Well like any pond or aquarium there is a stabilization period. The first 2 or 3 days I couldn't get the pH under control. It was top of the scale caustic due to pH right around 10 to 10.2. This was due to the lime leaching out of the cement. I drained and re filled the pond and ran the pumps and fountains then drained and re filled again. The 2nd refill I used sample water from the various lotus pots we have around the property. I checked each of the pH in them and they ranged from 7.9 to 8.5. City water was right at 8. I do not want an algae pond but all ponds are an Eco system so it all about establishing a suitable living environment.
As of today the pH is 8.2. Fish and Crayfish seem to be happy. I lost about 8 crayfish stabilizing the pond, mostly little ones but did lose a big male which was a bit sad.
Rock accents, plants and the fish are doing well. In fact this morning I found a frog swimming along and it seems to have taken up a place in the rocks.