Controlling Algae in Your Pond
By: George Janowiak
Algae is one of the simplest and common life forms on the planet! It is found in all natural waterways worldwide and it will be found in your pond.
Controlling algae can be very frustrating for you, the pond owner. Here are some tips that I will pass on to you that have worked for me.
- The skimmer you have will act as the first line of defense. Cleaning the skimmer on a regular basis will help. Start by cleaning the filter pad in the skimmer once a week. Clean the debris in the skimmer net at least once a week. Extra fish food, leafs and debris will support your algae population.
- The waterfall – biological filter. This unit is where the beneficial bacteria will start to colonize. It should only need to be cleaned once a year. Most of the chemicals you add will end up here. Lets go over the list.
- After the pond water has cleared from initial construction, or seasonal clean-out, start adding the liquid or dry bacteria. Add one cap full, approximately an ounce every other day for the first two weeks. If your water turns green during this time, and it might, add more bacteria. After the first two weeks, based on your water clarity, continue adding the bacteria once a week through out the spring and summer. You will not be adding bacteria in the fall and winter.
- I have algae on my rocks! As your pond and eco-system start to mature, you will start to see string algae on your rocks. Some of this algae is normal and natural. If it gets too long, treat it first with Eco-blast/Algae Off. Follow the directions on the label. For the most part, you will simply take and dust the product over the pond surface. It should start to dissolve the algae. If you turn off the falls for a few minutes, the product is more effective. Collect the dissolving algae in your skimmer net and discard it. Allow 48hours to pass and do a follow up treatment with String Algae Buster-S.A.B. extreme/Clarity Max. These products contain dry bacteria and enzymes that will continue to work on the string algae. Follow the directions on the label. You will need to add this product to a bucket of warm water. 1 scoop per hundred gallons of water. The typical pond 11’x16’ will need 12-15 scoops. Stir the product in the bucket until it is dissolved. Then add it to the pond via the skimmer and directly on the string algae. Repeat the process weekly until the algae is under control.
- Adding aquatic plants will help! Plants play a major role in your ecosystem. They consume extra nutrients that are in the water and will help starve all forms of algae. When purchasing plants, remove them from the container and rinse the dirt and fertilizer off the roots. You do not need either of these in the pond. They both contribute big time to algae blooms. Plant the plants directly in the gravel and secure them with boulders. Some of my favorite plants for controlling algae are- Water hyacinth, water lettuce, Water lilies, cattails, and water iris. Covering the water surface and the ponds edge will greatly reduce algae.
- Do not add too many fish! I love fish and your pond will need a few to complete the ecosystem. First let’s start out with how many you should have. A typical pond 11’x 16’or 1,200 gallons can house 10-12 fish comfortably. This is roughly 100 gallons per fish. Some people will argue more or less, but use it as a guide. More fish produce more waste and will produce more algae. Add your fish one or two at a time and find a happy median that will work for you. You can start adding fish one or two weeks after construction, or after your spring cleanout. Feed fish moderately. Only what they can eat in 2-3 minutes per feeding. Do not let extra food rot in the skimmer!
- Adding barley straw and barley products will also will help control algae naturally. Add barley bales to your waterfall or skimmer. They fit inconspicuously in both places. As they decompose an enzyme will be dispersed to neutralize the algae. Use 8oz. Per 1000 gallons of water.
As your pond matures every year, you will find you will have to add fewer products to keep algae under control. Myself, and some of my clients add little or no products on a regular basis and are satisfied with their ponds algae content. New products are becoming available all the time and I will try to keep you up to date. If you have any additional questions or problems, call me @ 630-539-3713. Or Email me @ gjgem@sbcglobal.net
George Janowiak
GEM PONDS INC.
