What is the cause and how do you solve it?
It happens to almost every pond owner: the water turns green. A clear pond not only looks better, but aquatic plants grow better in it and swimming becomes much more pleasant. But why does pond water turn green and, more importantly, how can you prevent and remedy this? On this page, you can read all about the causes of green water and the solutions that really work.
The cause of green water
Green and cloudy water is caused by floating and thread algae. Floating algae give the water a green glow, which reduces its clarity. Thread algae are thread-like algae that grow on the edge of the pond, plant baskets and between aquatic plants, similar to weeds in the garden. They are unsightly and quickly take over. Early intervention is therefore important.
How do these algae get into the pond?
Algae need two things to grow: sunlight and nutrients. A pond that is largely exposed to the sun, has too few (functioning) aquatic plants and a high fish population provides optimal growing conditions for algae. Other causes include a poorly functioning filter system, too many nutrients in the water or freshly changed water that is not yet in balance.
Combating algae
Combat floating algae with a UV-C unit
Floating algae are easy to combat with a UV-C unit. The pond pump pumps the water through the UV-C unit, where it comes into contact with UV-C radiation. Bacteria, viruses and algae can no longer multiply, die off and disappear from the water. The result: a clear and healthy pond without chemicals. A UV-C unit is therefore indispensable in every pond and swimming pond.
Excessive phosphate levels
Excessive phosphate levels are the main cause of thread algae. By using phosphate removers such as AquaForte Phospat or Phosfree, the phosphate level can be reduced and maintained below 0.035 mg/l. With the correct low phosphate level, algae no longer have a chance to grow.
Thread algae require an active approach
Controlling thread algae requires more than just the right phosphate level. Thread algae must be removed manually with a thread algae brush. AquaForte water treatment products such as Alg-Stop Bio support the dirt-degrading bacteria in reducing excess nutrients in the water. In addition, adding extra oxygen with an active oxygen preparation such as AquaForte Oxypond helps: this attacks the cell structure of algae, causing them to shrink or disappear completely.
Bottom sludge
Leaves blown into the pond and uneaten fish food in particular cause a thick muddy layer to form on the bottom. Oxygenating plants cannot absorb all these nutrients, and bottom sludge thus forms a food source for algae. Adding AquaForte Microbe-Lift Sludge Away to the pond water removes the sludge from the bottom and makes the water clear again.
Preventing green water: six tips
Check and restore the water values
In addition to the correct phosphate value, the other water values must also be in balance. If one or more water values are out of balance, algae will have free rein. By regularly checking the water values and adding water treatment and water improvement products, the biological balance is maintained.
Provide shade
Sunlight is important for oxygenating plants and pond plants, but too much sunlight promotes algae growth. Create shade with a shade cloth, parasol or water lilies. The floating leaves of water lilies provide natural shade.
Remove organic material
Plant debris and leaves are a source of nutrition for algae and increase waste products. Therefore, regularly remove organic material from the pond by hand.
Do not overfeed fish
Leftover food disrupts the biological balance and feeds algae. A good rule of thumb is that fish should eat their food within 5 minutes. Anything left in the pond after that is too much.
Make sure there are not too many fish in the pond
Too many fish disrupt the biological balance. Especially when the fish are overfed, more waste products are produced than the bacteria can process, leading to floating algae and cloudy water.
The right equipment
It is impossible to create biological balance in completely stagnant water. A well-functioning pond pump is indispensable. By choosing the right filter system and a UV-C device, a cloudy pond can be effectively prevented.
Enjoy a clear pond again
Ready to make your pond clear again? Discover where these high-quality AquaForte products are available and get advice from specialists who know exactly what works.
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