I have a small pond [6ft long, 4ft wide, and about 2-3 ft deep]...I have gold fish in there and they've lived in it for over a year now. I have a few plants in it as well. I have tried and tied to clean it. I need a way to clean it without killing the fish. Is there a product or remedy that anyone knows of? Ive tried moving the fish, cleaning it, and then moving them back. Ive killed a few fish by doing that and the pond ends up green again in a few days.
2006-06-21 08:29:21 · 15 answers · asked by sunkiss941 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
--I have a filter, its sort of a fountain that circulates the water
--when ive cleaned the pond in the past ive completely removed all of the water and replaced it with fresh, i also took the temp of the water before replacing the fish to ensure their safety [=
2006-06-21 09:11:41 · update #1
You can go to E-Bay and purchase mini bales of barley and put 1 bale for the size of pond you have. It does not kill the algae that is in the pond now but it keeps the algae from continuing to produce. Algae usually lives approx. 4 weeks and dies off only to be replaced by more reproducing algae.
Put 1 bale of barley in your pond and in 3-4 weeks you should see a dramatic change. One bale should keep a pond your size clean about 6 months...
Good Luck...
2006-06-21 09:24:47 · answer #1 · answered by redneckwoman 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You should get a uv light at the pond store. There is no problem with algae in the pond. Most algae is harmless but ugly. Make sure the water is circulating constantly to provide extra oxygen exchange and to keep the water temp cooler. I upgraded to a filter with a built in UV light and it helps but not completely. Avoid adding any chemicals as it will unbalance the mini ecosystem in there. You could shade it with an ubrella to cut down on the sunlight.
2006-06-21 09:02:37 · answer #2 · answered by mdemo1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on to what extent "cleaning" is. I know that for fish tanks, you can't really "clean" it out (i.e. dump out all the water, and add new water). You can only take out about 20% of the water because the water has important bacteria that is crucial to keeping your fish alive. This bacteria (commonly know as a biological filter) eats and neutralizes the ammonia that is built up from decaying food and the fish pooh. If too much ammonia is built up, it will kill the fish. You can get a testing kit at most pet stores that tests ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, and pH levels. This is crucial. In terms of algae, you might consider adding those algae-eating fish. But keep in mind (and I'm sure you already know this) that having too many fish in a tank or pond is hazardous as well (due to ammonia build-up) a good rule of thumb is 1-2 inches of fish per gallon of water.
2006-06-21 08:39:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't remember exactly what I have read about this, but look into a certain type of fish that eats the algae. I know there are specific plants and fish that when put together, they create a naturally clean environment.
Try looking under the National Home Gardening Club's website for information on water gardens.
Good luck!
2006-06-21 08:35:42 · answer #4 · answered by Jolie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably too many nitrates in the water, causing an algal "bloom", made WORSE by frequent changing of the water. Keep the pond clear of excess dead leaves and vegetation, and buy a filter from a specialist. Be gentle to your fish - raw tap water is a shock to even tough fish!
2006-06-21 10:23:09 · answer #5 · answered by PollyN 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It seems you are not replacing the stale water with fresh water very often. Water must be changed every three or four days, or at the most at weekly interval, so that the greenery may not arise. Stale water can also be harmful for the fish in the pond.
2006-06-21 08:43:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pond Care products has a chemical called AlgeaFix. Get it and then go buy an AQUA UV.
You have approx 945 gallons in that pond
2006-06-22 06:03:44 · answer #7 · answered by princeofdaarkness 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is very difficult to keep algae out of a small pool.
You can buy fish called grass carp that eat it but you need a bigger pond.
Filters will work but you will have to clean them everyday.
Their really isn't a fish friendly weed or algae killer.
2006-06-21 08:35:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to lowes and get a bottle of something called pond clearer. It should help. Also try getting some fish, frogs, plants, (exct).
2006-06-21 12:08:49 · answer #9 · answered by Andy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to a pond store & they will give you several options. You can kill algae with chemicals or by adding small bales of barley.
2006-06-21 08:42:47 · answer #10 · answered by applpro 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋