On Thu, 21 Aug 2003 15:25:48 GMT, MattR wrote:

No, it's not from the fuzz algae. Here's what he said: "When algae dies
and is subjected to aerobic bacterial decomposition by heterotroph
bacteria, a by-product of this process is a substance, released into the
water, that is toxic to the living algae."

Okay...... well than, there's your "a filter must be part of the component
for clear water" as heterotroph bacteria thrive in a bio-filter. This was
discussed in one of the required reading KHA articles (Water Chemistry by
NormM) on the AKCA.org website. They suspect the reason folks using
pressurized systems often find they need UV to keep the suspend algae under
control is because the frequency of backwashing removes the delicate
heterotrophic bacteria. (Koi Ponds few plants.)

One has to remember that even with high plant load, low fish load, pH and
aeration also play a part. Adding a filter usually also means adding water
movement and water falling from a pipe or waterfall. In my veggie pond I do
have an air wand running and a bell fountain. I still had murky water and
that was a high pH problem. I have corrected the pH problem just the other
day and I can finally see the tops of the lily baskets again. Still not as
clear as in previous years, but getting there.... course DH wants to move
the Q-tank filter to the lily pond now. s ~ jan

See my ponds and filter design:
http://users.owt.com/jjspond/

~Keep 'em Wet!~
Tri-Cities WA Zone 7a
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