How to Clean Algae Off a Waterfall With Fish in the Pond

Keep your pond clear of algae.

Algae can ruin an otherwise beautiful garden pond. These small plants grow in pond water when exposed to sunlight. Some types of algae, called string algae, can grow in large clumps and even clog up water features such as a waterfall. You can clean algae off a waterfall with fish in the pond but you have to do it manually, as harsh chemicals can harm the fish.

Things You'll Need

• Rake
• Stiff bristled brush
• Skimmer

Instructions

1. Turn off the water supply for the waterfall. You can do this at the waterfall pump itself or by cutting the power supply to the outlet where the pump is installed.

2. Use a rake to remove the largest clumps of algae. A rake with plastic tines works best for this, as the plastic won't scratch the sides of the waterfall.

3. Use a stiff bristled brush to clean up any hard-to-remove algae, such as clumps that are stuck to rocks in the waterfall.

4. Start the waterfall pump back up. Allow it to run for a few minutes. This will flush any remaining algae that might have become loose into the pond.

5. Skim off the algae in the pond washed down by the waterfall with the pond skimmer.

References

• The Water Garden: How to Control Pond Algae
• Garden Advice: Algae Control
• Pond Solutions: Algae Control