Easy Ways to Control Algae Growth in Your Pond

Ways of controlling the algae growing in your pond or water garden.

While this article is specifically written with those who have Koi ponds, those with water gardens should also find this article helpful. Those who do not have a Koi pond will need to pay special attention to both the types of plants and the various quantities.

There are several different plants that help to control algae. Many plants, such as underwater plants, floating plants, and anacharis help to control algae by removing the nutrients it uses to grow. When the correct plants are placed in the pond the algae will actually starve from lack of nutrients.

Your best bet is to shade at least 2/3 of the water surface using a variety of floating plants, such as water hyacinth, water lettuce, and water lilies. This type of coverage keeps the water much cooler by blocking sunlight from directly reaching the water. It also helps to keep sunlight away from algae.

Many people have tried just about every trick in the book and still have algae. The truth is that while experts can offer you a host of advice about algae and water chemistry there are some things that are still very much a mystery. Believe it or not time is one of the major factors in determining overall water quality.

Single cell algae may be your problem if you have a pond that is less than a year old. If your water is turning green this is most likely the type of algae you have. Filamentous algae usually take over during the second year of your ponds life. After the third year algae is usually much easier to control, although you may still have flare ups. If you totally empty and refill your pond prior to the third year you may find that the algae does not become easier to manage.

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