ALGAE FACTS

When it comes to algae control and water clarity you have two choices in dealing with it: Artificially or Naturally.

Artificial methods include algaecides and chemicals that kill any and all life in the water, similar to filtering a swimming pool. These methods are best used in formal fountains and some indoor water features where plants and fish are not desired.

Natural methods include plants, fish, and good bacteria that work with Mother Nature, not against her. Since the majority of pond owners are interested in both plants and fish we have chosen to elaborate more on the natural ways to ensure a healthy well balanced ecosystem.

Tips & Facts On Controlling Algae Naturally

• Plants: Algae is a plant, it requires nutrients and light to grow. When you add aquatic plants to your ecosystem they directly compete for the nutrients available. Add enough plants and you naturally minimize the nutrients. If your pond contains few or no plants and you are experiencing algae, adding plants should be one of the first remedies tried.
• Overfeeding fish: Feed your fish less than you would like. Undigested fish food is the primary pollutant in many ponds. Your fish consume many things in the pond including algae. Excessive food increases waste and nutrients that feed the algae. Ponds overloaded with to many fish also become harder to keep in balance. During algae blooms reduce or eliminate feeding until it is under control.
• Reduce sunlight penetration: Cover at least 50-60% of the surface area of your pond with plants. Bare expanses of water are much more difficult to keep in balance than ponds filled with beneficial plants.
• Add bacteria: Routinely introduce good bacteria into your ecosystem. Larger doses when cooler water temperatures are present and monthly during the warmer months. Healthy colonies of bacteria play an important part in ensuring a naturally balanced ecosystem.
• Circulate and filter the water: Pulling water from one end of the pond and filtering it before it returns at the opposite end will greatly improve water quality. Beneficial oxygen is added to the water as it is circulated. A filter may solve the problem if you have tried other methods unsuccessfully.
• Control runoff: Excess water runoff from lawns and perimeter gardens will overload the pond with nutrients and is not good for aquatic life. A slight birm of dirt sloped away from the pond will greatly reduce runoff. Drain tile may also be used in some circumstances.
• Remove debris: Decaying leaves and plant debris will produce excess nutrients in your pond. Manually remove decaying aquatic plants and their leaves. A skimmer is by far the most efficient and low maintenance way to keep your pond free of debris.
• Water change: A partial water change (20-30%) every 4-6 weeks may help reduce excess nutrients in some situations.

Conclusion: There are many ways to head off and control the invasion of algae. This article should be used as a guide only. It is our intent to supply some ideas that should give you a better chance in getting rid of or stopping it before it begins although we can’t guarantee it. If more advice is needed we recommend researching the internet and talking to fellow pond keepers, who are always willing to help. No matter what you read or hear, if it works for you and your pond, it works.

Click here to view photos of what to expect as a pond naturally matures during the season. A Must See!

Back to Seasonal Care Page

 © 2012 Creative Ponds & Landscapes No parts of this web site, or any of its contents, including images and written text may be duplicated in whole or in part without written permission.