Algae, Problem?

[orandawhisperer]

We have 6 comet goldfish (Alistair, Lionel, Sandy, Judy, Harry, and Jean) that have taken residence in our pond. They are all happy and healthy and our weather is warm. One concern is that our water is very green but we have read that that is normal for new ponds. Should we worry about this?

 

[Nilz]

do you have a UV filter? that would help alot

 

[fishin4cars]

Algae growth is normal. Uv light would help along with the use of barley straw bales or barley extract available thru most stores that carry pond supplies, Be sure to keep you water as oxygenated as possible, algaes use a lot of oxygen and produce CO2. Plenty or water movement, additional air stones, or a simple pumping of water with a small pump across the surface will help, This is the season that algae is most prone, being a fairly new pond does make it more susceptible. Most will recommend a UV light as this will kill the algae cells as it passes past the light. I recommend about 1 watt per 100 gallons but if you go a little bigger than that it will only do more good, no harm. Good luck, Hope the pond clears soon!

 

[addy1]

jw one of the forum peeps, says she has put a net bag of clay kitty litter where the water is flowing and has gotten rid of algae that way. (cheap red bag at walmart pure clay no additives)

 

[fishin4cars]

On the bags, I found some thistle seed bags at tractor supply for $1.99 for two bags, When filled they are about 4" round and 10" long once the end its tied, I used zip ties to close the end so I could use as much of the bag as possible. Have one with oyster shell one with Kitty litter and they seem to be working great.

 

[marla]

you say your water is green like pea soup green? Green water is small floating algae that is one of the first algaes to form. If this is so, yep some will use a uv, I don't think barley will really help with green water, but works great on blanket weed/string algae I use it regularly. I also use Koi Clay which is maybe a higher or different type then kitty litter but on the same wave...just if you try kitty litter make sure it does not have any additives it should just be 100% clay. f you are not against using chemicals, a flocculant will help bind the little algae together so it can be filtered out better, but be careful not to use more then directed. If you have a skimmer you could use a quilt batting over the mats, this can also be placed in the falls area either in the falls box or below to catch algae, rinse it and replace it. PLANTS, PLANTS AND MORE PLANTS they will take up the nutrients and starve out the algae, and yes O2 does have a direct affect on it so even if for only a few days get extra O2 with a fountain or extra pump. And last...Patience it takes time for the plants to grow and block sun and take nutrients, usually all ponds will cycle and the green will go away...just depends on how much patience you have as to what choice you make to help the green dissapear.

 

[marla]

On the bags, I found some thistle seed bags at tractor supply for $1.99 for two bags, When filled they are about 4" round and 10" long once the end its tied, I used zip ties to close the end so I could use as much of the bag as possible. Have one with oyster shell one with Kitty litter and they seem to be working great.

I found that old nylons work real good also, I even use them tied at both ends to put Ozmacorte in for my lotus pond and pots and push them down.

 

[addy1]

On the bags, I found some thistle seed bags at tractor supply for $1.99 for two bags, When filled they are about 4" round and 10" long once the end its tied, I used zip ties to close the end so I could use as much of the bag as possible. Have one with oyster shell one with Kitty litter and they seem to be working great.

Since I put in the oyster shells, my pond ph has been stable. Even with our well water that is in the 5 range. No more ph swings.