PondCare Water Clarity and Algae Control

General Algae Prevention

Algae get their energy from the sun and their nutrients directly from the water. Shading the water with floating and emgergent plants is effective in reducing light levels. When the pond water contains excess nutrients, primarily phosphate and nitrate, algae thrives. By limiting excess nutrients, algae are starved and will not thrive. The result is clear water. You only have to rob algae of one nutrient to cause it to die off. Lowering phosphate or nitrate levels clears algae problems naturally. Reduce excess nutrients as follows:

1. Keep a reasonable amount of fish in the pond. More fish means more waste is released into the water. As fish waste breaks down, it releases phosphate and nitrate.

2. Do not overfeed the fish. The more fish eat the more waste they create in the water. Healthy pond fish always act hungry. Feed small amounts of food several times a day.

3. Use lots of aquatic plants. Aquatic plants reduce algae growth by removing excess nutrients from the water and blocking sunlight. Floating-leaved plants like water lilies get much of their nutrients from the soil, but their leaves reduce sunlight entering the water, reducing algae growth. Water hyacinths and water lettuce are great plants for algae control. Both have long fibrous root systems that absorb nutrients directly from the water. These plants also float, shading the water below. Growth and reproduction are so fast that water gardeners have to harvest plants to keep them covering the entire pond. Submerged plants like Cabomba and Anacharis also remove nutrients from the water. We want to use as many plants as possible to keep phosphate and nitrate in the water as low as possible. Many water gardeners make the mistake of using too few plants. It is often recommended to cover at least 50% of the pond's surface with floating plants like water lilies and water hyacinths. Submerged plants like Cabomba should be planted at a rate of one bunch (6-10 plants) for every 5 feet of surface area. Marginal plants will also take nutrients away from the algae, giving then value beyond simple decoration.

Cloudy Water

Diagnosis: Tiny suspended particles. These particles can occur when the pond is first established, fish are over-fed or excessive fish populations exist.

Treatment: Murky water can also be the result of a major change to the pond's environment or the addition of new fish or other pond life. The cloudiness itself is not harmful, but can be an indicator that your biological filtration is compromised, and you should immediately test your water. PondCare Accu-Clear or PondCare Simply Clear can be used to quickly clarify the water.

Foamy Water

Diagnosis: Over time natural organic compounds build up in pond water and may cause foaming on the water's surface. These same organics can also cause the water to have a yellowish tint.

Treatment: Routine partial water changes and the addition of API Activated Filter Carbon to the filtration system will reduce the level of organics and eliminate foaming. Some medications may cause harmless foaming during treatment. The foam can be removed as above, but only after the medication course has been completed.

Green water

Diagnosis: Microscopic free-floating algae in the water. The green colour is millions of single-celled algae suspended in the water.

Treatment: PondCare Algaefix to control the algae growth, then followed by the regular use of EcoFix. The follow-up use of EcoFix is recommended to help clean up the dead algae. By digesting the sludge and reducing organics, EcoFix reduces organic pollution, increases the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the water and creates and maintains a healthy ecosystem in your pond.

Filamentous Green Algae

Diagnosis: Stringy green growth on the walls and waterfall. Fibrous mats on the water surface (blanket weed).

Treatment: EPA registered PondCare AlgaeFix to control the algae, then followed by the regular use of EcoFix. The follow up use of EcoFix is recommended to help clean up the dead algae. By digesting sludge and reducing organics, EcoFix reduces organic pollution, increases the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the water and creates and maintains a healthy ecosystem in your pond.

Brown/Black murky water

Diagnosis: This can be the result of several different factors. Mud and silt can get into your pond via runoff during a rainstorm. Mulch placed near the pond can leach dyes or natural tannins that discolour the water. Koi may disturb soil in potted plants or in bottom sediment.

Treatment: PondCare Accu-Clear or Simply Clear is ideal for clearing murky water. It will cause the particles to clump and settle out or be captured in the filter. Partial water changes, made over a few days, will dilute discolouration. If your fish disturb potted plants consider using PondCare Aquatic Planting Media, which will not cloud the water.

To clean your pond use PondCare Pond Zyme with Barley or PondCare EcoFix on a regular basis. These products will remove the particles that settled and remove organic sludge from the bottom of your pond.

Above information is supplied by Mars Fishcare.