backyard ponds

Backyard Ponds > Algae in Fish Ponds

How to Get Rid of Algae in Fish Ponds

Is a Growing Green Menace Hampering
Your Enjoyment of Your Fish Pond?

Fish ponds bring a certain kind of tranquility into your life. Seeing your fish swim gracefully through the water puts you in a world of utmost serenity. Fish ponds just naturally seem to help you to put all your worries behind you. They capture your consciousness and fill your mind with inner peace helping you to forget the problems of the day.

However, to get this effect easily you want to be sure your pond is well-maintained. Otherwise, it can be a breeding ground for harmful algae and that's the last thing you want. Algae in fish ponds must be controlled if not eliminated at all cost. Otherwise it can overtake your backyard oasis and turn it into little more than unappealing green pea soup. Which you won't find attractive or relaxing. Oh yuck would be more like it.

Algae are tiny organisms that grow in water or moist ground. Not all algae can become a problem though. Some algae is needed to keep things in the ecological balance whether you're using a EDPD or PVC liner or one of those plastic fish ponds. However, when excessive algal blooms occur, they can really be a huge problem.

Here's How to Have the Fish Pond or Water Garden You've Always Dreamed of!

That is why some pond owners try to enforce algae control at the first sign of growth. When algae in fish ponds are already prevalent, they can seriously affect the health of your plants and fish, leading to death of the pond.

In order to control the growth of algae in fish ponds, certain actions must be taken. If you haven't set up your pond yet, keep in mind that proper pond construction is necessary to prevent algae growth. Choose the right size of pump and filter for your pond. The pump must be able to efficiently move the water and the filter should run each day.

The right depth must also be taken into consideration. It must be at least 2 feet deep for a garden pond. If you wish to have a koi pond, it must be at least 3 feet deep. The deeper and bigger the pond is, the better.

Problem is, despite their best efforts, many first time water gardeners soon discover that algae has taken up residence and did so pretty quickly. Like mere days after the pond is filled. No need for alarm. This initial algae bloom is somewhat typical and should die off after a matter of days.

You may also understand you need a filter to keep your pond algae free. Not necessarily so. The best long term solution is water plants. Reason being they will consume the nutrients in the water algae depends on to survive. No nutrients no algae.

But plants may or may not be enough to keep algae at bay depending on how many fish you are housing. If you have too many a biological filter may be needed to eliminate the waste products the fish are producing in excess.

Also if algae in fish ponds is an ongoing problem, then you can also install an ultraviolet sterilizer. This pond supply is guaranteed to kill all the algae.

There are also liquid enzyme products available that can stifle algae growth.

Look, that pond in your backyard is an ever-changing focal point. Don't let uncontrolled algae spoil the effect.