How to Get Rid of Algae in Ponds
The best method for getting rid of algae in your pond will depend on the type of pond you have and what kind of algae is growing. If your pond is in a natural setting and filled with plants you want to keep, you should avoid chemical algicides that might damage your other plants. Different types of algae also have different characteristics, and you may even want to keep some "good" algae around to enhance a pond's natural appeal. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Shade your pond as much as possible. Algae thrive on sunlight and cannot survive in the shade. It may be possible to rid the water of this unwanted pond scum just by blocking its light source. If you can't shade the surface of the water from the outside, you may be able to prevent light from reaching the algae by adding floating plants to your pond. Water lilies and lotus are two attractive options.
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Limit nutrients. If you have fish in your pond, the algae may be feeding on fish food and the nutrients the fish excrete. When you feed your fish, check that all the food is consumed within the first few minutes. It can also be helpful to add more water plants to the pond--they will absorb the same nutrients the algae feed on. Avoid letting lawn fertilizer drain into the pond.
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Install a pond filter. If you already have a pond filter,one make sure it's clean and in proper working condition. A UV sterilizer, which destroys the cells of algae without adding harmful chemicals to the water, may also be useful.
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Examine your pond algae. Is there still a substantial amount left? If not, you may not need to kill it. A small amount of microscopic algae is normal in a natural pond.
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If you have taken all of these steps and you are still having a problem, it is time to turn to chemical treatments. Choose a commercial algicide that is most appropriate to your pond; some are safer for different kinds of water plants than others. Coloring agents are one relatively safe type of algae inhibitor; they work by making the water darker so that light cannot penetrate to the algae underneath the surface.
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Tips & Warnings
For ponds with good water flow and sunlight, barley straw may be another option. When it is placed in the water, it will begin to decompose and release hydrogen peroxide, which will kill the algae.
