Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Remove algae with natural means
• Method 2 of 3: Using mechanical and chemical solutions
• Method 3 of 3: Prevent algae growth
• Tips

A pond can be a beautiful and decorative addition to a garden or home. However, it may lose some of its charm if the water looks cloudy due to algae. If you want a cleaner pond in the long run through more natural solutions, or if you want to prevent algae build-up, there are several easy options to help you reach your goal.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Remove algae with natural means

1. Plant aquatic plants in your pond to absorb nutrients that algae need. As a living organism, algae must extract nutrients from the water to stay alive. Add some more attractive plants, such as water lily, cattail or watercress, to your pond that will absorb all of those nutrients and thus prevent algae from growing. This can help keep the water clear and also make your pond look more interesting.
   • Your local plant store or garden centers should have a wide selection of plants that are perfect for the pond. Ask if you are unsure about the best kind of plant to use.
   • For best results, cover approx. 60% of the water surface of your pond with plants.
2. Avoid overfeeding your fish to prevent leftover food from rotting. If you have fish in your pond, you should only feed them the amount of food they can eat in about 5 minutes. If you give them more than this, the leftover food will sink to the bottom and start to rot, which can catalyze algae growth.
   • If you are unsure of how much to feed the fish, see the food packaging instructions for an indication. You should feed your fish a small amount of food once a day. Watch your fish eat to determine how much food is left and adjust the amount you give accordingly.
3. Remove the algae from the surface of the pond with a skimmer or algae net. The easiest way to remove algae from the surface of your pond is to simply scoop it away. Use a skimmer or algae net to skim the surface of your pond, loosening the algae and removing them from the pond. This may take a while, but will give you immediate results when you are done.
   • While this is a quick fix, it is not a long-term fix. Removing algae will not prevent them from growing back.
4. Add barley straw to the pond to slowly kill the algae. As the straw rot, it will slowly release small amounts of hydrogen peroxide, which will kill any algae growing in your pond. After a few weeks you should see the algae disappear in the pond.
   • Use 225 grams of barley straw for every 380 liters of water in your pond.
   • Barley straw should be available for purchase at your local pet store as it is often used as bedding for many small animals. If not, you can probably find it in a specialist pond store or on the Internet.
   • The amount of hydrogen peroxide released by the rotting barley should be just enough to kill the algae without harming other plants in your pond.
5. Introduce algae eaters to your pond. Just like using plants to prevent algae from forming, you can also place many different animals that eat algae in your pond. Add a few tadpoles, or some pond snails, and keep an eye on them as they grow. They should eat the algae in your pond and bring a little more life to your pond at the same time.
   • Tadpoles will also eat mosquito larvae and the larvae of other insects that can live on the surface of your pond.

Method 2 of 3: Using mechanical and chemical solutions

1. Install an aerator that creates tiny bubbles to increase water displacement. One of the main causes of algae growth is lack of water displacement. Buy an aerator and install it in the deepest part of your pond. It will constantly aerate the water, which keeps the water moving to create a healthier environment in the pond and prevent harmful algae.
   • Aerators that create small bubbles should be available at a specialist pond supply store. If you don't have those around, there are plenty of online stores that sell aerators.
2. Clean the filter system every month to keep water clean. If your pond has a filtration system installed, but algae is growing anyway, you may need to clean the filter in the system more often. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to clean the filter at least once a month to prevent algae growth.
   • A pond filter is not necessary, but can be useful in keeping the water in your pond clean.
   • If you have a large mechanical filter you should be able to clean it by attaching a backwash hose and setting the filter to backwash until the water comes out clean from the hose.
   • With smaller filters you can remove the filter and clean it with chlorine-free water to remove any dirt, grime and algae.
   • Make sure to clean the pond filter away from the pond. If you clean it too close to the pond, anything you take out of the filter will eventually end up in your pond again.
3. Use a sterilant with UV light to kill algae. UV light is a good way to sterilize and damage many organic materials, including algae. Install a pond filter that contains a UV light to kill and remove algae. After 3 to 5 days, the water should be free of algae and clear.
   • Filters with UV light are a bit more expensive than other filters, but also a lot more effective. They can be purchased in specialist pond stores or on the Internet.
   • This is a very effective way to kill algae in a pond, but it could also harm good bacteria and other positive organic matter in your pond.
4. Treat the water with pesticide. If there is no other way to clean the water and get rid of the algae otherwise, you can use algae killers to treat the water and kill the algae. Buy algae killers or herbicides that contain copper and spray it into your pond to start killing the algae. The algae should start to die in 3 to 10 days after the first treatment.
   • Algae killers and herbicides are made from chemicals designed to kill algae, making them more harmful than other natural methods used to get rid of algae. Use algae killers as a last resort. Always consult the instructions of the chosen product before using it in a pond with plants or live animals.
   • Make sure to check local regulations before treating the water with an algae killer. Certain areas may require permission to use certain chemicals.
   • Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using an algae killer. Using more than necessary can damage your pond and possibly harm the wildlife that lives in the area.

Method 3 of 3: Prevent algae growth

1. Build your pond in an area with little sunlight. Algae need sunlight to grow, so if you're still in the planning stages of a new pond, consider placing it in an area that gets little sun. For example, build your pond near a high wall, or use a sun screen or tarpaulin to prevent algae from growing.
   • Don't rely on the shade provided by tall trees as these can drop leaves in your pond. Fallen leaves will eventually rot and cause algae growth, forcing you to clean the pond more often.
   • Sunshades and sails are custom-made barriers that prevent too much sunlight from shining on your pond. They are available in specialty pond stores and on the Internet.
2. Add a border or boundary to your pond to keep out extra water. Water running into the pond from your garden can contain nutrients that algae need to grow. Build a small rim, about an inch high, around the pond to limit the inflow of uncontrolled water.
   • This will also help prevent fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides from entering your water through garden water. These substances can all be very harmful to the health of your pond and the organisms that live in it.
3. Color the water with pond paint to reduce the amount of sunlight absorbed. There are several types of paint, usually blue, that are designed to be added to a pond to prevent sunlight from reaching the bottom, which will prevent the formation of algae. Buy pond paint and follow the manufacturer's instructions to color your pond.
   • Pond paint is available on the Internet and at specialty pond stores.
   • The amount of pond paint you need will depend on the size of your pond. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid using too much paint.

Tips

• Make sure you are using the correct size pump, filter system and UV lamp.
• Some types of algae are actually good for your pond, they provide food for fish and keep the nitrate levels under control. If you are not sure what kind of algae is growing in your pond, search the Internet to identify them and determine if they are harmful or beneficial.
• When the amount of algae reaches the point where fish die, you should empty the entire pond and scrub all the algae away. Then fill with fresh water and let it rest for 24 hours before replacing the fish.