Best way to control algae

[Marie]

Have a 1500 gallon pond. It's in full sun, which I understand can cause more algae. Thinking of a UV light or a shade sail over the pond. How well do the UV lights work on ponds in full sun?

 

[Smaug]

Op you already have a good thread on this with many good answers. I bumped it for you.

 

[barryian]

Have a 1500 gallon pond. It's in full sun, which I understand can cause more algae. Thinking of a UV light or a shade sail over the pond. How well do the UV lights work on ponds in full sun?

I have an Aqua 57 watt on return from my bead filter and as overkill, I have a Uvinex 50 watt on my full size Savio
with one side of Savio blocked. Free floating algae is non existent. Mine is 1800 gallons so 1500 run at a proper flow speed will do the trick.
I had used a treatment and had to turn both UV's off for 5 days. The algae started to return and the difference was literally night and day. Southern exposure to boot with some overhead shade but sun comes in at an angle.

 

[Bob Bianchi]

Have a 1500 gallon pond. It's in full sun, which I understand can cause more algae. Thinking of a UV light or a shade sail over the pond. How well do the UV lights work on ponds in full sun?

The installation of a UV sterilizer is the most efficient and trouble free approach to preventing the formation of green water. Algae growing on rocks or liner will not be affected, only green floating algae that will be destroyed when it passes through the UV sterilizer. The UV unit should be installed after the filter to assure it gets clean water without debris that will reduce performance. Unit selection is very important to assure success. Flow rate is very important and must be matched to the UV unit selected. If the flow is too slow, algae spores will be generated in the pond faster than they can be destroyed by UV radiation. If the flow rate is too fast (not enough dwell time in contact with UV) the algae will not be destroyed. This is a no brain er.

 

[Meyer Jordan]

Control the level of nutrients (Nitrate and Phosphorus) in your pond and you will control algae. No need for UV or treatments.

 

[Smaug]

Control the level of nutrients (Nitrate and Phosphorus) in your pond and you will control algae. No need for UV or treatments.

Not always possible,most of us have other hobbies such as work,kids,pets,house. Green water can be very difficult to control in full sun and there is no sin in using a uv.

 

[Meyer Jordan]

Not always possible,most of us have other hobbies such as work,kids,pets,house. Green water can be very difficult to control in full sun and there is no sin in using a uv.

No, no sin just another expense that can be readily avoided.

 

[Faebinder]

Add more plants that float if you don't have koi...

 

[Smaug]

Op has koi.

 

[Smaug]

Simple is better when it comes to pond maintenance. If yiu have a green water prone pond then install a uv and never worry about again. Not everyone wants to bother with plants and lily's are a mess all there own.

 

[Meyer Jordan]

An artificial solution is not always a better solution.

 

[Faebinder]

Well I suppose the op can isolate a section of the pond from the koi and put floating plants in it.

 

[Meyer Jordan]

There is always the addition of a wetlands filter (bog).

 

[barryian]

Control the level of nutrients (Nitrate and Phosphorus) in your pond and you will control algae. No need for UV or treatments.

Sorry, disagree! Besides, no chemicals added with a UV.

 

[barryian]

No, no sin just another expense that can be readily avoided.

What if expense isn't an issue and you can not have plants?