A beautiful water feature can transform an otherwise ordinary garden into a tranquil haven where it is a positive pleasure to spend time. A crystal clear pond, stocked with colourful koi carp is sure to calm your nerves when you are feeling anxious but if you are not experienced in pond management, that crystal clear water may soon turn green and cloudy, as algae and weeds take over. To make sure this does not happen, follow our tips below.
- Add More Plants – Plants and algae compete for the same nutrients when in the same body of water and, in good conditions, plants will normally win this competition. You can therefore reduce the amount of algae that is able to grow in your pond by adding more desirable plants. Floating plants, such as lilies, are a good choice when you are starting this process as they will also reduce the amount of direct sunlight that penetrates the water in your pond, which algae needs in order to grow.
- Use a Safe Water Treatment Product – There are a number of highly effective water treatment products that are designed to help you keep the water in your pond crystal clear. Some of these encourage algae to clump together, making it easy to remove manually, whereas others actually disrupt the growth of algae and weeds, causing them to sink to the bottom where they can be removed with a simple pond vacuum.
- Ultraviolet Clarifiers – Fitting an in-line clarifier between your pump and filter is an excellent way to eliminate single-cell green algae that is suspended in your pond water. You can find a good selection of such units in our online store, along with a handy selection guide to make it easy for you to choose one that is suitable for your needs. If you invest in an ultraviolet clarifier, remember to follow the manufacturer's guidelines with regard to bulb replacement as they will become less effective after a certain period of time.
- Regular Water Changes – Many people manage without water changes but if you want to ensure that your pond water remains clear and free of unwanted waste matter, you should schedule regular water changes. If the water is never changed, the level of nitrates will rise over time, which could result in both more algae and in health issues for your fish. Unless you are using water from a well or spring, it is important to use a quality dechlorinator when you perform water changes, to prevent your fish from being harmed by the chlorine (or chloramines) that is present in tap water.
If you have any questions about water clarity that you would like us to answer, please feel free to send us an email at any time. If you require help choosing a clarifier or water treatment product, we will be delighted to assist you during business hours: just call 02392 373735 and one of our experts will provide you with all the information and guidance that you need.
