FAQ & Answers Part 5 - Pond Algae

Welcome to part 5 of my 6 part frequently asked pond keeping questions and answers series. Today I would like to discuss how to keep pond water free from algae as well as taking a look at some other common pond problems ...

How Do I Prevent My Pond From Going Green?

The best way is to install an Ultra Violet Sterilizer (UV Clarifier) that has enough wattage for the size of your fish pond. An 8 watt pond UV light is usually adequate for a fish pond up to 5,000 litres.

Water turns green or brown usually as a result of the build up of microscopic algae cells (4 microns across) in the pond.

This is further increased when there is a lot of sunlight. The algae feed on increased nutrients in the pond, present during the warmer summer months.

Due to the microscopic size these single celled algae can not be removed from the pond by a pond filter at this stage.

When pond water containing algae is pumped through an ultra violet clarifier it is subjected to UV light which breaks down the cell wall, killing the algae. This causes the algae to clump together.

As large amounts of algae clump together they form a much larger mass which is easily removed by your pond filter.

Does A UV Clarifier Need To Be Maintained?

A UV light truly is one of the best inventions for a pond keeper. It is surprising knowing this fact that not that many pond keepers know of its existence. A UV clarifier doesn't need that much maintenance to be honest.

There is one thing that does need to be done however to maintain its effectiveness. You must change the UV bulb after around 8,000O hours of use. This works out at once a year. This is a good rule to follow.

However if your pond starts to develop a build up of algae in the interim then it may be a good idea to change the bulb before 8,000 hours are up.

How Do I Get Rid of Blanket weed?

The single best solution I have come across, far better than barley straw in my opinion is a new product called Viresco. This is an excellent product for breaking down organic sludge that forms on the pond floor.

If left to build up this sludge will start to give off poisonous ammonia. A tell tell symptom of this is excessive bubbles rising up from the pond bottom.

The full article can be read at ...
http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/Newsletters/PondkeepingFAQpart5.html ...

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