What have you found to put in your ponds that best takes care of the algae and clarifies your water? I see a variety of them advertised, but some seem quite expensive: $60+ for a ball with organic material in it that treats the water for one month! Are there other less expensive alternatives? My ponds are large: probably 1/4 acre or more apiece. Thoughts?
Bill
Organically friendly algae killers/water clarifiers
Check out the thread on string algae and peroxide. DRH2 posted some links there that might shed some light on the subject. They don't really offer solutions, but they provide information that might lead to a solution.
I'm guessing these ponds do not have filtration filters and pumps? That might help anyone provide a solution. Good luck.... Tom
When one has a large pond, the peroxide deal is not realistic. I don't know what the deal is with barley for the larger ponds. I know there are other expensive options, and perhaps that's the only way to go. I checked the various strings on the subject and didn't find anything but barley bales discussed in any depth. Reading up on that, I'm not sure how it works to both clarify and extinguish the algae growth. As of this point, I don't have an algae problem, but then again I don't want one either. So I'm trying to be proactive. Thanks,
Bill
From what I have found out with smaller pond is to plant the heck out of them. More plants, less nutrients are supposed to equal less algae. Of course I have twice the filter needed and a UV light so what I say probably doesn't mean much in your situation. Jessamine
The problem with large ponds and algae seems to be like death and taxes... it will happen sooner or later. DRH2 posted this link in another thread that might provide some understanding on the subject... its pretty technical reading... so be ware.... http://www.thekrib.com/Plants/Algae/competition.html
Adding more plants will do two things... add competition for nutrients and reduce the amount of sunlight for the algae. The only other major element of the equation is the critters that eat the algae. Keeping these three elements in balance (sunlight,nutrients and predators) is the key to keeping a pond clear.
Some more information that would be helpful to anyone with experience would be:... how old are your ponds? What kind of fish and plants are they stocked with?
I know it would be better to hear from someone who has actually managed a large pond, all I can do is provide some background info on the topic. Hopefully someone with practical experience will post some day... good luck... Tom
I have a large pond and have been using peroxide. My experience has been if you start when you have no string and hair algae the peroxide prevents it and the rocks on the waterfall stay clean. It is less expensive than any of the commercially available treatments. It does nothing for pea soup colored water though. I expect the plants will take care of that soon as they grow in. Until then I use a dye that is violet but is so dark it looks black after the lily pads hit the surface. It helps with the the pea soup water and gives the pond a more attractive look until it clears. Most pond suppliers have it. It is mightily powerful though and a little goes a long way. Add some, then wait a while to let it circulate and if you want to add a little more. Use it sparingly and do not get it on your hands because it takes a few weeks for it to wear off. Hope this helps!
At the moment I have no discernable algae. One of my ponds (1/4 acre+) has been in for 2 years, the other only a year. We get wind across them every afternoon which may help keep this stuff at bay, and the swallows and goldfish seem to be doing a good job with the skeeters. But my neighbor has had horrible algae problems, and I don't want to inherit them. Also, my pond is not completely clear - a bit murky, but nothing like pea soup. So what is your recipe for a pond of this size? Also, I am going to be building a waterfall that will recirculate the ponds early this summer - it's too wet to do so now or I would. So do I wait until that is finished?
Thanks,
Bill
Hi,
I'm new to this pond business. How does one use peroxide on a goldfish pond? Mine is only 275 gallons.
Nancy
Skie... Just pour it in. How much depends on the problem you are treating. It only works on string algae. We have a 180 gallon pond and I had a serious problem. It took 2 treatments of a one pint, allowing one week between treatments, to get it under control. Read more of the threads here and you should get a feel for how to treat your particular problem... good luck... Tom