Water Gardening: the greening of a pond, 1 by fredrump

fredrump wrote:
Per the advice of "Skippy's Ponds": 'As stated elsewhere, we believe the only way to go is with an out of the pond filtration system. This is a true Bio-Logical filter, therefore all those fancy UV's and other such stuff are useless. Actually using a UV with a biological filter is an oxymoron. The UV kills bacteria along with the algae spores and bacterium are one of the 4 keys to make this biological process happen. For more explanation on why this type of filter works, see FM Cure for Green Water elsewhere on this site.

Note: You will need some patience. Not now, but when you get the filter up and running. Under ideal circumstances... good weather, right bacteria, etc. Mother Nature takes her time. It may take from 4 to 8 weeks before the first cycle happens. Green to Clear. The pond needs to turn green for the bacteria to begin its magic. Do not be surprised if it cycles several times, but wait it out, don't clean, relax and it will happen for you. Here are a few things that will hinder progress... Using any of the following: Chorine in the water or any other additive that kills bacteria, cleaning it, pond decorated with either limestone or sandstone. This type of mineral matter is soft and erodes easily. The suspended particles will attract algae and/or your water will always be murky. Hint: Grand Canon and the mighty muddy Colorado River.'

Ergo: I do not have a UV light but I have to wait 4 to 8 weeks. Sigh.

Here's this mornings shot of the pond as is. I have 10 various waterlilies in there. Some are growing faster then others.

Fred

PS just saw the posts coming aboard while I was out at Lowes getting more lumber for my rec room in the garage. Now my advice (see above) was to stay away from UV lights as they kill both algae and bacteria which eat the algae. Besides, I wouldn't even know where to put the UV.