Pond Filtration And Algae

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FishR'Us

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 20, 2006
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Fort Washington, PA
So, I started the clean out on my pond, and found it to be pretty disgusting. The algae growth seems to be uncontrollable. My filter, which is basically a box with bioballs, foam and a pump is constantly being clogged by the algae and other small particles, as it sits on the bottom of the pond. I guess I'm wondering whether I should move the filter else where, or it there is an effective way of getting rid of some of the algae? I know that I've used moss balls in my aquariums to counteract algae growth, but I think that I would require alot of them, and they're not cheap. Is there a fish that will eat the algae that could live in the pond year round? Philadelphia area, and its 3.5 ft deep. Any reccomendations on fish, plants or filtration to help me.
Thanks!
 
Does your pond have shade? That helps alot with Algae.. If it is getting constant direct sunlight, your pretty much SOL until you can shade the pond..

Don't overfeed your fish if you have fish.. Nitrates and Phosphates are the biggest algae growers, and fish waste produces alot of this.. Try to keep any debris or anything that could 'rott' and break down in your pond out of it.. this will also add to the problem..

UV Sterilizers will sometimes help with your filtration and green water algae, but they can be expensive.. Make sure you get an adequate sized one and use it properly, or it won't do anything..

Ever try barley pads/pillows? They are suppose to help consume algae growth..

You could also do some semi-aquatic pond plants like floating lilies.. They will eat up the nitrates and nutrients and out-compete the algae just like your moss balls. They will also provide some added shade..

I wouldn't add ANY chemicals, that is just a quick-fix for a worse problem.. I would just beef up your filtratoin unit if you can.. Add an extra foam pre-filter so that the particles don't build up as bad.. Also, if you never do water changes.. it's always a good idea to change a good amount of water each month..

Hope that helps!
 
What about adding water hyacynth? It will eat up alot of the algae also. I am learning here also but I know from past experience that hyacynth does wonders for filtration help.:thumbsup:
 
FishR'Us said:
So, I started the clean out on my pond, and found it to be pretty disgusting. The algae growth seems to be uncontrollable. My filter, which is basically a box with bioballs, foam and a pump is constantly being clogged by the algae and other small particles, as it sits on the bottom of the pond. I guess I'm wondering whether I should move the filter else where, or it there is an effective way of getting rid of some of the algae? I know that I've used moss balls in my aquariums to counteract algae growth, but I think that I would require alot of them, and they're not cheap. Is there a fish that will eat the algae that could live in the pond year round? Philadelphia area, and its 3.5 ft deep. Any reccomendations on fish, plants or filtration to help me.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
try a snail or a pleco (must bring pleco in during winter)
Try to build a better system so like a basic setup if you need ideas on a filtration system pm me-don4921-:thumbsup:
 
Hey Thanks for the reccomendations! I have some lillies and a few other plants in the pond. Its remarkable, I've paid no attention to the pond, and the filter has been off all winter, but the levels are all perfect. 0 nitrates. It amazed me when I first saw that b/c I am constantly battling the levels in my aquariums. I realized that it must be the algae. I have never fed the fish in the pond, just allowing them to feed off of the organisms in the pond and they seem to be growing. I am going to try adding a few snails and some crayfish, as they seem to do a good job of cleaning in my tanks! There is no shade, so I am going to move a few trees around and add some more plants. Hopefully this will solve my problem! Thanks Guys!
~Corry
 
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