How to get rid of the algae in my pond?

Question

I bought a new filter for a 2,000 gal pond, bought an aqua uv 25w clarifier, my pond is clearing up but what my question is I see loose green algae on the shelves of the pond, how do I get rid of this.

Answer 1

The filter and UV will only affect the algae that passes through them. Barley straw will prevent new algae from getting a hold in your pond. If the algae you have is an attached form, you need to control it in a different way.

All algae needs to have light and nutrients to survive. If you live in a temperate climate (seasonal temperature chage), there's a phenomenon called "turnover" that happens around this time of year. If there's been ice over the winter, it's melted and the cold water sinks, causeing the warmer water beneath it to rise - bringing with it the nurtient from any decomposing plant material from the previous fall. These are acting like a fertilizer for the algae. The only way to be rid of this is to remove all decaying vegetation (preferrably in the previous fall), and revoving some of the water (about 20%) and replacing it with freshwater periodically.

Algae also needs sunlight to thrive. Using floating plants (water lettuce or water hyacinth) or plants with floating leaves (water lily) will shade the algae beneath it so it dies (but the death causes another rise in nutrients and removes some of the dissolved oxygen from the water - not a problem if you've got a waterfall or fountain feature to move the water).

If you don't like the appearance of the algae, and it's too early for other plants to grow in your climate, you may need to remove as much of it as you can by hand.

There are some fish and snails that will control some types of algae, but not all. The climate would also determine which of these you would be able to kepp in the pond for the long term.

There are dyes to make your water a darker color (prevents light from getting to the level of the algae), but this can affect the other plants you might want, and makes any fish less visible as well. Since the color is darker, expect the water temperature to increase - something else to consider if you have fish. Chemical controls can be used, but again, these can affect plants, fish, and snails you might want.

Some additional info - the first website has links to additional info as well; the second is about the use of barley straw in ponds:

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How to get rid of the algae in my pond?
I bought a new filter for a 2,000 gal pond, bought an aqua uv 25w clarifier, my pond is clearing up but what my question is I see loose green algae on the shelves of the pond, how do I get rid of this.

Answer 3

You can get some of those algae eaters. Or at the pet store -I seen them at Petsmart- get the product that is called ALGAE BEGONE. It is for fish tanks, but it should work for a small pond. Like if it is a man-made pond.

Answer 4

There are chemicals you can add to the water to kill algae. There are UV systems that will kill algae in the water as it passes through the UV system. And there are natural ways like putting barley hay in a big teabag. Check out these:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/NavResults.cfm?N=62728%20113884

Answer 5

Try buying Jungle No More Algae Liquid available at PETCO for $5.39-$8.09.

Answer 6

I would say you should get otociclus because most aquarist recognizes it as a good fish for a beginner.

Answer 7

get a fish tank cleaning sponge or some snails or sucker fish