I'm currently trying barley, but it doesn't seem very effective. Two of my KOI are longer then a foot and were a gift. I don't want tp use chemicals if I don't have to, but as it is, I can't see them anyway.
2007-04-04 06:24:24 · 6 answers · asked by papa 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
Using plants to cut down on light is a good suggestion. It creates shade for your fish as well.
Along with light, you need to consider the nutrients that the algae is using for food. Have you tested your pond water for nitrates? You should remove any fallen leaves, or dead leaves from aquatic plants and do periodic water changes (about 20% of the pond volume) to keep nutrient levels down.
Do you live in a temperate climate? As the weather warms up, ponds experience "overturn" (in the fall as well). As ice melts, it becomes denser and sinks, causing water from the bottom of the pond to rise. This stirs up the nutrients and results in a nice spring algae bloom.
Barley straw is useful for preventing new algae, but won't have any effect the attached forms of algae already growing. This you may have to remove by hand.
2007-04-04 15:01:19 · answer #1 · answered by copperhead 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Your koi are plant eaters and will eat some of the algae, unfortunately not enough. Barley takes forever as well as a lot of other home remedies. Extra plants in the pond are your best defense. Also floating plants and lillies. I found this to be the best for ponds in a sunny area. they will absorb the neutriants from the algae and shade the pond.
If you find it is getting out of control, had methods always work. Snails are an option however they will quickly get out of control.
As a last resort, there is a pond additive/dechlor called eco-fix. If worse comes to worse, this is a good additive to not only keep the water dechlor/trace contaminants out but also contains an algae tint. It only needs to be used twice per season and really does work to keep the algae out.
I have used this in later summer months when algae is heavy with no ill effects on my fish.
I usually try to remove bulk algae by hand. But there are times it just gets away in some ponds.
2007-04-04 06:43:38 · answer #2 · answered by danielle Z 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best way to get rid of green algae floating in the water is a uv sterilizer. You can get one at most local fish stores, pet stores and even Lowe's hardware. Most algae eating animals won't eat free-floating algae that's hiding your fish. If you have string algae stuck to the sides, pond salt actually works pretty good and fish need it anyway so try adding that. You only need .2% concentration so follow the directions and test the salinity with a tester. Within an hour of adding it, algae will start to disconnect from the sides and you can scoop it up with a net.
After all that, use preventative measures such as barley and adding plants to compete for nutrients. Algae-eating animals help a little, but you have to remember they end up putting more waste back into the pond.
2007-04-05 18:49:37 · answer #3 · answered by PlanB 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Algae in the water (green water)? or sticking by the side of the pond's wall?
Green water is not a good thing, it is also a sign of immature filter system. (By the way...Do you have a filter system?)
On the other hand, Algae on the pond's wall is a pretty good thing for a KOI pond or a goldfish pond, it's a kind of food, and they actually helps balance your water chemistry a bit.
Maybe you should tell us more about your pond, filter system setup, plants, and all... So we can help you out more! =D
Cheers
2007-04-04 07:50:41 · answer #4 · answered by John Goh 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Maybe an algae eater, its a type of fish and shouldn't interfere with your Koi. You can get them from a pet store, and they are several different types and colors.
2007-04-04 06:32:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
get some snails it will eat the algae
2007-04-07 16:10:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋