As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
When it comes to pond algae control, a lot of people have an opinion about what’s best to get results. Some of the ideas are based on experience, some on hearsay, and some might even be just wishful thinking. If you do a bit of research online you’ll find a lot of comments on various things and this has created what I’ll call, a few “myths” about algae control in ponds.
In this week’s pond tip I’ll discuss some of the more common one’s that I’ve come across. Most may have some partial truth to them but may leave a bit to be desired on their own if algae control is your goal.
Here’s the shortlist.
#1. Pond aeration will control algae.
#2. Algaecides are the best treatment for algae blooms.
#3. Fish can keep algae in check.
#4. Ultrasound technology is a silver bullet for algae problems.
#5. Salt controls algae outbreaks.
#6 (but who’s counting)A UV clarifier is effective on algae.
You’re welcome to watch the video below that outlines these in more detail.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.
How do I get rid of crawdads they are distroying my bank with the holes,what is the best way to trap/bait Thanks
Hi Kevin,
This report might help.
http://cnre.vt.edu/extension/fiw/wildlife/damage/Crayfish.pdf
All the best,
Mark
Dear Mark,
One thing that I have learned is that if you want to control algae you must NEVER introduce baking soda into the water. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is often recommended for adjusting pH. However, baking soda provides the perfect food source for algae by introducing carbon into the water. Algae control will become essentially impossible with this compound in the water. I learned this the hard way by treating a swimming pool actually. This information should be incorporated into your books and reading materials (if it is not already). Thanks.
Well I tried all kinds of stuff for my 1200 gallon pond and I couldn’t get rid of the green, we tried UV lights, waterfalls, chemicals nothing. So I went on line and ordered sunshades and then got rid of my expensive filter system and made one for a tubberware basket, green cuttable filters and stuffing (like the stuff you put in pillows) 1 bag and bam, all clean now for over a month. The only thing we learned the hard way, is not to clean your filter atleast not for awhile. it took most of there inviroment out, almost killed my big KOI, I put him in quarantee, fed him almost by hand. and now hes coming back. I did loose some of my gold fish. We had to go to animal jungle and buy bacteria stuff to put in my filter and pond. Anyway bottom line, cheap homemade filter and UV sun shades and all better
The one main thing you did right is to not give up. Good going!
I ended up finding what worked best for your pond and that will take you a long way, and I agree 100%…you have to be careful not to clean the filters out too often in terms of these simple biofilters. Doing so simply disturbs the bacteria and sets you back.
Thanks for sharing your experience!