The cause of a green pond
Why is my pond turning green is a question we get asked regularly via social media or email. We have already devoted a blog to it once, but in it we specifically told you what you need to do to get your pond clear again. Do you have a green pond and want to know what you can do about it? Read our blog ” How to clear your pond“. This blog is mainly about why ponds turn green and what you can do to make sure your pond doesn’t.
Green ponds
A green pond indicates the growth of algae. There are different types of algae , but in most cases it is floating algae. Float algae can be seen as a very small plant and grows very quickly. Where ordinary plants can no longer grow well, the floating algae takes over and you get a green pond. The cause can often be found in the disruption of the natural flora and fauna in the pond. This natural flora and fauna in the pond are the basis for a healthy pond.
A healthy pond means well-growing oxygen plants, adequate CO2 in the water and sufficient minerals. Below is a brief explanation of these three variables:
- Oxygen plants: Oxygen plants have another important function besides providing oxygen to the pond water: they take nutrients from the water for their own growth. This means that floating algae has less chance to grow due to the lack of the nutrients.
- CO2: Plants (and of course fish) need sufficient CO2 for growth. So you must always ensure that there is sufficient CO2 in the pond. One way to do this is by installing a waterfall, an oxygen pump and, of course, oxygen plants.
- Minerals: Minerals are important for the pond because they transport CO2. In addition, minerals are also an important building block for the (oxygen) plants. This is because they use it as food salt.
Preventing a green pond
Looking at the above three variables, it is important that all three are sufficiently present. Do you have enough oxygen plants in your pond and are they growing well? Keep about 5 plants per 1,000 gallons of water. Do you have a filter connected to your pond that can handle the capacity of your pond (including fish) and also measure the PH value. If the PH is not good, then you are also dealing with a disruption of CO2 in the 
pond. To test the values in the pond you can use the handy Velda Pond Test App. In this app you can keep track of the values and you will automatically receive advice from us if values deviate. Finally, it is important to test the pond water for hardness (minerals). Hard water ensures that algae have no chance. This can also be tested with our app.
If you stick to these little tips, you will prevent your pond water from turning green. Do you still have a green pond? Then read our blog “how to get my pond clear again“. Do you have questions as a result of this blog? Then ask them via Facebook and we will be happy to answer them!
