Algae are part of the pond, but when they get out of hand, it doesn't look nice anymore. These cannot be completely eliminated either, but they can be reduced to such an extent that the pond becomes an oasis again. There are various means of doing this, which then prevent the algae from becoming a nuisance. Of course, these can also be removed by hand, but not everyone has the inclination and, above all, the time.
Proper planting is important
Proper planting is important in order to prevent the algae from overgrowing. This prevents them from occurring excessively. Because once a pond is full of algae, insects like mosquitoes like to nest here and lay their eggs. So it is really no longer nice for humans, especially because these insects can sting. Helpful plants include milfoil, hornwort and waterweed. These plants remove the nutrients from the water that prevent the algae from spreading excessively.
But also native fish such as Moderlieschen or bitterlings, which can feed on their own in a larger pond. Because fish feed and fish droppings act like fertilizer and the algae then feel really good. A generous swamp landscape should be planted, which can then also help. Because algae are not only pests or look bad, they actually add oxygen to the water. Unfortunately these just really don't look nice and if they do
The pH value is crucial for algae growth
Ideally, the pH is 7 or 8. Therefore, this should always be tested, because algae growth can also be promoted if the value is too high. To lower the value, peat granulate can simply lower it again. This gate granulate is available in fabric sacks that can simply be hung in the pond. Never pour the granules directly into the pond without bags, because the duration of action is about two to three months. Then the granules can simply be poured into the flower bed. Since the peat granulate contains humic acid, the pH value is lowered naturally and the growth of algae is reduced. Even 2 kg is enough for a pond with 5,000 liters of water. Then simply measure the pH again and possibly repeat the procedure. Ready-made products such as barley straw or oak bark mulch can also lower the pH value in the pond. These products are available from specialist retailers. The manufacturer's dosage instructions must also be carefully observed here so that the algae have no chance.
Zeolite straight into the filter
Since the surface of zeolite is very large and porous, many nutrients are directly bound, including ammonia. Zeolite can be filled directly into the filter or the water runs over it. This can also be used again by placing it in highly concentrated salt water. As a result, zeolite can be partially reactivated and so the
Keep the pond free from algae. To do this, it just has to lie in the solution for 24 hours, then rinse off well. Another way to keep floating algae away is UV-C radiation. The algae are always killed directly when water flows past. However, there are also thread algae, which can then easily be removed from the pond by hand. As a rule, local fish do not need any extra food if the fauna and flora around the pond are right. This of course also includes the right planting.In the case of blue-green algae, only a change of water will help
When these algae appear, the water can no longer be saved. These blue-green algae only appear when there is too much phosphate and nitrogen compounds in the water. In the strict sense of the word, these are not algae, but cyanobacteria. There is a greasy layer on the surface of the water, similar to a layer of oil. These algae can also convert nitrogen into ammonia, which is toxic to humans and animals. In order to have a chance without changing the water, the water values of phosphate, silicate and nitrate must be reduced to zero. But usually the water really has to be changed here, but above all it has to be done carefully, if only because of the fish.
It doesn't always have to be chemistry
Of course there are also some chemical killers, but they only pollute the environment and of course humans too. If you pay attention to a few things, you won't have any major problems with algae. If these don't get out of hand and the pond gets enough air, then the unsightly algae hardly stand a chance. Because that also says something about the ecosystem at the garden pond, but it can always be remedied by purely natural means. Otherwise, individual algae can simply be removed by hand, without any other aids. Of course, it also depends on whether the pond gets a lot or less sun.
The pond has its own ecosystem
Ponds provide an ideal habitat for many animals, especially if they are native fish. Because this means there is no need to feed and the water cannot be over-fertilized. But frogs, insects and birds also feel very comfortable in a pond. That will be fine
A lot has been done against algae if the pH value is right and there is sufficient oxygen in the pond. The worst case would still be the blue-green algae, but this can be avoided. Because these then overgrow the plants and the fish can die from them. A good pond is always an asset for people and animals. A closed ecosystem of its own that doesn't always need a lot of help.Useful information about algae removal in brief
- As a preventive measure, you should choose a place for the garden pond that is only moderately illuminated by the sun, in order to minimize the risk of algae formation as far as possible.
- Of course, the depth of the basin must also be at least 1.50 m to avoid excessive algae formation.
- In addition, you should make sure that the bank plants are only fertilized to a small extent.
Efficient services are definitely provided by high-quality filter systems, which should be checked and cleaned from time to time. The use of these devices is also an advantage in the case of (widespread) algae growth.
But once a garden pond is littered with annoying greenery, cleaning the artificial water is certainly inevitable. Because an excess of algae is often due to dead plant residues, fish droppings and other impurities, which must be removed immediately. If this is not tackled, combating the algae growth with biological means is usually useless and ineffective. Consequently, it means: the roots, i.e. to remove the causes:
- To gradually replace the water with new one, to thoroughly clean the filter systems ...
- and then use a biodegradable algae destruction product.
- The use of plant-based algae eaters has also repeatedly proven to be a very helpful measure.
- It also makes sense to use certain types of fish that are specially designed for the consumption of algae.
With all of the above tips and advice in mind, garden pond owners can sit back and relax and admire their decorative biotope in peace.
