11 replies to this topic

[Sweet Lew]

Greetings!

Hope everyones pond survived this crazy winter (at least the East Coasters).

So I got some great help last summer from this forum regarding pond care and maintenance, so I wanted to ask for some advice on what to do when I re-open the pond for the first time.

Since I don't have fish, I'm having a service clean out the pond in a few weeks. Last Summer I started to get a string algae problem starting around July. Other than adding bacteria initially is there something I can add to the water to help combat algae in advance (I'm done with algaecides since they didn't help). I read that barley extract may be the ticket. I will also be adding more lillies to help spread coverage accross the pond.

Thanks,

Lew

[koiguy1969]

barley extract is a good solution just start it before the alge starts and continue the maintainence dosing.

[Sweet Lew]

Thanks for the reply.

Is the microbe-lift product any good? I was going to pick some up from the Dr. Foster and Smith site:

http://www.fosterand...66&pcatid=12266

[koiguy1969]

microbelift makes quality products, ive used their barley extract.

[koikeepr]

You could also get a UV light--more pricey, but sure as heck does the trick.

[Sweet Lew]

I may consider a UV light when I upgrade my skimmer. Right now I'm using an old PSA that I inherited. I'd like to upgrade to a Savio that incorporates a chamber for a UV clarifier. NOW lets talk about big bucks!!

[koiguy1969]

whereas they are great for green water...u.v lights dont do a thing for string algea.. just the free floating single cell (green water).. the barley / peat extracts will do the job. or a multi range ultrasonic system will kill it all.

Edited by koiguy1969, 04 March 2010 - 01:52 AM.

[Sweet Lew]

One last question. I have an opened jug of bacteria from last season. What's the shelf life when opened (I'll read the label when I get home). If the jug says it's OK, should I use it or is it better to start fresh?

[koiguy1969]

if your pond has no fish,do you have frogs, lizards,turtles or anything to need bacteria? bacterias break down fecal matter from fish etc.. making nutrients for the plants. if all there is are plants , what purpose does adding the bacteria serve..barley extract and a u.v light will keep your clear..may i ask why you have no fish? keeping you plants properly pruned will aid in the control of algea too, by limiting dead plant matter supplying nutrients

[Sweet Lew]

koiguy1969 said:

if your pond has no fish,do you have frogs, lizards,turtles or anything to need bacteria? bacterias break down fecal matter from fish etc.. making nutrients for the plants. if all there is are plants , what purpose does adding the bacteria serve..barley extract and a u.v light will keep your clear..may i ask why you have no fish? keeping you plants properly pruned will aid in the control of algea too, by limiting dead plant matter supplying nutrients

I inherited this pond when we moved into the house last year. At that time, I recently became a father and instead of filling in the pond I wanted to give it a try with just lillies that were left in there. I'll have to find my old post from last year, but I was instructed by some on here to add bacteria to assist with the breakdown of plant matter and to also keep the water clear. So the question still stands..

As for fish, I don't want that responsibility...yet. Not to mention the stories I hear from my neighbors with ponds about racoons and possums picking off their koi during the night. My son and working on my 100 year old farmhouse take priority over this 450 gallon pond.

[DrCase]

koiguy1969 said:

microbelift makes quality products, ive used their barley extract.

If you don't have fish jamb it full of plants and use the barley extract early & stay with it

[Sweet Lew]

DrCase said:

If you don't have fish jamb it full of plants and use the barley extract early & stay with it