Welcome back, it's been some time. This is the last part of our "Fight against Pond Algae" series. It's been a long road, with a lot of information, but our journey comes to a close with two final ways to kill pond scum.
AERATION
Since algae needs oxygen to survive, as well as fish, the fight for oxygen can give your fish more of a struggle surviving (aside from grabbing their fish food before the other fish does). But, increasing oxygen through aeration can give your fish that oxygen supply it needs.
Aeration allows the water to move continuously, which disrupts algae growth and dead spots that refuse to go through your filtration system. Also, when oxygen levels are down, your filtration goes down. Air pumps, water movement (like water falls), and diffusers (air domes) help give your pond optimum oxidization.
Another helpful way to increase oxygen levels is to replace 10% of your entire water supply in the pond on a weekly basis. This will get rid of pond bacteria and fish pheromones (which will reduce the growth of your koi - ouch!). The more pond bacteria and pheromones your fish are exposed to, the more likely they'll get sick. And they can't get well when they are sick and surrounded by pond waste. Imagine you get sick and instead of being brought to a hospital, you are left in an alley way that's filled with garbage and rats. Take these tips into consideration, and everyone will be calling you "Fish Doctor".
Testing The Waters
Our last part is one of the most important things to consider, and without doing this you are making your pond build up into that dirty alleyway I just mentioned. That is to test, test and test!! Test the water in your pond!
Your pond needs balance to be healthy. When a pond is out of balance, it helps pond algae grow and kills fish. Many pond enthusiasts test their water regularly (once a week at least) for nitrate, oxygen and pH levels. You should also test your pond temperature. Results of these tests can give you warnings of filter problems, overfeeding, or high ammonia (from fish waste - result of overfeeding).
You can also use herbicides and algaecides as a way of stabilizing your pond. But, you should know how these chemicals work and what effects they will have on your fish. Check out forums and fish community boards for information on what herbicides and algaecides are good to use. Also, do a google search and research products before buying them. Ask questions to the vendors, because the use of these chemicals does require some knowledge beforehand. Trial and error can cost you hundreds that could have been saved with a few minutes of reading.
Well, I hope this long guide has helped. If you follow these tips, you will eventually have a pond that never gets dirty and pond algae becomes a distant memory.
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