The Fight Against Pond Algae (Part 2: The Solution) - Filtration101

Welcome back and sorry for the wait. We last discussed Pond Algae, and why it's a problem as far as ponds go. Well, how do you go about getting rid of this pond scum?

You can ask yourself one thing for starters:

"How is my pond filtration system?"

Can you consider your pond filter great, the best, decent, okay? If you don't know how good or bad your pond filter is, or don't have a pond filter (I highly doubt this), then you might have found one of the culprits to your green pond problem.

Filtration is a key element in keeping a pond clean. The quality of the filter will reflect the water quality of your pond.

Keep in mind two things with your pond filter:
A. The Filter Size
B. Turnover Rate

Now, to figure out the size filter you need for your pond, you have to do some calculations. You can calculate by pond volume, or surface area.
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To calculate total pond value, you must find the area and then multiply the area by 7.5 to get the gallons. This can be tricky because of different pond shapes.

Rectangle/square: length x width x depth x 7.5

Oval: Measure from center to most farthest edge, then center to the closest edge. Multiply the two values together, and then multiply the total by 3.14 (pie). Once you get the area, multiply that by 7.5

Circle: Measure the radius (length in feet from center of edge), and then multiply the radius by itself, and then by 3.14. Multiply the result by 7.5

Abstract, Oddball Shapes, and Oblong: Break abstract and irregular shapes into simpler units, and then calculate the area of each and multiply the total by 7.5. Or, multiply the maximum length by the maximum width, and multiply it by 7.5.

*For oblong, break the pond into a square and two half circles. Calculate the area of the square, and then make the two half circles one and find its area. Add the two results together, and times it by 7.5.

You can also figure out the surface area of a pond, use the same formulas to find the area of the pond. Since it is recommended to get a filter 1/3 the size of the total surface area, divide your areas by 9. So, for example, a rectangle formula would be:

length x width ÷ 9
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Now, we have turnover rate. But, what is turnover rate? Well, turnover rate is the rate at which your total pond volume is circulated through your pond filter system. If you have a bio filter, this is very important.....

"A who-sa what filter?"

If you scratching your head at the type of pond filters that are out that, then here is a small breakdown.

1. Bio-pond filters (uses bacteria to breakdown waste)
2. Mechanical pond filters (uses filtering mechanism to trap particles for later disposal)
3. Pressurized pond filters (force going into filter and out of filter are equal)

Some filtration systems combine both bio and mechanical elements to make a "super filter". Check your nearest pond dealer, or online store to see what is out there.

Our next blog continues the fight against dreaded pond algae. There are other ways to keep the pond clean. Some of these pond algae killers are ones you might already have in your pond and not even know it. What are they? Tune in next time to find out.