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Chip[_2_] · 26-06-2010, 05:30 AM posted to rec.ponds.moderated

On 6/25/2010 2:14 PM, Joe wrote:

wrote:

On Jun 21, 7:12 am, Phyllis and wrote:
Pulling the string algae serves you twice: It removes the algae and
it removes the nutrients. Nice yield!

Ok, if I don't have enough string algae to pull it out, but my water
is completly green, can't even see the fish! What is my best option.
Two weeks ago, I treated it with products, cost me 60$ and it's all
back this week. I can't keep forking out 60$ every two weeks. There
must be a better solution. I have no room to add a plant filter. My
pond is 15 by 21, 2 feet at it's deepest with a waterfall and bioball
filter.
Help please!
Martine in Ottawa

Try to avoid the chemical response. All that happens is you pour crap in,
kills the algae which, of course, you don't remove and that triggers even
more algae.

Algae thrives on sunlight. Try growing more water lilies to cover the pond.
Put plants in the water that will compete with the algae. Plant shade around
the pond. Suspended algae can also be treated with a UV filter, it works but
is an expensive alternative.

To be honest, if I had room for a 15' x 21' pond, I'd find room for a plant
filter. It doesn't need to be that big - just something to compete with the
algae.

There is an approach in Europe that I have looked at- Natural swimming
pools. They take about 1/3rd the pool, build a wall across it that tops
about 4" below the water level. They plant that third w/ veggies and
circulate water through it and over the top of the wall. They have
PUBLIC swimming pools that use NO clorine or chems. A veggie filter IN
the pool. Sounds like your pond might be an ideal candidate for this
approach. Can be DIY, just stack a row or two of concrete blocks.

http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-h...g-pools-460908

Chip