Help POND ALGAE?

Question

i got a uv light i got a bio filter. and im still getting algae. The water is crystal clear because of the uv light but the sides and bottoms are being covered by algae. and im just tired of empting out the pond all the time. WHAT ELSE SHOULD I DO?!?!?!

Answer 1

The answer is NOTHING!

It's usually beneficial Algae, this is the Algae you want in your pond. I explain about it after I write about the kind you don't want in your pond - String Algae.

String Algae also grows on the side and upper parts of your pond. It can grow near the surface if your pond gets a lot of sun. That you need to remove, especially if it gets out of control.

String Algae is usually long, string-like green to light green algae. It can grow quickly into long lengths that flow along with the water current in your pond. This you want to remove.

To remove it I usually use a wooden pole and twirl it into a mass of string algae, twisting the algae onto the pole like you would a piece of spaghetti. Then I carefully lift it up and plunk off the mass into a bucket.

The other types of Algae growing on the side rocks and bottom rocks you want. This is the Good/Beneficial Algae. It's part of your Biological Filtration System during the summer months.

These Algae plants help to filter your water of fish waste and other pollutants. They also provide a home for tasty water fleas (Daphnia) and other Protozoans that your Goldfish/Koi thrive on. And if you have baby fish - this is what they eat when they're small fry up to an inch or two in length. It's nutritious, containing all the proteins and vitamins they need to become big and strong adults.

Now, haven't you seen your Goldfish and Koi nibbling at that Algae all day long? It's part of what they eat when you're not feeding them. In fact, you don't really need to feed your pond fish if you have an active community of pond algae growing on the sides and bottoms of your pond. They'll eat that and what resides in it. Did you know that? Yes - People feed their pond fish for their own enjoyment - not for the fishes needs.

So -

1. Pond algae that grow attached to rocks on the sides and bottom of your pond - that's the good algae. It's part of your Pond's Biological Filtration System.

You only need to remove it if it's String Algae and that gets out of hand.

2. Bottom and Side Algae provide food for your pond fish - in the form of the algae itself - Goldfish and Koi will eat it. The Bottom and Side Algae also provide a home for Dapnia and other protozoans that your smaller pond fish love to eat. They'll pick at it all day, looking for tasty morsels to gobble down.

Your UV light is doing the right thing - helping keep the water clear of floating microscopic algae. Your side/bottom beneficial algae are also keeping your water clear by converting fish waste in less harmful chemicals.

So there's no need to do all that extra work now during the summer months.

3. When you do need to do it is during the Fall, before you Winterize your pond. That's when you'll clean up your pond of all it's Algae growth and sludge on the bottom. You don't want that staying in there over the winter - decaying and producing pollutants that can be harmful for your semi-hibernating fish.

Good Luck,

Ken - a pond owner

Answer 2

Algae on the sides and bottom of a pond, if your water is crystal-clear, is normal and should not be considered harmful. Many pond owners feel that some green on the bottom and sides makes the pond look more "natural".

I have crystal-clear water with green bottom and sides. I do have goldfish who keep the algae under control. I don't use a UV light, but I use beneficial bacteria/enzymes, a biofilter, a waterfall, and pond plants in my 800 gallon pond.

In order to have completely algae-free water, you would have to add chemicals such as bromide or chlorine. If the algae is not excessive, you might wish to just enjoy it as a small part of nature! If it's too excessive for you, you may want to consider purchasing some inexpensive fish.

Answer 3

A UV sterilizer will breakdown the chemicals that create algae. It keeps the water clean, clear and still keeps it safe for fish. Try to block morning sun from the pond since that will create the most algae. If you have fish you want a small amount of algae on rocks or what not, it creates a natural form of filtration.

Answer 4

Clear water is a good sign, because changing water too often will never let the pond balance out. I think you will always have some algae, the fish will eat some of it. The worst algae is string algae, that's the kind you need to get rid of. Go to www.watergarden.com, they are an excellent source located in TN. Our pond is clear but still have algae in the bottom too, I have bought a pond vacuum and it has helped, but with this heat here in the south and if your pond gets alot of sunlight, you'll have to get some chemicals to control it.

Answer 5

DON'T BE FOOLED BY PEOPLE THAT DO NOT UNDERSTAND ALGAE THERE IS NO ONE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. There are Many! Trial and error will help you to learn about algaes in the meantime use the link below and decide which information from your answers you want to try.
Good Luck!Trial and error helped me find my answer.

http://www.skapa.org/algae_control_in_garden_ponds.htm
There are thousands of species of algae, each with its own personality. All are plants, using chlorophyll for photosynthesis. They all need, to varying degrees, water, light, and nutrients, and there is usually no shortage of any of them in a fed fishpond.
Which of the thousands of species of algae will become dominant in your pond? Over a five-year period, you may never have the same dominant species of algae twice. A slight change in water chemistry - pH, hardness, nitrogen/phosphorus (N/P) ratio, etc. - can cause a change in species. The seasons, sunlight, shade, turbidity, and many other factors will allow one species of algae to outcompete the others.
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Does the pond get full sun exposure? If so use shade cloth to help keep out the sun and keep the water temperature cooler.
http://www.gemplers.com/ctnp/shadecloth
It comes in different sizes and colors as well as degrees of UV protection. My pond sits in full sun but this gives my fish the convenience of shade and prevents sunburn on my koi. I use 80% protection. Missouri sun and heat.
What to do about Pond Algae?
http://www.pondmarket.com/algae.htm
This is about the best website for information and free monthly news letter also for contacting by email for answers to questions.
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Blue liquid shade there are several types and brands.
Any or all of these can be useful.
I myself prefer to go organic with my pond and it seems to be paying off. (NO fertilizers and/or chemicals that could be toxic.
http://www.watergarden.org/s.nl/it.A/id.1771/.f
I also use Pond-Zyme Plus
http://www.watergarden.org/s.nl/it.A/id.197/.f?partner=WG
Even though it's not for algae.
String algae removal tool
http://www.algaewitch.com/
I must tell you though they do make non-toxic algaecides I however use sweat equity.

Answer 6

I suggest you get strip water testers and check your water's condition. That is what I do and it works great.

The reason the water grows algae is because the Nitrate is high. If you get conditioner that lowers the Nitrate then your algae problem will end.

P.S. If you have fish in the pond Nitrate will stress them out and cause then to develop diseases easier.

Answer 7

have you tried getting some algae eating fish?


heres a page that says which ones get the job done.

http://www.fishprofiles.net/faq/algae.asp#algae-eaters