I have green soupy water. I have a 6ft galvanized stock tank that is the home to 10 small goldfish and 3 water lilies. The pond has been set up for about 2 months and the fish were introduced about a month ago. I know that that it takes time for the pond to balance itself. I can live with the green soup just don't want the fish to been in danger. Do I need to do anything or will it correct itself over time? Thanks, Charles
GREEN SOUP
Is your pool in sun because sun is what makes the alge grow. You need at least half shade. You will put a stock heater in if it freezes there no? BEV
Fish are not at all bothered by green soup algae. Two months is still early in the set up. dragonfly62's query about sun is right. Algae`needs sunlight and food. The "food" is fish poo and uneaten fish food. Take care not to overfeed. If the alage persists or gets worse try a small barley ball or barley bale. It releases hydrogen peroxide, a natural product that kills algae and is harmless to fish. How are your plants doing? Plants also use up the nutrients (fish poo and decomposing uneaten fish food) and they can reduce the food available to the algae. Plants also shade the water, which the fish like and the reduced sunlight helps. Most ponds go through the green soup stage every spring. In warmer climates such as yours this is extended. Dont give up! It will all work out.
Actually since you added the fish a month ago, I'd say your pond is right on time. Try not to worry about it -your fish are fine. If you start trying to "fix" it you could likely prolong the process of clearing on it's own. It takes patience, but it will happen.
If you have access to electricity there the UV lights work like magic on getting rid of the pea soup water. UV lights will not remove anything that is growing on solid surfaces such as the sides or bottom which is actually a good thing as that provides food for your fish. The green water will not harm your fish unless the temps get really high which should not happen this time of year. Another thing you could try is to introduce tadpoles. For whatever reason they seem to really reduce the green water problem too.
That is exactly what I was going to say. Two things will cure that green pea soup. Time (takes longer) or UV light.
Ditto on the UV light. I failed to mention that. I have them in both ponds and wouldn't be without them. However, there does seem to be a group of people who refuse to use them because, besides killing green soup algae, they kill bacteria indiscriminately, the good with bad. Actually the good bacteria stays in the filter and in the biofilm that forms on the sides and bottom of the pond and on any rocks or decorations if there happen to be any in the pond. The argument that good bacteria is killed by UV's is unfounded in my opinion. I also have a 25 watt UV in an indooor 75 gal. Amazon river biotope tank with no loss of filter bacteria. IMHO they are worth every penny.
Thanks for everyone's comment. I called the pond store where I bought the fish, pump, filter and etc. They told me just to hold on and be patient and the water would clear up on it's own. If I am impatient, they said that I could buy plants that would help clear up water and that they could sell me things that would clear the water. I would prefer that the pond work this out on it's timetable. I am in no rush....Charles
Hey, how is the prokect going?
working?