Hi I need some advice and help--my pond has algae and string algae in it--This is my second year for my pond--It is 3 feet deep in the middle and is 8 by 10 with a small water fall--I have a skimmer and biofilter my pump is 4300gph and it has been running all year and I have a stock tank heater in it--last winter I didnt have any problems and I have 8 Koi in it--I have put pond balance in it 8 days ago and I put some more in it yesterday and it wont clear it up--I tried to net out the string algae--not working so well--does anyone know what else I can do??
thanks Cheryl
Cant get rid of the algae/help!!
Hi Cheryl! The only thing I use on string Algae is Hydrogen peroxide. I have 4 ponds. One has Koi with 4 of them being about 2 1/2 ft. The peroxide doesn't hurt the fish or plants. I use a rough stick and twirl it around the string algae to get as much as I can, then pour the peroxide all along the edges over the Algae. I do this several times about a week apart and then sudddenly the Algae is gone!
Here are a couple links to pond pics, for some reason I don't seem to be able to post them :(
http://www.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=13591660/PictureID=920522696/a=9376145_9376145/t_=9376145
http://www.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=13591660/PictureID=486686759/a=9376145_9376145/t_=9376145
Wow, just hydrogen peroxide. Is it the string algea that makes the pond green? I had this for a few weeks last summer during a warm spell. It was all green and murky and had me worried but didn't seem to harm the fish or plants. Ugly stuff though!
Wow, just hydrogen peroxide. Is it the string algea that makes the pond green? I had this for a few weeks last summer during a warm spell. It was all green and murky and had me worried but didn't seem to harm the fish or plants. Ugly stuff though!
Thanks everyone I will go to the store and buy some perxoide--I cant beleive that I have that much algae with the temperatures being 30 to 35 everyday and in the 20's at nite--I thought you only got algae problems with it being hot--thanks Cheryl
This is interesting information. My pond is green right now, and I can barely see the fish until they come right up to the surface. It'll be awhile before the plants are large enough to provide shade. I am going to try it. The sun is bright and warm here, so I have a lot of algae.
Hi Katy,
No string algea does not make the water green. That would be green algea - the kind that is almost microscopic and indicates extra nutrients in the water. That kind of algea generally clears up when the water chemistry gets more balanced. I don't think hydrogen peroxide will help with that, but I could be wrong. I haven't had to deal with that problem yet. But if you search the pond threads, I think this issue has been addressed by some other folks. The green algea are opportunistic little plants that appear when there is food for them. As they gobble up the nutrients in the water, there are less nutrients for them, and then they die off. Unfortunately this sometimes causes another algea bloom because the dead algea create extra waste in the water. The answer to this kind of algea is better water filtration, mostly biological filtration through the use of beneficial bacteria. Waste in the water is produced by fish and by decaying plant matter. Warm water can bring on an algae bloom because warm water holds less oxygen than cold water. People often get this problem of 'green water' in the spring when their pond starts warming up and there is plenty of waste from the winter in the pond. It doesn't generally harm the fish unless you get a huge algae die-off very quickly. This can overload the biological filtration and allow waste products to build up in the pond. This can be fatal to fish. You will need to get an inexpensive water testing kit at the pet store so you can test the level of your ammonia,nitrates and nitrites, and your Ph.
Some people also use an ultraviolet light filter to kill off the green algae. These are expensive, though.
A better solution would be to increase your O2 content in the water by adding a waterfall or a spitter, something to move the water around. You will also increase your O2 level by the use of oxygenating underwater plants like parrot's feather. Then make sure you have about at least a third of your water surface covered from the sun. Finally, make sure you plant plenty of fast growing plants that will use the nutrients in the water as fertilizer.
String algea is actually an indicator of a healthy ecosystem, but most people want to control it in their ponds because it will cover everything. This stuff is long and stringy (hence the name) and we call it 'mermaid hair' around here. Cheryl, I am surprised by the string algea in the winter, too. I was told that it died off during the winter and, indeed, much of it did die off. But then we had a little warm weather, just in the 40's but warmer than it had been, and it took off again. So I went ahead and treated with the h2o2. The other thing I do that I have found helpful with this 'learn as you go' business of ponds is that every time I treat with H2O2, I add some powdered beneficial bacteria to the pond. I have good biofiltration, but I think this additional bit of bacteria helps break down the waste products from the dying algea more quickly. I remove as much of the string algea by hand as possible, but I have a large pond and I just cannot get most of it. The next day after adding the bacteria, my water is generally very, very clear. Clearer than normal.
I hope this is helpful to you.
Fireant....
My pond is greener than normal right now as well. I think it's the goofy weather we've been having here in Florida. Usually, if I get the green single cell algae problem, I just stick the hose in, and flood out about 25% of the water. Get some de-chlorinator from PetSmart (or any local aquarium shop) and make sure your add it to the water when you're done, to neutralize the water, or it will burn the gills of your fish and kill them. NEVER replace all of the water at the same time, or you really WILL bump off all of your fish. You can however, net them out, put them in a kiddy pool or aquarium if they are small enough, and replace all of your water if necessary. Add the de-chlorinator and let the pond sit for a few days, before reintroducing your fish. This will of course, only work on smaller ponds like ours.
Cottosnag- I don't know what size pond you have, on mine, I use a cheap dollar store baby bottle brush and swirl it around in the String algae, to snag as much as possible. Once I remove as much by hand as I can, I then use the peroxide treatment. I haven't had that much of a problem with string algae, but I think it's a matter of not overfeeding your fish, so you don't have as much biological waste for it to feed off of, and trying to keep as many tadpoles, etc, in the water, to munch away.
MerryMary
Thanks, Mary, for the advice. The weather has been very warm and very sunny, and the pond gets little shade. Do you have a pump? I have a small pump that is set as a low fountain and a spitter to keep the water moving and to discourage my cat from going fishing. I've seen information on filters. The pump has a small filter, but I am wondering if I should get a larger filter. I don't think there's string algae, just the kind that sticks to the sides of the pond. How much would you feed two fan-tailed goldfish? I feed them twice a day about four pinches of flakes. They consume it within about two-three minutes. In all, the fish seem healthy; I just can't see them as well. What plants do you have in your ponds? The pond still looks good, but I would like to clear up the water a bit. I also need something for frogs to rest on. I have had to rescue two who couldn't hop out. One poor guy was worn out from swimming. At first I thought he was dead, but he was okay when I set him on the stones.
Fireant....
I have elephant ears, green with purple stems, and all purple, in the corners of the pond....I also ordered some underwater anacharisoff ebay to add a little more oxygen and suck up some of the nutrients in the water. I feed my fish floating koi food (you can get it from WalMart) instead of flake food, someone told me once, that the flake food can cloud up the water more (and I don't know if it's true). I also feed them only plain Cheerios, when the water goes below 50 degrees. A koi person told me to do this, because the fish can't digest the protein in the koi food once the water gets cold , and they get sick. I am just now adding some waterlilies, don't know if I'll be successful with them or not, but it's worth a try! I have a small fountain, but no filter.....I have been thinking about adding one too, but my pond is so small I'm afrad my fishes lips will be blowing in the breeze if I add too big of one.
I have been using small solar spitter fountains, so I dont have to wire anything.
I've never heard of solar spitters. That sounds good. I wasn't sure if I could add plants now or not. Do you think the plants help at all? I like them around the pond, but it's very small and I don't want to overwhelm it. Where did you get your lilies?
I orderd my lilies off ebay, from aDavisUS...The elephant ears I keep in the corners, they don't really spread, I have them just braced with rocks, no soil. So far they have survived 2 years in the pond. The anacharis is the usual underwater aquarium plant, but you can get it off ebay too in large clusters. You can just let it sink to the bottom, it doesnt need to be potted up either. There are tons of solar pumps on Ebay, theyre small, and just enough power for a spitter or small fountain, which helps with the water flow and adds extra oxygen to the water. They also can be relocated to any side or location, depending on where your sunny areas are (to hit the solar panel) In Florida, solar works very well.....
But...it doesnt mean that someday we won't need a filter, at this point, 2 years into it, I haven't yet had to, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I won't need to(?)
:)
Green water was always a problem for me in my sun ponds...I even had a uv sterilizer and still green. I think in addition to the sun my ringing the pond with concrete patio blocks also didn't help causing ph problems. Then last summer I got a 36 watt turbo twist uv sterilizer and just junked my useless tetra uv .... It was amazing I had absolutly clear water for the first time . I highly recommend the turbo twist if you've got electric outlets. (beware though I think the cord is only 12 ft whereas the tetra was 18ft although as I said wothless). Turbo twists are avail at many places including www.drsfostersmith.com who have really good prices and great customer service...but there are others as well ...David
My pond is in full sun, is perfectly clear, and has very little algae growing. An efficient biological filter sized for your pond is all you need. It's a much healthier and consistant way to take care of your fish and pond.
Where did you get your biological filter?
I have tried bio filters to no avail but if you have had luck with them GOOD....maybe you have time to wash em down often when they get slimed or maybe your water is differnt in your area or you have less muck in the bottom of your pond and / or more time to clean it ...all I can say if it works for you fine ...it DIDN'T for me and the turbo twist did. If bio filters worked for most folks I don't think the uv sterilizers would even be in existance but I guess they must for some. Most folks I know use both as I do....David
Our pond is a 7k gal overstocked (mature)koi pond with lots of plants that dirty it up.
Our biofilters are homemade and they're trickle filters- that's the most efficient biofilter you can have, the bio bacteria have a constant saturation of oxygen to keep them at top form. There is a large (homemade)mechanical filter before the biofilter- this keeps the biofilter from having to do double duty and thusly performing inefficiently. Our filters require very little maintenance- I'll be backwashing all filters about once a month this summer- that's it. But they'er big enough and moving enough water to handle what they need to handle- that's key.
It's so confusing to figure out what to do. My pond is little--90 gallons, but pea-soup green. The fish are fine, but I can't see them. Do the water treatment products work? I've tried barley, but that didn't have any effect.
fireant13--I was told that you need to have about 60% of the surface of a pond covered with floating pond plants--it helps keep the sun lite out-which decreases algae--I use water lettuce and water lilies--if my algae gets real bad I use Pond Balance--I put it in once and then again in 10 days--thats what works for me--Im having problems now with algae because it is cold here so I cant have my plants in my pond.. Cheryl
I use Tilapia to filter the Algae out of my pond, --works for me.
fireant13.. you will learn that there is no ONE WAY to do your ponding. However, if you want your fish to live AND be healthy..you will have to add a bio filter of some kind at some point. You can buy them for varying amts of money and you can make them... Just do a google search for them.
Regarding your green water...oh what a mess that can be. All of our ponds are different...different water chemistry, diff amts of sun, diff fish/plants etc and just different styles of doing things.
I've tried it all....trickle filters, koi clay, lots of plants, bio filter, increased O2, barley straw.... finally I just bought a UV filter and the pond cleared up. So now I have the biofilter for my fish health and the UV for the green water. Now it is "normal" to have green mossy stuff on the sides of your pond..they UV does nothing for that. I think I paid about $70 for mine for my 1,000 gallon pond.
You will just have to experiment to see what works for you. Remember...those of us with contained ponds are operating a mini ecosystem... this is very different from a natural pond that constantly has fresh water flowing in and poopy water flowing out ... :)
I'll try the additives. I don't have any pond plants right now, but I want to get a water lily and water lettuce.
hi everyone,
one thing you really need to watch is your PH if it is high, like 8+ string algae will love it, lower your PH and you will see a DRAMATIC! change in algae growth also there is a product called phos-x its great, sucks the phosphous(sp?) right out of the water so the algae has nothing to feed on. phos-x works best with a lower PH also, but PH its a huge deal when it comes to string algae.
Anna
Yep, Phosphorus is one of the micronutrients that algae requires in order to thrive.
Fireant...you have DMail....
MerryMary
Hi, I'm checking off those things I can to maintain my pond come spring and discovered that pond suppliers can't ship Parrot's Feather to WA state. Is this the same plant used in aquariums? Any idea why it's restricted? Is there any particular bacteria brand better and/or cheaper than others? I know, just questions, questions, questions. ;~o
The websites are interesting. My pond is small, but I can see enlarging it in a few years once I get the "ecosystem" worked out. I didn't think of phosphorus. We probably have a lot of that in Florida. Thanks, Mary.
Yep same plant as in aquariums- you should be able to find it at a store that carries aquarium plants. I have no idea why it would be restricted- except that you all get a lot of water in WA, and this can grow terrestrially (is that a word?). I would think winters would take care of it, but in zone 8 possibly not.
I don't know about the bacteria ?, but do be sure to check the expiration date, though! Products like that have a way of sitting for a long time and then sold to a customer. Shame on companies that don't keep an eye on stuff like that and put things on clearance when they are close to their date.
Hi KatyMac:
Yes, parrot's feather may be used in aquariums. Many states restrict certain aquatic plants because they are concerned that the plants may end up in natural bodies of water and eventually block/clog them. Other reasons are to promote the purchase of plants from within the state rather than from other states.
The best bacteria on the market is Ponsparkle. This product has earned the Gardening-How-To seal of approval and will help control aglae, pond scum, improve overall water clarity, reduce floating particles, reduce foul odors and restore and/or maintain ecological balance year round.
In comparison with most benefical bacteria products, ponsparkle contains 58 strains of benefical bacteria vs. 8 strains of most products on the market. Ponsparkle is a highly concentrated formula @ 200 million cfu per ml compared to most which is 10 million cfu per ml. It contains psychrophilic bacteria which functions efficiently in cold water; mesophilic bacteria which functions efficiently in cool/warm water and thermophilic bacteria which function efficiently in very warm water.
To control string algae, the best product is barley. It comes in many forms, from liquid, to straw, to floating planters and pellets. The liquid formula is the strongest--all types are effective. However, it has been discovered that when beneficial bacteria is combined with the barley that both products are more effecitive. Such a product is now available--Barley Straw Pillow. This product is made of barley straw with the ponsparkle benefical bacteria incorporated within it.
Also, helpful in keeping your pond clear and healthy is to have the correct proportion of plants and fish. Ideally, your pond should have approximately 60% of the water surface covered in floating plants--such as waterlilies or floating bogs. Fish should be stocked at the rate of one inch of fish per 5 gallons of water, koi at the rate of one half inch of fish per 5 gallons of water.
Try to resist the temptation to overfeed your fish. Fish, unlike us, will only eat if they are hungry. If you overfeed the fish, the food which is high in protein, sinks to the bottom and promotes aglae growth.
Hope the above helps!! Happy water gardening!!!
This message was edited Feb 1, 2006 4:27 PM
Thank you lilypons and Pixydish both. Your suggestions will make my little pond sparkle I'm sure. Just was checking them between the raindrops and everybody seems happy. . ;~)
You bet! But it's a tiny thing compared to yours.
;~)
I dont mind the string algae and keep it at bay with a toilet bowl brush that I twirl. I keep the brush conveniently nearby, hidden behind the rocks. I have never had the green water but my neighbor has. I kept telling her to stop wasting her money and this and that and go buy a UV light. She finally did and her water cleared up rapidly. I use a filter that has a built in UV light. For clean, I just reverse the flow with a switch and it backflow to a spot outside the pond. Works great.
SAB - string algae buster is every effective for string algae. It does not change pond ph. It is not a chemical treatment. It appears to be totally non toxic. It is supposed to break a calcium bond string algae needs to grow. I have used it for the last three years. Plants and fish thrive. Two drawbacks: It does not eliminate green algae. It is expensive and takes a while for it to work. My pond is 2000gal with a high fish load (7 koi 18-20 inch and a dozen gold fish). The gold fish are "leaving" next spring.
Snapple, what kind of filter (brand and size) do you have? I've never used one, just had my pon au-naturaul, but am thinking of adding one for this season for clearer water, although it hasn't been too bad up to this point. I've never had string algae in my pond, but have had it in my smaller water gardens, and have been using a bottle brush and a swirly wrist to get rid of it.
MerryMary
Hi MerryMary!
I have a Savio waterfalls filter (Model F100 5000 gph with a 16" weir) and a Savio skimmer filter. I also opted for two 25 watt uv lamps in the skimmer filter. This will be the fifth year start up. I use a pond master 3600gph pump. I did change the size of the filter mat in both to a denser mat. The Savio brand replacement material I thought was flimsy and wore out easily from cleaning. The mat washes easily with a garden hose. I put it in a garden wagon with a milk crate type bottom and sides and the gunk just washes through. It takes about 1/2 hour to clean both skimmer and the waterfall filter. I empty the bottom drain on the waterfall filter as needed. We have it draining underground to a dry well. The overflow from the drywell waters a weeping larch. Boy is that plant a happy camper! So far I have had no problems with the equipment. My pond is full sun with a heavy fish load so it takes a lot to keep it healthy. This is an agressive filter system. I am not fond of Aquascape equipment. I have seen it after a few years of use (neighbor) and it was showing some signs of wear. SAB (string algae buster) when I first began using it was not an Aquascape product. It was also cheaper! I think Aquascape bought them out. There are a lot of places to buy Savios. As long as you get all the parts, purchasing a system should be a matter of product cost and shipping costs. Two of my favorites for pond equipment (price and customer service) are
http://www.aquaticeco.com
and
http://www.pondusa.com
I think I also saw them in the Dr's. Foster & Smith catalog. In your area I would guess there would be a lot of pond stores where you can physically look at the stuff and see how it would fit in with what you have. Some of the best installation tips come from stores who have some installation experience. We put ours in ourselves with no prior experience at all. It was work, and a little frustrating, but we did get the job done with no leaks. Take a look at a system and tell me what you think.