One of the biggest issues I encounter among pond owners is algae. Most people seem to have a little confusion as to what exactly it is and how to get rid of it. While there is no one answer to any pond problem, and often one treatment will work fine for your pond but not for your neighbors, there are some simple guidlines to help identify and eliminate algae problems. There are several different kinds of algae. Green water algae often results from excess fish waste or decaying matter in the water. Your pond will look like pea soup: cloudy and green. However, it is possible the cloudiness is the result of washed in inorganics such as top soil and dirt. To be sure you have green water algae you can perform a jar test. Put a sample of pond water in a jar and let it sit overnight. If there is clear water with some residue on the bottom of the jar in the morning, algae is not your problem and some Calcium Montmorillonite Clay will probably clear it up. However, if the water is still green, then algae is the culprit. A water change is the quickest way to remedy this problem, but is not a permanent solution. Try covering more pond surface with water lilies or other floathing aquatic plants and adding plants such as perslain, lemon bacopa, taro "Black Magic" or umbrella palm to your waterfall and stream. If this does not solve the problem, the addition of a UV light should clear the water up in no time. The UV rays will kill beneficial bacteria however, so the light should be turned off for a period of three days when adding any bacteria and enzymatic products such as Microbe-Lift or Macrozyme. String algae can be a nasty problem. It grows extremely quickly and can turn a beautiful pond into an eysore in the matter of a few days. This kind of algae stretches from one end of the pond to the other in "strings." It is not unusual, and is in fact very likely, that a pond will have this kind of algae during the spring time. As the pond is coming out of winter dormancy, the algae has free reign over the nutrients in the water. Once other pond plants come out of dormancy, the problem usually naturally takes care of itself. If your pond has serious string algae problems during the summer, it may be an indication that you need more plants. We recommend adding plants directly to your waterfall box, or adding a bog filter. The best way to handle string algae is to remove it manually first with a rake or the Algae-gator. Treat the remaining algae with Green Clean by sprinkling the product on the remaining problem areas. A little bit goes a long way, so don't go crazy with it. After three days, add some bacteria to the pond and remove any dead algae with a skimming net or with your hands. It may take two or three treatments to completely get rid of string algae. Mat or Carpet Algae grows over your rocks like a little carpet and can hide the colors of your pond. While having a little bit of this algae is beneficial, and even a sign of a healthy pond, most pond owners agree it detracts from their pond's looks. You paid good money for those rocks, so why hide them? Some of this algae is easily removed by hand or with a skimmer net, although some will stick to the rocks. Try Green Clean or Oxy Pond Cleaner. Again, a little bit goes a long way. Again, adding plants to the pond will help keep algae to a minimum, especially as the plants and the pond mature. This is the most inobtrusive algae and we recommend learning to live with a little bit of it. Afterall, have you ever been to a natural stream or river that didn't have a little bit of algae growing in it? If you are trying to achive a natural look with your water garden, this type of algae can fit in just right, and kept under control, can even add to the ponds aesthetic quality. Plants and surface area coverage are the the best ways to prevent algae from growing in the future. But remember, you have rock and water and algae is going to grow. A little bit does not hurt anything and actually helps to keep your pond water clear. So try not to get too bothered by it. Hopefully these tips will help you keep it under control and enjoy your pond even more. Don't hesitate to call us if you have any questions or would like some help. |