How to Maintain a Garden Pond

Algae growth is a common condition in a garden pond caused by excessive nutrients and light. Draining the pond and starting over will not correct the problem. Green algae found growing on the side of the pond is actually beneficial to aquatic life and should be left alone. Use plants, aquatic life, a filter or chemicals to control floating algae and improve water clarity.

Things You'll Need

• Floating plants
• Aquatic animals
• Filter
• Algaecide

Instructions

1. Cover at least 50 percent of the water surface with floating plants. Use broadleaf varieties that will block the amount of light reaching the water's surface and compete for the nutrients. Most aquatic plants require full sunlight.

2. Add snails, tadpoles and other scavengers to clean waste from the pond and help to control algae.

3. Use a filter in the pond. Filters work well but need to be cleaned, sometimes frequently when there's an algae problem. An electrical source is also required for this solution.

4. Apply an algaecide until plants become established. Add chemicals to improve water clarity as needed.

5. Measure pH levels with a test kit periodically. Add chemicals to adjust the pH level either up or down. Maintaining the proper pH level will control algae and keep fish healthy.

6. Prune dying plants monthly and remove new plant growth when more than 70 percent of the surface becomes covered with plants.

7. Remove decaying plants from bottom of the pond every spring. Excessive cleaning may do more harm than good.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use chemicals that are toxic to aquatic animals and plants in the pond.

• Fertilizing aquatic plants will stimulate algae growth.

• Don't over feed fish. Uneaten fish food will promote algae growth.