Dissolved Oxygen

Understanding basic levels

  • 0-2 mg/L: not enough oxygen to support life
  • 2-4 mg/L: only a few fish and aquatic insects can survive
  • 4-7 mg/L: good for many aquatic animals, low for cold water fish
  • 7-11 mg/L: very good for most stream fish

Dissolved Oxygen changes over the seasons

Both temperature and the depth of your sample may change the levels. Trends throughout the year should be compared to previous years for the best results.

cycles
Required levels for freshwater fish.
cycles
Dissolved oxygen levels often stratify in the winter and summer, turning over in the spring and fall as lake temperatures align.