Algae

Algae, is the number one most frustrating part of pond keeping.

Our most frequently asked question about pond keeping is “how do I get rid of algae in my pond.” Our typical response to this is that “you don’t, you can only manage it.”

The next question is: “How do I keep my pond looking good?” Generally, the response to this question is by ” balancing” your pond. OK, so what is “balancing?”

Many of us have heard the old saying ”nature abhors a vacuum.” This means that any space or niche in your pond will be filled with a plant, algae or otherwise, if you do not do so first. Algae is simply a very basic form of plant life, it responds to two things in order to grow, light and nutrients. Algae are very diverse, they come in many colors and forms, and they survive anywhere. Here are some practical tips to use to control them.

• String type algae are beneficial, and a sign of a healthy pond. Do not attempt to eradicate them entirely as they are both filter and food for your fish.
• Koi over 10” will graze greedily on string algae, and possibly your plants as well.
• By not overstocking with fish, you will limit fish waste, which is algae food.
• Do not overfeed your fish; excess food just grows algae. However do fertilize your plants with a pelletized fertilizer.
• Cover at least 70% of your ponds surface with plants that will provide shade, lilies, lotus, etc.
• Use dry or liquid bacteria, they will clean your pond and compete with algae for nutrients, greatly reducing the algae’s presence.
• Allow your pond no more than 6 to 8 hours of direct sun; plant a small tree nearby for shade if needed.
• Expect algae in early spring and late fall as filter bacteria become dormant
• Stock Japanese trap door snails, they eat algae; not your plants
• Utilize oxygenating plants such as hornwort or cambomba to directly compete with algae for nutrients. Oxygenating plants really do nothing to oxygenate the water; they use almost all of the oxygen they produce during photosynthesis in the daytime at night during respiration. A net gain of 1% or less of oxygen may happen during 48 hours.
• A properly functioning filter system is essential. Do not skimp on this part.
• Keep your pond as free as possible from decaying organic matter lying on the bottom, this means more algae food.
• If you must , overstock on plants and not on fish
• Algaecides. We recommend against these. They hurt plants, ruin your balanced pond and make your pond dependent on them. As each generation of algae is killed off, the next generation that appears one week later will be fed by the last, and be even more vigorous.
• Relax. When implementing all or just one of these strategies you probably will not see instant results, however your patience will be rewarded by a balanced ecosystem that dose not need the constant fussing that another pond may need.