Koi & Large Pond Algae Control & Algae Chemical Solutions

Keeping your pond clean and free from algae is basic maintenance, but unfortunately, algae growth can quickly spiral out of control. When algae overruns a pond, water quality dips and oxygen content takes a nosedive – and that can spell disaster, particularly if your pond is populated with fish.

Algaecide and Algae Blockers

If your pond is already filled with algae, you’ll need an algaecide with a proven track record of knocking out the overgrowth and preventing new growth. However, even if you don’t have an algae overgrowth, you can make your pond less algae-friendly by treating it with algae blockers.

It’s always important to ensure that the anti-algae pond treatments you use are friendly toward aquatic animals, even if you don’t have koi, fan-tailed goldfish or other fish.

Understanding How Algae Grows

Algae is a form of plant life, and like other plants, it requires sunlight and warmth to grow and thrive. Algae growth slows down when temperatures dip, but during the summer months, algae can bloom incredibly quickly. Aside from planting shade trees, you can put pond dye in the water to keep sunlight from reaching algae’s favorite spots; unfortunately, pond dye can prevent you from watching your fish swim beneath the surface (it’s neither harmful nor toxic to fish).

Keeping your pond clean can help starve out algae that draws nutrients from leftover fish food, rotten organic matter, fertilizer and fish waste. Skimming leaves and cleaning out debris can be immensely helpful in keeping algae growth to a minimum.

Aerating your water is also an effective countermeasure against algae overgrowth. Typically, algae thrives in stagnant, low-oxygen water.

Algaecide and Fish

Algaecide is only a short-term answer for algae problems. While it can stunt algae’s growth and kill off large portions of the nuisance organisms, it can also harm fish and other plants in the water.

The real key to protecting your pond from algae is keeping it clean. Many pond owners choose to install nets, filters and fountains to help prevent algae from making an unwelcome appearance.