The Fight against Pond Algae (Part 2: The Solution) - Aeration & Testing The Waters

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.

What a pond wants, what a pond needs!

Ponds require a lot of maintenance, and some knowledge. What do you need to maintain your pond? Well, here is a list of things required for keeping your pond clean, clear, and your fish alive:

1. Pond Test Kits - The water in your pond is an essential factor in how your fish will live. If you neglect your duties at pond sanitation, your fish will pay the price. Pond test kits test ph(measuring the acidity of a solution), salt, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. In the beginning, you might have to check these levels frequently (at least once a month). Over time you might not need to do it monthly, but it's still a good habit to do pond water testing.

2. Quarantine Tank - There are arguments on whether this is necessary. Well, if you sent a diseased fish (even if it's an expensive diseased fish) into a small environment with other fish, wouldn't they get sick? I'm sure they would. One diseased fish can wipe out your entire pond population.

3. Filter- A good, high-quality filter goes a long way in keeping water free of harmful chemicals (Nitrite, Nitrate, Ammonia), and gets the green out of your water. You might also need to consider other products to get rid of harmful chemicals, sludge, and algee that will surface in your pond.

4. UV lights - There are many great uv lighting systems for ponds out now. Do a google search (example: Pond UV Lights), and you'll find some good systems. What UV lights do is clump green algae together, so they are large enough to be picked up by filters. This is a great thing to have in any pond, and will help keep your water clean.

5. Aeration - This can be in the form of a waterfall or fountain. Some companies use windmills and more complex systems for bigger ponds. Fish need oxygen, and this will help keep the pond from freezing during the winter time.

6. Skimmer - This cleans out debris (leaves, twigs, etc) that might enter the pond (especially if you live in the country side, where trees are plentiful).

7. Net - This will protect the pond from falling leaves and twigs, but will give predators (raccoons, cats) a run for their money and protect your fish. There are other technologies that help protect fish from predators and winter season. Do some research on new pond and garden technologies.

8. High-Quality Food - Pretty self-explanatory, but make sure the food is specialized for your type of fish (goldfish, koi).

9. Research - Confused about how to install this liner? Can't figure out how to put so & so's filter together? Do some research. There are many internet and companies who specialize in every type of product available for ponds, so do some research and ask.

I hope this has helped. Expect more blogs on various topics concerning fish, gardening, and ponds. Maybe even a frog article, until next time.