Murky pond remedies?

[graham]

My new pond seems to be getting murkier by the day. It started off fine but then progressed into a state of murkiness not seen since the dark ages. It has algea, yes, but I dont think that is the cause off the over murkiness. I have put in a ton of algea killer over the past few days, but to no change. I have a pond filter going with a 500gph pump that seemed to be doing its job at first. I have activated carbon and filter pads in the pond filter, I hope that isnt filtering out the algea killer I put in.
I have also put in some water clarifier in hopes that will work.
I did put plants in the pond if that might be a problem.
What should I do to combat the cloudiness?

 

[Dr Joe]

It's your Oregonian water, Try Perrier...:j/k: .

Ok, How big is the pond?

How long has it been running (with filter)?

What type of plants and are they potted?

If algae is in several stages of developement it can look 'murky', and the more it grows the 'murkier' it gets untill it turns dark green.

Depending on the type of algae killer, the bio-filter could now be dead.

Is a UV sterilizer in the budget?

Depending on pond size, it may be easier to start over...Drain / clean / refill / treat filter etc.

Dr Joe

.

 

[Gr8KarmaSF]

Another question to add...

How many fish do you have and how big are they?

 

[Dr Joe]

Another question to add...

How many fish do you have and how big are they?

He didn't mention fish so I was hoping the weren't in there yet

 

[Muske]

Same questions....
How long has it been running?
Are the plants planted in pots w/ soil?
Do you have biological yet?

 

[graham]

the pond has been up for about 3 weeks now. Its about 350 gallons. It has about 12-13 comets (long story, they were free) which range in size from 4" to 12". I have 5 lettuce plants, and five other plants I cant remember the name of, all those are floating plants. There is one potted plant in the tank, the name escapes me again. I did a 1/3 water change on the pond yesterday and took out the carbon filters, cleaned out the whole filter, and added some algea killer. I also added some gravel to the bottom if that matters. I havent had a chance to look at the pond today since I have been at work the majority of the time. I will check on it in the morning and see how it is doing.

 

[Dr Joe]

Keep us posted.

 

[graham]

I checked it today before work and it has gone completly green. It is almost 100% opaque. Other than just shading the pond with a tarp over it, I am out of ideas.

 

[Dr Joe]

Did You cycle the filter or put everything in at once?

You have a heavy bio-load there, but not un-do-able.

.....

First I'd check that bottle of algae 'killer' again .

Then...

You could get a kiddie pool http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72973

Set it up, move your fish and plants to it and drain/clean the 'real' pond and accessories.

Get a pond UV sterilizer and put it on the output of the filter.

Rinse the fish and plants in treated (de-chlor'd) water before returning them to the 'clean' pond.

You will probably have algae in the kiddie pool since you're transfering the fish & plants to it (hence the 'rinsing').

Or you can just put the UV on your pump and wait it out (1-4 days) too.

Dr Joe

.

 

[Muske]

The gravel is deffinately a good idea. Eventually (possiblly a couple of weeks) beneifical bacteria will colonize in the bed. That will help regulate some of your problems.