Water Gardens - Principles of Healthy Pond Water

How can I clear up my water?

This is a common question that pond owners ask. In order to answer that question, we need to know what color your water is. Green indicates algae (usually string algae or waterborne algae), white indicates bacteria, and brown indicates dirt. The method of clearing water varies greatly depending on what your exact problem is.

Green Water

Green water is waterborne-algae and it's a little difficult to get rid of. All bodies of water go through what we call an algae bloom that turns the water green (sometimes to the consistency of pea soup). It's a natural occurrence that happens whenever the water heats up and there is enough fuel in the water to feed the algae.

Waterborne algae are microscopic plants that reproduce like crazy and become so thick that they actually color the water green.

Mother Nature has her way of clearing the water. One day, after weeks of not being able to see your fish (much less the bottom of your pond) you may walk out and find that your pond is clear. The algae have sunk to the bottom of the pond. In this case, your pond has reached an ecological balance. However, too much sludge build up may cause the algae to re-bloom. Here are some ways to reduce algae in your pond.

Sun/Shade: If your pond is located in the sun, expect shades of green in your pond. Algae, like most plants, need sunlight to survive. For those who can't move their ponds, there is a way to simulate shade. The best way to do this is to add floating plants such as water hyacinths, water lettuce, and water lilies to cover the surface of your sunny pond.

Starve the Algae: Water plants, especially floaters and oxygenators, compete with algae for nutrients in the water. The more plants you have, the more the algae starve and reproduce less. Heavily plant your pond and waterfall with aquatic vegetation. You may also consider cutting back fertilizing your plants until your algae problem is under control. Not only does over-fertilization feed your plants, but it feeds the algae as well.

Increase Your Bios: Help Mother Nature step up the process of balancing your pond by adding bacteria to the water. There are several available including Microbe-lift (bacteria) and Biofilter Booster. If you have an ultra-violet light in your pond, be sure to turn it off for 24 hours after adding the bacteria.

New Water: Water changes are a quick fix to the algae problem but are temporary in controlling the algae. New ponds and ponds with completely new water will undergo the process of the algae bloom. If company is coming over and you want crystal clear water for the evening, a water change will work, but you may harm the beneficial bacteria living in your pond. Also, remember that the cycle will start all over again the next day when the sun heats up the water.

String Algae: String algae cling to rocks in the waterfall, plants in the pond, and basically wherever else it can find a foothold. The most effective way to get string algae under control is through the use of barley (bales or pellets) and Algaefix. Together these kill off string algae and prevent reproduction. Also, stocking your pond with plants early on will help prevent the formation of string algae.

Ultra-Violet Light: UV lights sterilize waterborne (not string) algae and prevents it from reproducing, but should be the last thing you need to clear up your pond. Remember, Mother Nature does not have a UV light, so under the right conditions, you should not need one either. The key to having healthy pond water is accomplishing an ecological balance. Many pond owners strive for crystal clear water, but remember, having a little bit of algae in the pond is natural. With an abundance of plants, the proper flow of water, established beneficial bacteria, and the right amount of fish, your pond should be at a healthy balance, therefore combating a majority of the algae problems that may arise without the help of a UV light.

White or Foamy Water

If your water is a white, milky color, or cloudy, you are probably experiencing a bacterial bloom. This is a condition that affects aquariums and the pond. It may be caused by the presence of dead animals; be sure there isn't an excess of dead fish or other animals in your pond. Sludge-eating bacteria can remedy this situation. It's important that you dose the water correctly and leave your pumps and spitters running to increase aeration and ensure the safety of your fish.

If you notice a foamy substance on the surface of your pond, this may be caused by a buildup of protein in the water.  The most common sources of this buildup include fish spawning and feeding your fish a diet too high in protein.  This does not cause an immediate threat to your fish, but having the foam for an extended period may lead to a water quality issue.  You may use a net to skim the foam off of the surface of the pond.  If the foaming continues after several days, try changing the fish's food to one that has a lower protein content, usually a summer formulated food.  If your water quality continues to decline, perform several partial water changes over the following couple of weeks.

Brown Water

There is an easy answer to getting rid of brown water. Brown indicates floating dirt and particles in the water. Rotting leaves and debris create "tanning" of the water. Perhaps your fish have knocked over a plant or two, or perhaps runoff from a heavy rain has dumped the neighbor's flower garden into your pond. Perhaps you've been afraid of what creatures might be lurking in the "lagoon" and procrastinated for years about giving the pond a good flushing. Either way, the answer is easy. Put on your rubber boots and roll up your sleeves. It's time to tackle the monster.

Step One: Clean the Filter. Power-spray the pads with a hose, but don't wash all the filter material with chlorinated water. Instead, take the least dirty pads, and wash them with water from your pond. This ensures the life of your good bacteria.

Step Two: Use a Water Clarifier. AccuClear can help. It binds minute particles in your water together and forces it to the bottom of the pond. Again, follow precautions and make sure that your system is highly aerated during the process.

Step Three: Skim the Pond. You should only completely clean out your pond during the fall. A pond-vac is recommended for this. Use it to vacuum the sides and the bottom of the pond. Otherwise, use a skimmer net to remove the debris from the bottom and sides of the pond. Be sure not to scrub the slime off the sides of your pond; it is beneficial to your eco-system.

Additional information on water gardening:

Stocking Your Pond

Principles of Healthy Pond Water

Water Lily Care

Fish Care