Why can't I get my pond water clear!!!

[PinKoiPam]

It is 3,500 gallon outdoor pond with filter, skimmer box, uv light, and aerator. There are 8 koi and/or goldfish (largest is 12" and smallest is 7" along with 3" baby just discovered), frogs, aggressive toads, recently added three 4" plecos hoping they will munch on the algae, and a lotus plant. One of the fantails is presenting with multiple small lumps all over its body. I posted another thread about this issue several weeks back. All of the fish are eating and behaving normally from what I can tell. I feed them a handful of Hikari medium-size floating type pellets once or twice a day. I do a 30% water change once per week.

 

[Meyer Jordan]

How recently did you add the 3 Plecos.

It appears to me that what you have is a 'Perfect Storm' for the proliferation of planktonic algae.
Your biofiltraion is obviously working efficiently in converting Ammonia ultimately to Nitrate, but with only one plant (and a slow grower at that) and the Plecos to reduce the attached algae growth, the only natural result can be planktonic algae.
My recommendations are to remove the Plecos (they are not likely to survive winters in your zone anyway), place more plants in the pond particularly submerged species and, if necessary, temporarily cut back on feeding, The will enable the pond to balance naturally with the water clearing of algae in a reasonable length of time..Also cease all water changes, these can only prolong the occurrence of the algae.

 

[Tula]

You have a nice looking pond with quality equipment. Is the pond relatively new? I agree with above advice,it does take time for a pond to get established. I do water changes, not 30 %, but what is necessary to replenish water, after cleaning my large filter...usually about once a week. I feed my koi, once per day and lightly when temperatures are high.

I'm a believer that water movement and increased aeration, help clear water. I also added shade sails this year, to provide some shade.

 

[PinKoiPam]

How recently did you add the 3 Plecos.

It appears to me that what you have is a 'Perfect Storm' for the proliferation of planktonic algae.
Your biofiltraion is obviously working efficiently in converting Ammonia ultimately to Nitrate, but with only one plant (and a slow grower at that) and the Plecos to reduce the attached algae growth, the only natural result can be planktonic algae.
My recommendations are to remove the Plecos (they are not likely to survive winters in your zone anyway), place more plants in the pond particularly submerged species and, if necessary, temporarily cut back on feeding, The will enable the pond to balance naturally with the water clearing of algae in a reasonable length of time..Also cease all water changes, these can only prolong the occurrence of the algae.

I added the 3 plecos about 4 days ago. I forgot to mention I had added a water lilly as well but something ate all the leaves off. I don't know if it was the fish or the salts that I add to dechlorinate the water. Please recommend species of pond plants.

 

[cas]

Some submerged plants to try would be anacharis and hornwort.

Does your pond have any shelves to place marginal plants on?

 

[Mucky_Waters]

I added the 3 plecos about 4 days ago. I forgot to mention I had added a water lilly as well but something ate all the leaves off. I don't know if it was the fish or the salts that I add to dechlorinate the water. Please recommend species of pond plants.

What is this "salts" you are adding to dechlorinate the water???

 

[ashirley]

Hang in there. I had my pond for 5 years before I got clear water. I added more aeration and water movement and it finally cleared this year.

 

[ashirley]

Some submerged plants to try would be anacharis and hornwort.

Does your pond have any shelves to place marginal plants on?

Where can you find these? Will they survive Koi? I would like to add some plants to my larger pond but lilies won't make it. The fish uproot them.

 

[mgmine]

It's all about the correct uv light. A good light will clear the green up no matter what else is going on. I'm guessing that yours isn't working (the bulb will still be glowing) or the water is going through it too fast or it's just a cheaper bulb and you need a better quality one.

 

[bettasngoldfish]

I buy plants from William Tricker http://www.tricker.com/ they have always been very nice and shipped well.

 

[cas]

Where can you find these? Will they survive Koi?

I have a pond store around here where I get them. You can also order from http://www.lilyblooms.com/ .
I never have problems with my koi eating the plants. They will move dirt and stones out of the lily pots and root around in the submerged plants, but my plants always survive.

 

[Richardspond]

Looks like your right in the sun. Shade it and see if that helps

 

[PinKoiPam]

How recently did you add the 3 Plecos.

It appears to me that what you have is a 'Perfect Storm' for the proliferation of planktonic algae.
Your biofiltraion is obviously working efficiently in converting Ammonia ultimately to Nitrate, but with only one plant (and a slow grower at that) and the Plecos to reduce the attached algae growth, the only natural result can be planktonic algae.
My recommendations are to remove the Plecos (they are not likely to survive winters in your zone anyway), place more plants in the pond particularly submerged species and, if necessary, temporarily cut back on feeding, The will enable the pond to balance naturally with the water clearing of algae in a reasonable length of time..Also cease all water changes, these can only prolong the occurrence of the algae.

What about AlgaeFix just for a short term solution. I'm having out of town guest in a week and would like to be able to show off my pond.

 

[PinKoiPam]

Some submerged plants to try would be anacharis and hornwort.

Does your pond have any shelves to place marginal plants on?

No I dont have shelves. Maybe I could buy some. What are examples of some marginal plants? Is this the same as bog plants?

 

[Meyer Jordan]

What about AlgaeFix just for a short term solution.

Sure, if you want to disrupt the ponds balance even more. Be prepared to provide aeration as decomposing algae will lower the Oxygen level.