Pond Algae

Winning The Ongoing Battle Against Pond Algae

The  most beautifully planned garden or fish pond in the neighborhood can quickly become an eyesore and a disappointment if proper maintenance is not regularly practiced, and single cell pond algae is the number one universal problem for property owners everywhere. In fact, new ponds can take several months to achieve a proper balance between the aquatic plants and fish that share this lovely space. Larger ponds seem to be able to maintain this sense of balance easier than the smaller ones, but there are several things that you can do to assist your pond in becoming a clean and stable environment.

Proper construction and placement have a lot to do with limiting the growth of pond algae. Every pond needs a deeper spot that should be in a 40% relationship with the total surface area. Regular garden ponds which may or may not have goldfish need a deep spot of at least 2 feet. Koi fish require 3-5 feet of depth, depending upon the climate. A slight slope to the deeper parts will help the sediment to collect in one small area. Make sure that there is no yard run-off into your pool, making your pond maintenance that much more difficult. Algae tend to be more of an issue in water spots constructed of concrete, limestone, and marble because of the higher pH balance that promotes growth.  

Proper choice of water pumps and filters can also make a huge difference in your ability to keep pond algae from proliferating in your water oasis. You will need one that can pass at least one half the total water volume through the filter every hour if you have gold fish and plants. In the case of koi fish, the pump and filter will be able to re-circulate the entire water volume every hour, twenty-four hours a day and 365 days a year.

Proper maintenance of your fish pond is imperative to restrict the inevitable growth of pond algae. There are excellent products on the market to assist you in this on-going battle. Algae-Fix (PTA015) is a chemical algaecide that controls green and string pond algae. It is both safe for plants and fish.  A 16 oz. bottle costs $12.99 and will treat 4800 gal. Another product, Simply Clear (PTN160) clears pond water by digesting and eliminating floating particles. At $13.99 for 16 oz., it can treat 4000 gal. of  pond water. While there are a lot of different aspects to maintaining your garden or fish pond in excellent condition, the enjoyment that you will receive from it year after year, will make the investment well worth it.