I have taken on the task of improving and maintaining the two large ponds in my townhouse complex in Vancouver, B.C. One pond is about 30,000 gallons, and the other one is about 15,000 gallons, each with a fountain and pump but no filters other than screens to keep out debris. We do not have fish, as the herons eat them. Both ponds have been ignored for many years and have several problems. I spent 6 months last year physically cleaning the sludge out of the bottom by scooping it out with a fish net. Gross work and physically very demanding for a woman in her 60's! This year should be easier since I can now maintain it. One pond has a big algae problem due to too much sun exposure and fairly shallow water. I will be adding lilies to provide some shade but what to do about all this algae?!!!
I'm doing lots of research, have consulted with some pond companies but since I am doing this myself, I want to be sure that any money I spend is worth while. The strata has given me a small budget and I must spend wisely. Do barley bales really work? What about pond dye? I scoop the algae out one day, and two days later it is back. If I leave it, it eventually drops down to form sludge on the bottom. A UV filter is out of the question, as the strata will not agree to such an expense.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
I'm doing lots of research, have consulted with some pond companies but since I am doing this myself, I want to be sure that any money I spend is worth while. The strata has given me a small budget and I must spend wisely. Do barley bales really work? What about pond dye? I scoop the algae out one day, and two days later it is back. If I leave it, it eventually drops down to form sludge on the bottom. A UV filter is out of the question, as the strata will not agree to such an expense.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.