how do I keep sludge from building up in my pond?

Question

I keep having to drain my pond and clean it cause I get sludge and string algea that covers everything from the plants to the filter, it killed half my plants and the rocks lost there color, is there anyway I can keep this algea and sludge from coming back?

Answer 1

Every time you drain your pond and refill it, you are asking for all that to come back again because it's going through a cycling proccess. Use a beneficial bacteria in a bottle. Most decent pond places sell them. It's possible you will get green algae sludge... called an algae bloom. It can happen. (when first establishing a pond or not keeping one up properly). If it happens during the cycle, don't be too alarmed.

There's one beneficial bacteria in a bottle that will even chomp away at dead leaves in the bottom. Pond turns beautifully crystal clear.

That's the easiest way.

Skimmers are also very super helpful if you can afford one.

Some people may say use a UV light system... however those kill everything in the water.. almost like using bleach. The plants and other things need the nutrients.. UV probably isn't best idea.

Answer 2

clean the filter often
shade the pool if you can this will retard algae growth
see a local pond dealer, they may have a product you can add to your pond to help with this problem.
Good Luck

Answer 3

there is this blue dye that you can put in the water that keeps algae away, but other than that just keep the water moving with a fountatin or something so that the algae can't grow.

Answer 4

Get a filter or clarafier at your local pet store.