Why is the Pond Water Green?

Algae can be tricky. To many people, algae is the slimy green plant that floats in mats in the pond or coats pond rocks. However, green pond water is also caused by algae of a different variety. This free-floating algae can make pond water look quite murky, and it can be a nuisance in the pond.

Diagnosing A Pond Algae Problem

Check for the bottom of the pond. What – no bottom? When pond water is green and seems to be full of suspended sediment even when it isn’t raining, chances are that there is algae in the pond. Wait for a few weeks, and if the bottom is still difficult to see and the algae appear to be persistent, it’s time to do some algae troubleshooting.

Use Shade to Reduce Algae Growth

Algae are tiny plants, and plants make food through photosynthesis. This process involves sunlight. Take away some of the sunlight, and this makes it more difficult for algae to bloom. Purchase water lilies or plant a shrub next to the pond to add shade. Choose plants that are evergreen so that there will not be a large seasonal influx of leaves into the pond.

Limit Nutrient Sources to Prevent Algal Blooms

Plants also need nutrients to grow. To prevent algae from blooming, stock a fish pond sensibly, but don’t overstock it. More fish are not necessarily healthier fish, and they are not always healthy for the pond, either. More fish also means more fish food in the pond. Experiment with the correct amount of fish food for pond residents. Use netting to capture leaves so that there will not be a lot of debris in the pond. Adding plants can also help by using up some of the nutrients in the pond. If none of this works, a better pond filter may be in order.

Using Algae Killers in the Pond

While algae killers will indeed kill off pond algae, they can also disrupt the balance of the pond. The ideal pond is one that is a healthy ecosystem that keeps itself in check. Adding pesticides to the mix will kill the algae, but it may just send it to the bottom of the pond, where it will add to the nutrient overload.

The next time the pond begins to look like pea soup, break out the shades. Adding shade to a pond and removing the algae’s nutrient base will help minimize cloudy water without the use of algae killers, creating a healthy home for fish, invertebrates, and pond plants.