I have this last week dug a huge pond which has been filled with clean water, i have also put in airating ? plants so why has the complete surface been covered in a green frothy algi ? I have already skimmed it off once but it has grown back. The pond is not lined as it has been dug into clay. If anyone knows how i can get rid of this without puting in anything that will harm my ducks or geese i would appreciate it.
2007-04-17 22:10:42 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Its best not to add chemicals, the old fashioned method is to go to a pet shop and buy some live Daphnia. They're sold as fish food. Put a couple of bags in the pond and you won't believe how much algae they can eat. They really do keep the water clear. They hibernate when there's no food so if you're lucky and get re-infested they may return without you having to buy more.
Also duckweed uses up the nitrates in the water that encourage the growth of algae so see if you can get some.
In the meantime you can scoop it out with a net (old tights work fine!) and put it on your flower beds.
2007-04-17 23:05:24 · answer #1 · answered by sarah c 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It will take a few weeks for the water to settle down and stabilise, if you have enough of the right type of plants, they will absorb the nitrates that cause the algae. You could go to an aquatic centre and get various water treatments, 'Clear Water' etc. which may help, but time is required!
http://www.tetra-fish.com/pond/default.aspx
2007-04-18 12:03:42 · answer #2 · answered by jayktee96 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can buy special straw, which soaks up the weed problem. The species is probably spyrogira, which can be chemically eradicated, but with livestock it might cause harm. Some shelter over the water will help as will water lillies with their flat leaves.
Eventually, if possible, a small pump fountain can keep things aerated.
2007-04-18 05:18:00 · answer #3 · answered by More or less Cosmic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pet shops sell additives to use in fish tanks that reduce algi, they won't harm your ducks etc as they are used in fish tanks whilst the fish are in there. I don't remeber what its called but if you call in any pet shop and explain what has happened they will be able to sort you out.
2007-04-18 05:16:51 · answer #4 · answered by VV 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could try putting in a few sucker fish. They will take a little while to clean it but it is one way so you don't have to use any type of chemicals.
2007-04-18 05:15:59 · answer #5 · answered by dm24 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋