How do I get and keep my pond clear?
Nothing is more beautiful than a crystal clear pond. It makes people intensely happy when they can watch their fish while they are being fed, for example. Getting and keeping pond water clear is not difficult, but there are some points of attention that you need to follow. If you don’t, chances are the pond will turn green due to algae growth and you will become frustrated as a pond enthusiast. Are you planning to build a new pond? Then first read our blog “pond construction, a handy step-by-step plan“. In it we discuss a handy step-by-step plan for building a pond.
How does green pond water form?
A green pond occurs because the biological balance in the pond is disturbed. A green pond indicates algae growth. In a pond with a good biological balance, plants and bacteria clean up the waste products. However, if the balance is disturbed, the waste products can no longer be processed and algae have a chance to grow. You must therefore ensure that very little waste material enters the pond.
Here are a few helpful tips:
Not too many fish in the pond
Make sure there are not too many fish in the pond. Fish, like people, also need to relieve themselves, and these feces from the fish create additional waste products in the water. Fish reproduce quickly, especially the shubunkin. In the beginning, place only a few fish in the pond and watch how the pond and fish develop.
Do not overfeed fish
Do not overfeed and make sure that all the food is eaten by the fish. This is because fish food that is not eaten dissolves in the water. As a result, too many nutrients, minerals and proteins enter the water, giving algae a better chance to grow.
Provide adequate oxygen in the pond
Oxygen is important for pond balance. Installing an air pump or waterfall is an option. You can also place more aquatic plants in the pond. Aquatic plants absorb nutrients in the pond and capture sunlight. Install floating and oxygen plants so that algae do not have a chance. Want more information about pond plants? Then read the article,“planting plan for the pond.”
Remove plant debris and leaves
It is important to remove plant debris and leaves from the pond. These organic materials are a food source for algae. In addition, plant debris and leaves create more waste products in the pond. Use a scoop net or pond grab for this purpose.
Provide adequate shade
Sunlight promotes algae growth. Therefore, it is important that part of the pond is in the shade. If you don’t have this option, you can place a water lily in the pond, for example. The lily’s large floating leaves provide shelter. On very hot summer days, it is not even an unnecessary luxury to hang an umbrella over the pond.
Install a UV-C filter
With a UV-C filter, pond water is passed past a lamp that emits ultraviolet light. The water is sterilized, as it were, and floating algae are killed. If you place a new UV-C lamp in this filter every spring, you have a permanent solution for green cloudy pond water.
To measure is to know!
Always measure the pond values properly. This will tell you exactly whether your biological balance is good or where you still need to pay attention. Important are the KH (carbonate hardness), pH (acidity) and GH (total water hardness). Velda has a handy app in which you can neatly keep track of the values. If the values are not right, you will automatically receive advice to get them back to the right level.
If you follow all these tips, we are sure you will be able to enjoy a beautiful clear pond. Don’t panic if the pond turns a little green, but check point by point where the problem may lie. Haven’t found the cause? Then have your pond water tested at a garden center, or download the PondTest app and get started with a water test yourself. Did you find this article interesting? Then share it on Facebook!
