No one likes an ugly pond covered in algae that blocks out all of your beautiful fish and decorations. Although using chemicals can help, nature will have long-term solutions and will not be detrimental to the delicate ecosystem of your pond.
Well, this is how to maintain crystal-clear water.
Understand What Is Clouding Your Water
Before fixing the problem, identify the cause. Eliminate the cause before correcting the problem. Single-cell algae usually cause green water, and string algae grow on rocks and the liner. A pond drum filter can help trap excess waste before it decays in case of larger ponds.
That Pond Guy focuses on the combination of natural solutions and effective filtration. They have a strategy of sustainable practices, and the ponds remain healthy without using harsh treatments.
Boost Beneficial Bacteria
Green water grows well on surplus nitrates, and helpful bacteria utilize these nutrients, depriving algae. Bacteria addition is safe- there will be no harm to fish or plants. Liquid or tablet forms work well, and the auto-doser makes maintenance effortless.
Upgrade Your Filtration System
A two-stage filtration setup keeps water pristine:
- Physical Filtration – Skimmers remove leaves and debris before they sink and decay.
- Biological Filtration – Biofilters house bacteria that break down harmful waste. Larger filters, such as waterfall bio-falls, give more area to grow bacteria.
Avoid Overcleaning
Do not feel the need to power-wash rocks or scrub away all algae. Excessive cleaning deprives the pond of natural biofilm, which breaks the ecosystem. Rather, dislodge material softly and wash rocks in pond water to save favorable bacteria.
Add More Plants
The growth is limited by nutrient competition with plants. A diverse mix, such as lilies, iris, and oxygenators, sucks up various nutrients, leaving less food supply to algae. More plants mean better water.
Feed Fish Wisely
Excess waste results in overfeeding, which causes an algae bloom. Use the 5-minute rule: give no more food than the fish can eat in 5 minutes. During cooler temperatures, feed less, or not at all, since fish instinctively feed on algae and insects.
Don’t Overcrowd Fish
An excess of fish is unnatural waste. Persistent algae, ammonia spikes, and sick fish are signs of overcrowding. In case of difficulties, filter more or rehome a few fish.
Check for Runoff
The pond could become cloudy with mulch, soil, or pollen washed into it. Following a hard rain, apply some flocculant such as Rapid Clear to agglomerate trash to remove easily. Activated carbon will aid the clarity recovery of tannin-stained water.
Skip Harsh Algaecides
Algaecides are rapid but do not address the cause of the problem: excessive nutrients. Others even soak oxygen, posing a threat to fish. Treat algae spot-wise when necessary, but prioritize long-term solutions such as plants and bacteria.
Call in the Pros
With problematic issues, specialists such as That Pond Guy can view your application and prescribe a custom solution. Whether it is maximizing filtration or managing fish loads, the advice of the professionals can keep your pond clear all year round.
