How do I get rid of Algae?
Whether it is a pondless water feature or a pond with fish, the goal is to be able to enjoy it with minimal maintenance.
For the pondless water features and ponds without aquatic life, adding algaecide is the key. Chlorine tabs are a great alternative, however they may discolor some water features and can not be used together with algaecide.
For ponds with aquatic life, the formula for success is a strategic balance of koi, plants, filtration and a good water cycle.
It has been said that you can’t have too many plants in your pond, but you can have too many fish. While there is some truth to that, the reality is that balancing the quantity of both fish and plant life has proven to be an important part of how to keep your pond looking great all year.
One 6” koi fish for every 100 gallons of water is a good measurement to go by.
One plant for every two fish (depending on the type of plant)
An appropriately sized filter is also an important part of the equation.
A good biological filtration system (Biofalls), teamed with a proper mechanical filtration system (skimmer) is the most effective way to filter water.
See the chart below to determine what size is best for your pond.
A well balanced pond should be maintained with the regular dosage of a beneficial bacteria.
See product list for description
Beneficial bacteria plays a role in the pond balance “cycle” by turning fish waste into plant food and consuming excess nutrients that normally feed green water algae.
There is a natural cycle which happens throughout the day and there is always going to be a little algae, even with a perfectly balanced eco pond. Fish graze on this algae, so to have a thin layer of string algae on the rock surface is desirable. Excessive floating algae (pea soup) is not, So If you notice the water quality isn’t as clear as the day before, then adding more bacteria should clear it up in a day or two.
This formula should bring you great results for most ponds. However, there are times when there is an excessive abundance of both floating and string algae.
For those difficult ponds there are still a few options that can get your pond back. First step is to put your fish on a diet. Don’t feed them for a few days which helps in a couple of ways. They eat more algae and they produce less waste.
In addition, we have had success with those difficult ponds using these products.
“Pond Bomb” and “Quickfix pond gummy”
Algaecide is another option for combating excessive algae blooms, but it is important to know that algaecide and beneficial bacteria shouldn’t be used together.
There are two algaecides that we recommend that are very effective and safe for your fish and plants.
The first would be Ecoblast, a granular algaecide that is applied topically and produces a noticeable difference within 30 minutes of application. This product is best in the water fall area.
Step 1: turn off the water, Step 2: sprinkle Ecoblast onto Algae, Step 3: wait a few minutes then rinse it off with garden hose.
The second would be a liquid algaecide. Liquid Algaecide combats string algae growth as well as single-celled floating algae in all water features and greatly reduces maintenance. This product must be used exactly as directed for best results. Overdosing is toxic to your fish.
For those ponds which are outside of a healthy ratio between “fish/plant and water volume” balance, or your pond is ready for its yearly cleanout we are here to help.
Our pond Maintenace team will perform a “one time cleanout” where we safely drain, clean and refill your pond all while keeping your fish safe in temporary oxygenated storage. Once completed, we will treat the new water making it safe for your fish to go back to their newly cleaned home.
Additional options are for our pond professionals to install a “UV light system”, “Iongen system” or an “External Pressure Filter”
Fill out the request below for a consultation, cleanout, pond repair or installation of additional water treatments.
We also offer a monthly service where we do all the work, and you just enjoy your pond.
