I have a small pond in my garden and it is under direct sunlight. It often gets dirtied with algae very easily. Is having a bigger filtering pump the answer or do I need to constantly add algicide or other chemicals to clear the water. I have small carps in the pond. Would really appreciate help in finding a solution to this. Thanks.
2006-12-12 01:08:43 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
I'm assuming that you already have some sort of biological filter and aerating system, like a store-bought box filter with a small fountain, right? If so, once you have killed off the algae with an algaecide and the PH is brought to a level of between 6.5 and 9, use a strong clarifier such as the one offered by Aquascape or one that a major pet store offers. They are not cheap but It only takes 1oz. per 3000 gal. of pond water. Pour it directly in front of the skimmer opening or pump intake. Use daily for first two weeks for a new pond or in the spring. Then use 2-4 times per month with increase in outdoor temp. These clarifiers are liquid bacteria that is scientifcally blended and tested for ornamental ponds. They contain specific beneficial microbes that are effective at reducing ammonia, nitrites, and excess nutrients that would otherwise cause poor water quality and clarity. This should do the trick but running the water through an ultaviolet light source would help, too. I have an ultraviolet light attached to my big waterfall pump/skimmer but never turn it on, and yet I manage to keep my pond water here in Michigan looking good with the aid of liquid clarifiers. My friend bought a couple pleco fish (algae-eaters) for her pond (in addition to using liquid and mechanical clarifiers) but these fish have to be brought indoors for the winter. The rule of thumb, by the way, is about 2/3 of the pond should have some filtered shade. Water lilies with their big, green pads are probably the best choice and will not clog up the skimmer like other floating plants. An over-hanging tree will shed leaves in the fall-requiring the purchase of a net--depending on where you live. Any shade, however, will help reduce algae growth. Don't depend on the carp to eat much algae--not when they have a choice.
2006-12-12 01:25:34 · answer #1 · answered by HoneyBunny 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If it is a new pond and you have just changed the water, or keep changing it to clear it up, stop doing that. The normal process with a new pond is what it called an algae bloom that clears up in 6-8 weeks, if you leave it alone. it is helpful if you can have 60% of the water surface coveredwith plants but I know that isn't practical with Koi that are vegetation eaters. Don't add chemicals to clear it up, they are bad for other plants and fish. You do need a good filter on your pump if you don't have one. Barley will help clear up the algae problem also, you can get bundles of it at your garden center. It takes a little time to clear it up, but it does work, even on filamentous algae which is notoriously hard to get rid of. You just toss it in, it will float for a while and then sink to the bottom so you don't see it. You can get a pool paint for your cement pool, it is a two-part epoxy. You have to let it cure thoroughly before you put your fish back in. We used it on concrete fish tanks at the nursery where I worked. Be sure you get one that is non-toxic. I believe they use it to paint the insides of stock tanks, so you might be able to get it at a farm supply store. The fish don't care if the water is green; it is the humans that don't like it.
2016-05-23 08:30:06 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I tend to view chemicals as a bad idea. Just me.
Plants will provide competition for the algae.
You could research for algae eating fish.
Try to get some shade for the pond. A bush or structure nearby.
A bench arbor maybe? to sit and enjoy the pond?
2006-12-12 01:53:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try a filter box between the pump & pond. Don't run out & buy one, use a tupperware container (about 12" x 12") with the appropriate holes drilled in it (water in (one corner of the top) & water out (the far side corner on the base)) & fill the container with plastic hair curlers.
The size of container forms a resevior which the water slows it's rate of pumping through, & bacteria grow on the spikes of the hair curlers & help eat the algee as it's passing through. This worked for me on a pond of 1,5 mt L x 1,2 mt W x 700mm D.
Depending on the size of pond you may have to go to a bigger container, & the best way to gauge the size of filter box needed is to call your local pond shop & ask them. Doing the DIY filter box cost me about 5% of the cost of a shop bought one.
2006-12-12 01:24:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
An Ultra voilet filter fitted with your pump pumping the water through it 24 hours a day is usually guaranteed to clear the greenest pond.
Have a look at this site
http://www.pet-mate.com/Fish_Mate/Filters/Pondfilters_intro_UK.htm
I own a pet store and use these on my koi ponds
2006-12-12 01:34:31 · answer #5 · answered by stevehart53 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
plant more plants in your pond, cover up to 75% of the surface
put an arbor or roof (canopy) over the top, plant small tree or shrubs around it to block sunlight
2006-12-12 20:13:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fountains keep the pool from getting too much algae. Also, some fish eat algae, which might help.
2006-12-12 01:13:16 · answer #7 · answered by John K 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You need to block the sunlight,it's getting too much.
2006-12-12 01:13:33 · answer #8 · answered by feather 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
more shade, what the pet store guy said and try some bentonite clay, it makes for healthier water.
2006-12-13 08:39:51 · answer #9 · answered by Rupert Picante 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should get snails or fish that eat algae. that really helped for me!!!!!
2006-12-12 01:20:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋