituents in a waterbody. This is particularly valuable in areas where heavy industry is or was a feature and damaging entities could be leaching, discharging or running off into the water.
Although pollutants are far less common than in previous decades, they can still appear and can have adverse effects on aquatic fauna and plants.
We test for aluminium, arsenic, chloride, chromate, cyanide, formaldehyde, lead, nickel, peroxide, sulphate, sulphite and tin.
Number of Tests |
Price inc VAT |
1 - 4 |
£ 79.00 |
4 - 9 |
£ 77.00 |
10+ |
£ 71.00 |
For information on submitting samples, please scroll to the bottom of this page.
Comprehensive water testing
This is primarily designed as an initial or one-off screen for the water that combines the tests described above. This may be especially useful if you have never had your water tested and are keen to have an initial assessment or if you expect you may have suffered a pollution incident.
Whilst we are keen to promote regular water testing in most cases the basic water test will cover your requirements adequately and only in isolated incidents would regular testing of trace nutrients and pollutants be necessary.
Tests |
Price inc Vat |
Basic Water Testing + Trace Element Testing |
£ 110.00 |
Basic Water Testing + Pollutant Testing |
£ 135.00 |
Trace Element Testing + Pollutant Testing |
£ 130.00 |
All 3 test screens |
£ 180.00 |
For information on submitting samples, please scroll to the bottom of this page.
Individual water tests
Included below are the tests we are able to undertake on an individual basis. Whilst in most cases we are able to cover your needs with one of our test packages we understand that there are times when you may require just one or two items tested for or that you may wish to add additional tests to an existing package.
Test
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Price (when additional to any testing package) Inc VAT |
Individual Price Inc VAT |
Aluminium |
£ 6.50 |
£ 12.50 |
Ammonia |
£ 5.75 |
£ 11.00 |
Arsenic |
£ 7.25 |
£ 14.00 |
Ascorbic Acid |
£ 5.95 |
£ 11.50 |
Calcium |
£ 6.75 |
£ 13.00 |
Carbon dioxide |
£ 6.20 |
£ 12.00 |
Carbonate hardness (KH) |
£ 6.75 |
£ 13.00 |
Chloride |
£ 6.10 |
£ 11.75 |
Chlorine |
£ 5.75 |
£ 11.00 |
Chromate |
£ 6.10 |
£ 11.75 |
Cobalt |
£ 6.10 |
£ 11.75 |
Copper |
£ 5.30 |
£ 10.25 |
Cyanide |
£ 6.75 |
£ 13.00 |
Formaldehyde |
£ 6.60 |
£ 12.75 |
General hardness (GH) |
£ 6.75 |
£ 13.00 |
Iron |
£ 6.75 |
£ 13.00 |
Lead |
£ 6.80 |
£ 13.15 |
Molybdate |
£ 7.20 |
£ 13.90 |
Nickel |
£ 5.40 |
£ 10.40 |
Nitrate |
£ 6.75 |
£ 13.00 |
Nitrite |
£ 6.75 |
£ 13.00 |
Oxygen (dissolved) |
£ 6.50 |
£ 12.50 |
Peroxide |
£ 5.45 |
£ 10.50 |
Phosphate |
£ 6.75 |
£ 13.00 |
Potassium |
£ 6.50 |
£ 12.50 |
Salinity |
£ 7.25 |
£ 14.00 |
Sulphate |
£ 5.95 |
£ 11.50 |
Sulphite |
£ 5.80 |
£ 11.20 |
Tin |
£ 6.35 |
£ 12.25 |
Zinc |
£ 6.40 |
£ 12.40 |
For information on submitting samples, please scroll to the bottom of this page.
Algae identification tests
Whilst our ultrasonic transducers can kill most types of algae, there are a small number, which due to thick cell walls, the ultrasonic waves are unable to penetrate. This is why we always recommend an algae identification test be completed before any purchases are made.
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Chlorophyceae |
Spirogyra |
Blue-green algae |
Whilst we know that in the vast majority of cases we are able to eliminate algae from a water body, we wish to ensure our clients’ satisfaction with our products and therefore we offer a service which will give you complete piece of mind.
There are thousands of species of algae and correct identification is a tricky job. this is why we use an independent laboratory for all algae tests.
After each test you will receive a report on the species of algae present and, where applicable, a cell count of the algae present in your water along with recommendations on how to remedy any problems.
Number of Tests |
Cost Each Inc Vat |
1 |
£ 255.00 |
1 - 3 |
£ 230.00 |
4 + |
£ 205.00 |
For information on submitting samples, please scroll to the bottom of this page.
Submitting Water Samples
Please call us for sample bottles to be sent to you along with a simple questionnaire. Enclose the correct number of samples (see section below) along with a copy of the form and payment. Each sample should contain between 200 – 250ml of water in the clean plastic watertight bottle provided. We also recommend that the temperature of the water is taken at the same time as the sample as this can influence some readings (thermometers can be purchased from hardware or garden shops or from us)
If you require any further information or would like to see a sample water test report, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
| If the sample is from a pond or larger water: |
If the sample is from an aquarium: |
If this sample is from a river, stream, or canal: |
Please send 2 samples, one from where the water enters, and the other from where the water exits the waterbody, or from opposite ends of the site.
This will be charged as 1 sample. |
Please send 1 sample |
Please send 2 samples, one from each end of the stretch.
This will be charged as one sample. |
Submitting algae samples
If you wish to have your algae tested, please send us:
A sample of water in a clean plastic watertight bottle. Include in this:
Samples of any algae growing on the sides or bottom of the lake, pond etc, and samples of any floating algae.
To ensure that there is no conflict of interest, we send all algae samples to an independent laboratory for analysis.
Please call us for sample bottles to be sent to you along with a simple questionnaire. Return the samples to us along with a copy of the form and payment. Each sample should contain the algae samples in the water the algae is from and with 200 – 250ml of water in the clean plastic watertight bottle provided. If you are unsure if something is an aquatic plant or algae include it anyway, the laboratory will be able to identify it
Very Important
As algae have a very poor storage life, we ask that you take the sample immediately prior to posting it. Please send 1st class or overnight delivery. If the sample does not reach us within 48 hours it may be useless and you may need to purchase a second test.
If you do not enclose the questionnaire form and payment with each sample, we may be unable to process your sample and you will need to send another sample to us.
If you require any further information or would like to see a sample algae test report please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
