Oyster Shells provide an easy and reliable way to keep your ponds KH and pH values correct. The KH value is the measure of the water’s carbonate hardness. Oyster shells have an exceptional stabilising effect on the KH value and consequently indirectly on the pH value which is very important for your ponds inhabitants.

Many people believe that if their tap water relatively hard then they won’t have any problems with KH or pH values. The KH to some extent acts as a buffer to the water’s degree of acidity. Fish, plants and bacteria within the biological filter ‘consume’ the water hardness (KH). During the winter period if too little water is changed, the KH can quickly become too low. The KH value can also drop quickly when there is too much rain. This affects the fish, because this can cause the pH value to drop steeply (referred to as a pH crash).

A pond’s KH value generally is not measured regularly enough. Only when there are problems, and therefore too late, are there any interventions by adding remedies, such as KH+ powder. However, KH+ powder has a number of drawbacks:

- A lot of powder quickly disappears via the bottom drain/ Filter system
- Short-term boost effect; major fluctuations in water values
- The need for continuous testing and adding powder

Oyster shells safeguard full KH and pH stabilisation over the longer term. The oyster shells only dissolve slowly once the KH drops and this way buffer the pH. Entirely independently of the quantity of rain, water changes or the seasons, the oyster shells automatically keep your KH up to par and the pH stable. Only once the oyster shells are virtually completely dissolved do you need to replenish them with new oyster shells. A rough indication of the quantity required is 1 bag of oyster shells for every 10 m3 of water per year; the exact quantity is of course highly dependent on factors such as the ones described above.

Oyster shells are best placed in a net sack so that they can be easily rinsed. The oyster shells have been washed with chlorine and are subsequently dried: this guarantees that they do not contain any harmful bacteria, moulds or pathogens. The shells are also highly suited for use as a biological filter medium in a trickle or multi-chamber system.

Cut Off Time

Order by 2pm for same day dispatch - Monday to Friday (Excluding Bank Holidays)

Please Note: Direct/Palletised Delivery items may take longer.

Orders Under £49

Standard Delivery (2-3 working days) - £3.99
Express Delivery (1-2 working days) - £5.99.

Orders Over £49

Standard Delivery (2-3 working days) - FREE!
Express Delivery (1-2 working days) - £2.99.

Timeframes are for standard mainland UK addresses only excluding NI, Scottish Highlands & Islands.

Palletised Deliveries

Some large oversize products, typically items weighing more than 30kg, may require delivery via pallet and as such will arrive as a kerbside delivery only. The drivers in these instances are unfortunately not permitted to assist with the pallet beyond the drop off, and cannot aid in bringing packages into the property.

Pond Planet will contact you to book in delivery on a suitable working day. Delivery will generally take place between 9am and 5pm. To ensure there are no delays with delivery, please include a contact number when placing the order.

Pond Plant Deliveries & Surcharge

Pond plants are subject to a £5.00 delivery surcharge. Pond plants are sent directly from our supplier to make sure the plants you receive are fresh and in great condition. There is no limit on how many you can order for a single delivery charge. This charge is in addition to any other carriage costs for items sent directly from Pond Planet. Please allow 5 -10 working days for delivery.

Returns

If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase from Pond Planet, you may return the product(s) to us within 14 days of the purchase date for a refund or exchange.

Goods must be returned in perfect and unused condition, in their original packaging. The buyer must ensures that the goods are securely and adequately packed to avoid damage and the purchaser pays all postage costs. We recommend that products are returned by recorded delivery or by a carrier that requires a signature. Pond Planet accepts no responsibility for goods returned to us unless signed proof can be provided.