How do you get rid of algae in an outdoor pond?

Question

We have an outdoor pond (5,000gal) lots of goldfish and some koi. We have been here two years and this has never happened. We have had some blanket algae problems but seemed to keep them under control, But lately there is floating algae in the pond. The water is clear. We don't want to add a lot of chemicals as we plan to tear it down and clean it. Any suggestions as to how to get rid of the algae without spending a bundle?

Answer 1

I've dealt with this before and it seems to be at its worst in the springtime. It gradually subsides as summer comes on, our trees leaf out and provide more shade to the pond. The best way with the blanket algae is to hand remove it and eventually it will subside. Adding more plants to the pond will reduce the algae problem, as will providing more plants and trees around the pond to provide shade. If you end up also dealing algae clouding the water, there is a product called Pond Clear that basically causes the algae to sink to the bottom - it clears the water and it won't hurt the fish.

Answer 2

Hand remove as much as you can, being careful that there are no Koi Fry attached. Netting works best I found or even a rake(Been there done that!)

Clear pond does work well however if you have specialty plants and lillies, sometimes this will harm them as well. I try to stay away from the chems as well.

Adding more plants helps with the algae problem. Floating Hyacinths are great for keeping the blanket algae at bay. Usually at this time of year the Koi will be munching on the algae and plants as they come out of Hybernation.

Copperhead also had a good suggestion.

Answer 3

This will solve itself..but in the meantime you might try putting some duckweed to float on top...it will help with keeping the light from reaching the water and using up the nutrients...but goldfish and koi love eating it so you might want to put in quite a bit---it grows quickly

Answer 4

What you want to add is BARLEY straw. You can get it in different sized bales for different sized ponds. It won't get rid of existing algae (you'll have to scrape this off yourself), but will inhibit new growth.

http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/product/productInfo.web?picGroupKey=11936
http://montgomery.extension.psu.edu/NResources/pond/straw-fs.pdf

Algae needs light and nutrients to grow - you can also get some control by using vascular plants to absorb nutrients, floating plants to shade the pond, doing regular 20% water changes, and removing and dead leaves from the pond.

Answer 5

What you want to do is try and blanket and then line the pool with a garbage bag and that would help down grade the algae.

Answer 6

try an alfalfa block. You can order them on the internet or get them at a koi supply.

Answer 7

what you should do is clean the pond out i mean cleanit out very good.