Algae Control & Water Clarity

One plague of summer can frustrate even the most diligent pond owner – ALGAE. There is the long stringy algae that appears on waterfalls and stream beds or there is the "pea soup" variety where the water simply appears green. All algae forms thrive in warm water full of nutrients that receives even modest amounts of sunlight. Although algae is common to aquatic habitats, natural ponds do not have this particular form unless significant environmental problems exist, such as run-off containing fertilizers entering a pond.

Usually in the typical fish pond that has high nutrients you can count on long stringy algae to show up each summer, and the worse the nutrient problem, the sooner it will appear. Having plenty of fast growing plants helps combat algae problems, but they can only absorb so much of the ammonia and nitrate available.

Remove as much long stringy algae as possible. This messy, unpleasant task needs to be done. Once you have removed as much string algae as possible treat the pond with Green Clean, Algae Fix or Microbe-Lift Algaway. GreenClean is a powder and works great if applied directly on the algae growing in stream beds and on the waterfall. Both Algaway and Algae Fix are liquid treatments, easy to use and will kill the algae usually within a week. Once the algae is under control, a weekly dose will help to rid your pond of algae.

Having at least half the surface area covered with plants will help protect your water garden from summer-thriving algae by competing with the algae for nutrients. Floating plants and submerged plants both help combat algae problems.

The goal is to try and prevent algae from growing. Try to achieve a natural ecological balance in your pond, by adding more plants, and don’t overstock with fish.