How to Stop Algae Growth in Water Gardens
- 1). Use a pool skimmer to get rid of decaying and dead leaves along the sides of the water garden, and use a pond vacuum along the bottom. Consider covering the garden with a net; if this is not practical or possible, use a pool skimmer daily to pick up leaves that have fallen on the surface before they can sink and decay.
- 2). Feed any ornamental fish in your water garden the proper amount of food, and use a net to skim off uneaten food after 10 minutes. Overfeeding contributes to the organic debris on which detrimental algae thrives.
- 3). Use the following formula to make sure your water garden isn't overpopulated with fish: an aerated pond should have no more than one 12-inch fish per 2 to 3 square feet of surface area--the length of your pond multiplied by the width. If your pond doesn't have aeration, the limit is one 12-inch fish per 10 square feet of surface area.
- 4). Block algae from developing by planting abundant water lilies--and other plants that have leaves that float on the surface, such as water hyacinths and water lettuce--in your water garden. According to the Planet Natural website, you should try to have 50 percent of your water surface covered with these beneficial plants. They help to block the sunlight that detrimental algae need to grow, and also reduce algae growth by removing excess nutrients from the water.
- 5). Add more submerged plants to your water garden, such as Cabomba and Anacharis. Not only do they keep phosphorus and nitrogen levels low, but they also provide beneficial bacteria with a place to grow. Rocks are also good environments for beneficial bacteria.
- 6). Use proper aeration and circulation to nourish the beneficial bacteria while banishing deleterious bacteria, which thrive where oxygenation is not adequate. Provide proper circulation by running your pump so that it pumps at least half the total volume of the pond every hour. Make sure your filter is filtering the total volume of the pond every 3 to 4 hours.
- 7). Maintain your pond filter in good condition and keep it working efficiently by rinsing or replacing filter pads and sponges regularly.
- 8). Add some natural scavengers--such as black Japanese snails and tadpoles--to your water garden. Not only do they add variety, movement and interest to the ecosystem, but they feast on algae as well.
- 9). Add a commercial beneficial bacteria treatment if algae persists. These products use concentrated amounts of desirable bacteria, which will compete with the detrimental bacteria.
- 10
Use a commercial pond water clarifier to control plankton algae. This substance will break algae into larger particles that can be removed with a net.
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