How to Get Rid of Green Pond Water

Green pond water is caused by algae. Algae are pre-historic aquatic plants that do not have true stems, roots, and leaves but generally contain chlorophyll. Marine animals depend upon algae for their survival. There are many types of algae such as seaweed, Spirogyra or string algae (like what you see growing on rocks in a stream) and planktonic algae which are causing you frustration by turning your pond green. Depending on the circumstances algae is a necessity and very helpful, but it can also get out of control (bloom) and cause harm by reducing the oxygen fish need.

Is it possible to get rid of all algae? The answer to this would be no. But don't despair, it can be controlled so that your fish are healthy and your pond is crystal clear. Algae blooms are the result of many different factors. Sunlight, warm temperatures and water high in nutrients are the main reasons for the increase. While there is not much you can do about sunlight and temperatures, nutrients can be controlled to a degree. When we say nutrients we are referring to fish and plant waste. The more you feed your fish the more waste they produce. Dead plant matter also contributes to the algae; such as plants you place in your pond for beauty and also leaves and other plant matter that find their way into the pond from outside sources.

So what should you do? In the past, the advice was to use algaecides to kill the algae, unfortunately this can also kill fish, birds, plants and other wildlife. So please never use algaecides in your pond.

Beneficial Bacteria is also widely recommended for reducing algae in ponds, but if you already have an algae problem, it must be addressed prior to using this in order to achieve the desired results. Beneficial Bacteria can take up to 6 weeks to begin working. Also, if your water flow is too fast or slow, PH levels too high or low or the water temperature is below 50 degrees the effectiveness of the beneficial bacteria will be reduced. Lack of aeration also decreases the benefits of beneficial bacteria.

The trick to keeping a pond clean and healthy is to remove all of the waste from the pond that is causing the algae to multiply. There has been much debate as the proper way of removing waste from the pond. Filtration is the most common and effective if you use the right kind. You have to remember that algae are microscopic and can pass right through most filters. Not only do you need a filter than can trap the tiniest particles but one that is also easy to clean and maintain.

Of all the filtration systems I have used for my ponds I have found that a simple cartridge type swimming pool filter is the most effective and cost efficient when used with the right water clarifier. Forever Clear is a water clarifier that binds to algae, fish waste and micro organisms so that your filter can trap it, resulting in a healthy and crystal clear pond.

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