How to Control Pond Algae Without UV Or Chemicals
By Davin Eberhardt

Believe it or not ponds should have a small amount of algae in your backyard pond, because it is natural and is apart of the ponds ecosystem. The trick is find the balance that Mother Nature intended and the pond algae will stay under control naturally.

What is Pond Algae?

There are three main types of pond algae, but the one most commonly found in backyard ponds is Filamentous Algae also known as “pond scum”. It grows along the edges and bottom of the pond and slowly rises to the surface. It is a result of one of three things; excess nutrients, direct sunlight, and low oxygen levels.

Why a Pond UV Light or Chemicals Should Not be Used,

Some argue that you need a pond UV light or sterilizer or chemicals to control algae in a backyard pond. While a these pond UV sterilizers may kill suspended particles of algae they also kill the highly beneficial bacteria.

Now lets talk about pond chemicals.

Chemicals such as pond algaecides can also help control algae, but after it gets killed it falls to the bottom and disintegrates. This releases all the stored nutrients that it once possessed when alive and they are put back into the ponds ecosystem. This in turn feeds the next algae bloom that is on its way and becomes a big cycle that happens over and over. Not only does this not solve your problem, but now you have to keep buying these chemicals over and over and spend your time working on your backyard pond rather then enjoying it.

Mechanical Removal

You can physically remove the algae from the pond yourself. There are a variety of ways to do this including, a pond vacuum, brush, draining the pond and power washing, or even just scooping it out with a yard rake can help.

The problem with removing it mechanically is your not addressing the issue of why the algae bloomed in the first place and will most likely come back again.

Mother Nature / Biological Removal

By letting mother nature do the work and balancing your ponds ecosystem you will have more time to relax by your pond, save money, and have healthy fish and plants.

What is needed to create a balanced ecosystem in backyard pond?

1.) Proper circulation system 2.) Mechanical and Biological Filtration 3.) Aquatic Plants 4.) Fish 5.) Rocks and Gravel

1.) Circulation System

During the design phase of your pond it is crucial to get the proper circulation system installed. Backyard ponds and waterfalls are built using the process of recirculating water in a big circle. A proper design will provide good oxygen levels throughout the pond. A poor design will have low oxygen levels and give algae a place to live.

2.) Mechanical and Biological Filtration

This can be in the form of a skimmer or biological waterfall filter. Filters help to remove debris such as leaves and biological filtration refers to surface area where beneficial bacteria can grow and help keep your pond clean.

3.) Aquatic Plants

Simply put all plants in the pond eat the same nutrients in the water. The more plants in a pond the more algae will be starved. So not only will plants make your pond look more natural, but they will also keep algae at bay. Aquatic plants such as water lilies provide shade from sunlight. Which if you remember is a cause of algae as well. A good rule of thumb would be 60%-70% coverage of the surface water with plants.

4.) Fish

Fish will also eat algae if they are big enough and are not overfed. The general size of Koi that will eat algae is any fish over the length of ten inches.

5.) Rocks and Gravel

Rocks and Gravel in a pond create a home for beneficial bacteria. Although, you need to be careful not to put a thick layer inside the pond bottom. This could lead to poison gasses that may kill the fish.

Natural Aids to Help Clear up the Algae

The best thing you can do is to regularly add beneficial bacteria to your backyard pond. The addition will help keep a consistent supply of bacteria on the rocks and gravel to help break down waste and debris in the pond.

Do not over feed the fish in your water garden. Fish should only be fed what they can eat in a few minutes and the food should not float into the skimmer. The added waste of overfeeding fish puts excess nutrients into the pond and gives algae more food to survive and grow.

Regular cleaning is also a great way to keep your fish pond looking good. There is a proper way to do this and a wrong way that will kill the bacteria as you clean and you will have to start all over building up beneficial bacteria again.

If you follow these general guidelines and avoid the pond UV light and sterilizers and also chemicals you will be successful at creating a beautifully balanced ecosystem pond and spend more time enjoying it.

Effective algae control begins with knowing of the type of algae you have (mainly string or filamentous) and three reasons that cause the pond algae to grow. Once you have armed yourself with the proper information you can then treat the cause and create a balanced ecosystem that does all the work.

Then, as time passes mother nature will control pond algae and severe algae blooms become less of a problem.

The author Davin Eberhardt is a pond professional that helps people create beautiful, tranquil, relaxing spaces using water features. Visit http://www.heavenlyponds.com for more tips on ponds and waterfalls. Davin also builds water feature’s if you are in the service area.

Davin’s website http://www.heavenlyponds.com stocks specially made products for water gardens such as beneficial bacteria and premium fish food at low costs to help you save money and spend more time enjoying your pond.

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