Built a pond this summer and was quite fun. But when I was getting it ready for the winter I found out I have stringy algea in it. I'm putting a barly ball in it but how do I get rid of the algea thats already there without killing my good algea? I thought an ozone filter keeps that from happening? I'm just learning about all this so even basic stuff would be appreciated. Thanks Thanks Thanks
How do I get rid of it once I have it?
Theres a new item out just this year that erradicates the string algae but leaves fish and plants untouched.It was in a pond catalog.I'll check monday and get the company name if you will email me monday evening. :-)
One pint 3% hydrogen peroxide per 1000 gallons of water once a week. This will wipe out string algea and will not harm your fish or plants. HP breaks down into O2 and can be used as a temporary oxygen fix to your pond as well. It's good to keep on hand in case of emergencies.
It's cheap and works better than anything out there. You can pour in right on the SA if you want too. And, you can use it with barley straw.
No matter what method you use, be sure to remove as much of the string algae as you can. You can do this by swirling it around a new toilet brush, a stick, a platic rake or whatever works for you.
This message was edited Friday, Feb 28th 9:07 PM
I'm a huge fan of the toilet brush for my string algae. But I've often wondered what the neighbors think when they see me outside with a toilet brush in my hand. Ahhh...who cares. **giggle**
Branka...is that the percentage of Hydrogen peroxide you buy at the store????Thanks for the tip..cheaper than what I saw in a catalog.Thank goodness our 3000 gal pool doesn't get this...only the stream and multiple pools out front.
Yes Eclipse, 3% H2O2 is what you get at the store. I buy the Walgreens brand when it's on sale for 2 for $1. You just can't beat the price or the job it does on SA. You won't find anything better. You can play around with it. I know that some people go with stronger doses every few days, but the rule of thumb is 1 pint per 1000 gallons.
Sledder, I think that neighbors think that we ponders are all a bunch of freaks ;). If I don't have my big butt up in the air looking at the fish, I'm inside the pond doing something. Someones always gawking to see what I am going to do next. The privacy fence goes up this spring, I can't wait. I don't like an audience.
Ahem, umm, Did I just join a bunch of nuts??????????
Thank goodness!
You sure did and the best kind of nuts. Welcome to DG, it is very addictive here. Downhome and so friendly.
Thanks for the tips, I'll be trying out the h2o2 very soon. Now I just have to keep the birds from eating my fish. :) I put a pond in and it looks like a conservatory out back now, that or an Alfred Hitchcock movie. {grin}