Lots of plants. Hyacinths, lettuce, iris are good feeders on the same stuff
that the algae needs. The main cure for algae, IMO is patience.
Unfortunately, most of us really lack in that department, and the quick
fixes work for a day or a week and then it is back. Might as well just wait
it out.
--
RichToyBox
http://www.geocities.com/richtoybox/pondintro.html


"The Madd Hatter" wrote in message
...
Both of these seem doable for the short term. What would you suggest
as a natural combatant for the long term? If I cover 80% of the
surface with floaters like duck weed and water hyacinth, and some
lilies, would this gradually reduce the algae levels? I don't have
the budget to do anything expensive like put a UV clarifier etc in.

On Fri, 20 Jun 2003 00:30:02 GMT, "RichToyBox"
wrote:

For a special occasion you can use the 95%-100% water change method the
day
of the festivities, but you will get the full algae bloom within a couple
of
weeks after that. Just be sure to use plenty of dechlor, and add water
slowly to keep from shocking the fish with a temperature difference. You
can also use a polymeric water clarifier (Crystal Clear, ProClear,
Accu-Clear) that will flocculate the algae, making it easier for the
filter
to trap it. They are relatively inexpensive, and have the same drawback
of
algae bloom later.