is foam collecting on the surface of my pond normal? what should i do about it?

Question

my koi pond has been up and running for 1 week now. the ph level is at 7.4 and everything else is non detectable. is the foam normal.

Answer 1

your pond is way too new for this kind of foam. The use of certain medications or pond additives, particularly those containing Vitamin complexes (water conditioners) can also cause the water to foam, detracting from the spectacle of a calmed pond.
It is common for water to foam as a result of excessive algae growth. Even if this is controlled by a UV, the proliferation of single celled algae can cause water to foam through the organic compounds that are abundantly released into the water.

The use of certain medications or pond additives, particularly those containing Vitamin complexes (water conditioners) can also cause the water to foam, detracting from the spectacle of a calmed pond.


These bubbles are formed through the stabilising properties of complex dissolved compounds. These largely organic compounds, build up in the water over time to levels which encourage stable bubbles to form.

Dissolved organic compounds build up through the metabolism of koi and other aquatic organisms, depositing the products of digestion into solution. Protein levels within the water can also increase rapidly through the inappropriate use of higher protein diets, which can leach other soluble compounds into the water, leading to the formation of a foam.

Such organic compounds are not broken down by the bacteria that work on ammonia, nitrites and nitrates but by a host of heterotrophic bacteria go to work on this diverse range of pollutants. These bacteria are oxygen consumers and are often unable to completely breakdown these organic compounds. In extreme cases, these can lead to the discolouration of the pond water.

The simple act of diluting old pond water with purer, less organic-laden tapwater should reduce the formation of bubbles.
Bearing in mind that the most likely route through which organic compounds enter the water is through food, it may be prudent to try different diets to find one that will reduce the tendency for your pond to foam. Excessively high protein levels, or diets that leach significantly quicker than other diets will also lead to the annoyance of bubbles. As these can fuel the onset of algal growth, such measures will also reduce the occurrence of excessive algal growth and their secretion of proteins into the water.
In addition to the preventative measures above, quite an extreme measure of controlling the formation of foam is the installation of a surface skimmer. Borrowed from the swimming pool industry, surface skimmers are used as a means of taking water from the surface straight to the filter. Consequently, although these are effective, they are only practicable with a wet/submerged filter installation, and only recycle the protein for it to reappear and cause a foam again.
Protein skimmers. If bubbles want to form, then why not encourage them to do so under controlled conditions in a pond protein skimmer? Borrowed from marine fishkeeping, several pond models are available, and through the vigorous aeration or water movement encourage the formation of a protein-rich foam which is collected and then removed from the pond water. This innovation for ponds is probably the most intriguing and reliable method of reliably keeping foam to a minimum.

Answer 2

Koi Pond Protein Skimmer

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
is foam collecting on the surface of my pond normal? what should i do about it?
my koi pond has been up and running for 1 week now. the ph level is at 7.4 and everything else is non detectable. is the foam normal.

Answer 4

Foam is generally an indicator of excess proteins and fats in the water. it's not uncommon in new ponds at all, but do take care to watch your feed rate as excess food is the most common source of these proteins and fats.

Here's a link to a copywrite protected site that you will see copied without proper and legal citation in another answer.

http://www.pond-doctor.co.uk/longwhatifpondsurfacefoam.html
MM

Answer 5

As MM says its actually a natural process that happens in all body's of water you can see it everywhere when theres a wind causing waves or water surface movement, in a fish tank the use of a protein skimmer is used to replicate this removal of pollutants.

AJ