Of the many outdoor hobbies that people enjoy, few are gaining as much popularity as owning a small backyard pond. Many people build a water garden with the hopes of it being a great place to relax and along with that it can even add some value to one's home. All in all and pond is a great addition to a property.
All of this goes out the window however when algae begins to show up. Usually it's green, slimey, sometimes stinky, and downright ugly. Pond algae can virtually destroy the ambiance of a pond very quickly and because of this it's no wonder that most pond owners will do just about anything to get rid of it.
For ponds with fish, algae can be a constant and common problem. Fish of various species like koi can create a lot of waste material in the water. This fecal discharge is loaded with elements that can feed algae and plant growth much like fertilizer in a garden. Fortunately modern pond design uses a very potent tool to help clean the water. Biological filtration uses natural processes to keep the water cleaner.
Since biofilters are so important in managing a small pond it's good to focus on these first and make sure they are operating as they should. It's very important as well to install a filter that's large enough for the pond's demands and this includes the number of gallons of water and the number and size of fish in a pond. As these values go up, the need increases for a larger and more capable filter.
Once a biofilter is installed the next major step is to cultivate it with fresh beneficial bacteria which is the real worker in the filter's operation. Bacteria begins to "eat away" at organic elements in the water and the discharged flow comes out much cleaner. If a biofilter doesn't have adequate bacteria in it, it won't work well so it's a good idea to add fresh bacteria to the water at every start up, and from time to time, to make sure good healthy bacteria is present in the filter.
Adding bacteria to the water is also helpful because some of this bacteria will set up in the pond body itself and help to keep that area cleaner too.
If a biological filter is the #1 tool for pond algae control, then pond plants would have to be a close second on the list. Plants of various kinds, whether they float or lay under the water are all helpful to clean the water and create a healthier environment for fish. Choose those that add to the natural look of the pond and the pond will not only be healthier but it will look better too.
Although these additions are not fancy by any means, they represent one of the best one-two punches that exist for algae control in any small pond or water garden. Give them a try and you might be amazed at the results!
All of this goes out the window however when algae begins to show up. Usually it's green, slimey, sometimes stinky, and downright ugly. Pond algae can virtually destroy the ambiance of a pond very quickly and because of this it's no wonder that most pond owners will do just about anything to get rid of it.
For ponds with fish, algae can be a constant and common problem. Fish of various species like koi can create a lot of waste material in the water. This fecal discharge is loaded with elements that can feed algae and plant growth much like fertilizer in a garden. Fortunately modern pond design uses a very potent tool to help clean the water. Biological filtration uses natural processes to keep the water cleaner.
Since biofilters are so important in managing a small pond it's good to focus on these first and make sure they are operating as they should. It's very important as well to install a filter that's large enough for the pond's demands and this includes the number of gallons of water and the number and size of fish in a pond. As these values go up, the need increases for a larger and more capable filter.
Once a biofilter is installed the next major step is to cultivate it with fresh beneficial bacteria which is the real worker in the filter's operation. Bacteria begins to "eat away" at organic elements in the water and the discharged flow comes out much cleaner. If a biofilter doesn't have adequate bacteria in it, it won't work well so it's a good idea to add fresh bacteria to the water at every start up, and from time to time, to make sure good healthy bacteria is present in the filter.
Adding bacteria to the water is also helpful because some of this bacteria will set up in the pond body itself and help to keep that area cleaner too.
If a biological filter is the #1 tool for pond algae control, then pond plants would have to be a close second on the list. Plants of various kinds, whether they float or lay under the water are all helpful to clean the water and create a healthier environment for fish. Choose those that add to the natural look of the pond and the pond will not only be healthier but it will look better too.
Although these additions are not fancy by any means, they represent one of the best one-two punches that exist for algae control in any small pond or water garden. Give them a try and you might be amazed at the results!
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Learn more about algae control for small ponds and water gardens. Our website has a great deal of additional information about pond algae control and what it can do for your pond.
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