How to Get Rid of String Algae in Your Pond
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- čas přidán 8. 09. 2024
- Crystal-Clear Pond Water - Happy, Healthy Fish - Low Maintenance
Splash Supply Company is a pond and waterfall contractor serving southcentral Pennsylvania and northern Maryland in areas like York, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Middletown, Hershey, Lititz Hanover, Bel Air, Street, Monkton, Churchville and beyond.
Our store offers supplies and service for everyone from professional pond builders to DIY hobbyists.
We specialize in goldfish, koi and other pond fish and build naturally filtered ponds that keep pond algae at bay without the use of pond UVs or chemicals.
Splash Supply is an Aquascape ProPond Distributor, providing Aquascape pond products to Certified Aquascape Contractors.
York, PA Pond Supplies
Splash Supply Co.
1298 Toronita St.
York, PA 17402
Great explanation of the ammonia to nitrite to nitrate cycle. Really explains why plants are so helpful to a pond. Thanks!
watwat79 Thanks for watching. Our goal is to help people relax and connect with nature. Enjoy!
Of all the videos on algae I’ve watched this one makes complete sense to me. I finally understand what makes it grow and the life cycle!! Thank you
Thanks Carolyn. We're glad our video was helpful to you!
Good explanation. Every I struggle in cleaning string algae that floats in my pond... Well not everyday cause most of the time I don't clean them, they just clear away the next morning, but they start to pop out starting noon time.
I have a 12 year old pond and found that string algae is good for keeping the water clear. I only scoop out the access string algae when needed. Another factor for having a healthy pond is rain water. I have a rain barrel hooked up to my downspout with a hose running from the top of the barrel into the pond. Every time it rains the overflow goes directly into the pond. At the bottom of the barrel I mounted a spigot for times when it hasn't rained and release some of the water into the pond. In the winter I attach the hose to the bottom spigot to prevent the barrel from cracking when it freezes. In the winter always keep the pump going to allow a hole in the ice!
CapeAnnImages - Thanks for checking out our videos. A happy healthy pond should have a biofilm with algae. There are many benefits for the ecosystem.
Just curious, what kind of roof covering do you have on your house?...could shingled roof tops leach any chemicals into the pond over time by doing this.
@@dougtyndall9945 Just your basic asphalt shingles. Once a year I clean the rain barrel which catches the shingle grit, leaves & pine needles preventing that mix from going into the pond. And I've haven't heard one complaint from the fish & frogs!
Thank you for your informative video. I now know why we have a problem with stringy algae. We always bought water lettuce every year, but because of lockdown here in France we could not buy last year. It really made a big difference. We have found it is an annual plant and does not survive our cold winters
Never knew about red leave plants so thank you. I will try.
I am still surprised the chemicals only make the problem work. I don't like using them and got so far this year thinking I'd cracked it but right now the carpet on my pump is back and gradually the walls are becoming covered. Also the algae grows on my plants so they are suffocated and die.
I'm in the UK where its not even very hot 😂
I took out all the plants and shaded the pond and that eliminated all algae. With small amount of fish. We have a good filter and pump. Crystal clear now.
Hi Joyce - Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. We have also observed that removing sunlight with a pond dye and keeping your fish load low can reduce fuzzy algae. We have also seen ponds in almost full shade get tons of stringy fuzzy algae. So removing sunlight might not be the answer for everyone.
Mine is in complete shade and is full of stringy algae. Bummer.
Thanks for the information. My pond water is clear but it’s full of stringy algae. Not for long, now.
Cheers for a great video. Also helpful for aquarium keepers!
Really helpful! Thanks!
I have plenty of plants, but I still get string algae. The simplest, quickest, most effective way to remove it, is to pull it out using your bare hands. Doing this means you can feel any wildlife that gets caught up in the algae and return it safely to the pond. Removing the algae, removes the nutrients with it.
You are good with the info! Great job! 👍
Austin - Thanks! Glad you liked the video.
Looking for a natural way to get rid of that pond scum algae… found you…best solution yet…add more decorative plants. I will be adding an aquaponics garden ASAP. I will also be raking some of that scum off to compost. Thank you. No need to look at any other videos. YAY!
Great explanation of the nitrogen cycle... But I'm having a hard time finding red leaf plants for my pond
Get a Canna lily from your local greenhouse.
or you could do like i did and add some wandering jew
@@sevendust377 you can add that to the pond???? How do you do it? Bare root and right on the edge? In a pot?
@@high_fructose_corn_syrup i did it bare root it loves the dirt or water
@@sevendust377 thank you!!!
I add some water lettuce to my pond. But after a month the roots of the water lettuce is mixed up with algae
Can I suggest getting one of those floating rings to corral your water lettuce. Then just anchor it out in the deeper water. There the roots will be away from the string in the shallows and on the shoreline. Plus the deep water will be cooler thus less algae blooms.
Muchas Gracias!!
Good video and good explanation. I've been adding irises and Lilies to the pond shelves (only a small pond - 8' x 8') and they have made a big impact on the clarity of the water. The string algae build-up I get seems to be more at the bottom of the pond (@5.5 feet deep) and I carefully swirl a stick amongst it and drag it up and out. What plants would thrive at that depth to help take out the excess nitrates, or would you suggest aiming to get something like a third of the pond covered by lily pads and floating plants such as water soldiers to help reduce the light/starve the algae potential? I also made a pre-filter which greatly helps manage the other type of floating algae...
Great video. Can you recommend some plants that will do well in the Texas climate? I wish you were in Texas!!
I live in Dallas and have two 3,500 gal ponds connected by a waterfall. The ponds have 36 koi fish. I have 3 planters with pond lilies that bloom in the spring/summer. The water is clear, but for the past two years algae has overtaken the rock. I've tried algaecide. I've tried brushing the algae off the rocks. Even with this, the algae comes back almost immediately. Thanks for your help.
But sir we want to swim. How it become possible if there are these plants.
Explain please
My hornwort is becoming engulfed in the string algae. Last year the problem was the water algae and water clarity. Now the problem is string algae overtaking the hornwort. I also have 2 lilies in the pond, but this year opted not to get the water lettuce since there is little room for it. Frustrating to say the least...
Hi sir i am from India and your vedio was very helpful. Sir i am planning to have a pond for guppies and some molly and Cory catfish with in. I was planning for adding some live plant in it as well and can i add some grass bed and guppy grass ect.. So i was wondering is filtering system necessary for it or i can just grab a random big plastic tub and get all the stuff get going as it is. Please sir i need advice and your guidance on it. Any important suggestions sir.
The music in the background did my head in !
I have a large pond of around 30ft by 60 ft. What is the best way for me to get rid of a huge algae problem and get it cleared up? What plants are best to use and how do I keep it from coming back? Thanks
Did you get rid of the algea?
I have seen it suggested that goldfish eat string algae if you simply stop feeding them. Is there any truth to that, and does that go for other species, such as shubunkin?
I have two streams an a fall, but no fish, I have stone in the bottom of the steam, which keeps the water clean, the stream is only just over a foot wide and the fall is 4 foot high, but a stepping fall, how do I stop the string algae please.
My question is that's still too cold here in Edmonton (Canada) to add many of these beautiful plants yet. This is the May long weekend tomorrow and we had snow cover just the other day. Should I just live with all that green water and string algae or can I begin treating it?
I have loads in summer but never any nitrate when I test the water, or phosphates
I think because the algae has taken all the excess nutrients.
How do you suggest controlling the algae while the plants are getting established?
Plants that shade will put an end to hair algaes. In pond plants that are great at outcompeting junk algae are Pickerel Weed and Cattails or reeds. In a small pond pots of those and shade plants will get the job done.
Stan TheObserver Hi! Thanks for sharing. We know that sunlight plays a role in algae production. But believe it or not we sometimes see tons of algae in ponds that are in full shade - nature is fascinating indeed!
Mark, can you tell us more about the lettuce plant you're referring to? I have read that any bit of that plant put in a pond quickly becomes invasive and takes over all the other plants in the pond. What is your opinion on this?
tracibaby101 Water Lettuce & Hyacinths are invasive in temperate climates. Here in south central Pennsylvania we’re in Zone 6 and these plants die with the first frost.
Duck weed
What red leaf plants do you recommend for a 150 gal pond?
String algae has taken over my fish pond. It is stuck to all the hoses and covers the filter box and I can't get it off unless I empty my pond and scrub everything with hot water and then refill. I would place the few goldfish I have left in a small aquarium. Any suggestions on how to avoid emptying the entire pond? It is a preformed 200 gallon pond, with preformed waterfall.
I am having the same problem. Horribly ugly. I wish someone would advise.
@@Abbygailohemgee I just might empty the pond, scrub it (I read to use non-iodized salt) and sell everything. I just can't do it anymore at my age.
@@darlenequinn193 besides the string algae, how does your water look? Because mine isn't bad. I have read the algae is good and I have read its bad. I haven't given up yet.
@@Abbygailohemgee Today the water is clear and I can see everything in the pond. I still have to clean out both filter boxes, one in the pond with a pump inside and the other outside the pond with the pump in the pond.
@@darlenequinn193 I hate that my filter boxes are covered in algae.
I have an EPDM liner pond. It does not have many shelves to plant plants. How do you recommend adding plants?
Baruch David Greenman Adding a wide stream is a great place to add plants. Floating Islands are another great way to add plants if you don’t have shelves or a stream.
Use a cinder block on the bottom of the pond and place the water plant on top of the cinder block.
I just used to use some plastic shelving :)
If my husband has granite in our waterfall for the pond and I have string algae. Should I remove the granite and use something else
Greg video. But can’t you just pick out the algae if there’s not that much?
I have string algae growing in the water fall of my pond.
I have discovered leaches cultivating in the second part of my 3-step waterfall
do you think they are blood sucking or herbivores? They are so small and so many I can’t identify them
Probably, bloodworms. They can be good fish foods for other types of ornamental fish.
Can i use this string algae as fertiliser for other plants?
It can go in to a compost bin
Whats the best way to introduce a plant to the pond?... Do we leave it in the pot? Would the soil be an issue? First time pond person here ;)
Sabortooth Mamma Hi! Thanks for checking out our videos. Our Splash Ecosystem ponds are designed with plant pockets during construction. These shallow pockets get filled with plants and then covered with a thin layer of pond gravel. If you don’t have plant pockets it’s usually ok to just leave them in the pots they come in. Also check out floating islands for plants.
I need help my water is clear but stringy algae is killing me
I somehow got this in my tank. Not sure if I should dump algae control chemicals or something that would eat the algae
Snails if you have a tank , especially Malaysian Snails and ramshorns
@@AntAciieed oh well, would've been nice when my tank was still up
Thank you. If I ever get to fill my tank again, I'll do that
Ok, I get it, thanks, but what if my pond is a small pond no room for plants? What then?
aquaponics. build an adjacent system that runs pond water through a basin filled with gravel and waterplants. Try to find a way to nicely blend it into your garden.
Hi- I've heard of horse hair is this one of the types of string algae your talking about ? It's at the top where the waterfall is really thick and long. It also has tiny bubbles on it is that ok ? I'm helping a close friend of mine that had 2 strokes take care of her HUGE KOI. ((Huge)). Way to big for her pond. They are on my page. ((That doesn't give them justice)) she can't remember how to do it. I know very little. I've help over the past 8 years. However she has always done the chemicals. We live in Washinton state. There is a lot of algae growing and sludge at the top of the waterfall and on the bottom of the pond Its about 5,000ish size pond. They haven't had any conditioner added to the pond
dechlorinor (once 2 days ago) her son did a big water change A couple weeks ago. With out adding any chemicals. I know the ph is low and going to put buffer in it today. Also she uses the salt level about 0.3. ... Any advice toot willing to help me please I really need it. One last thing - when is it warm enough to start cleaning out the pond. Or do you just recommend plants. I think this one is a bit dirty. Thank you for your time. And any help you can give.
Tj Renee String algae, blanketweed, lots of different types out there, it will thrive in fast moving shallow water, so waterfalls are always one of the first places it will grow. Big water changes don't always help, sometimes smaller but more frequent changes are better. How often are the fish being fed? The more food going in, the more waste comes out, and if the fish are too big for the pond, you'll struggle to keep on top on the water conditions, reducing the feeding can help, but won't solve the problem.
Plants could help, but large Koi tend to trash plants, so unless you can protect the plants from the fish, it could be a costly way of trying to solve the problem. Upgrading the filter system and UV can help with keeping on top of the waste levels in the pond, and try adding some shade, algae loves sunlight.
PH will change throughout the day giving you totally different readings in the morning, and at night. Make sure there's nothing in or around the pond that could effect your PH levels.
As for treatments, there are plenty of natural ones available now, not sure what products there are in the US, but there are plenty here in the U.K.
Reducing the amount of fish in the pond will help, but it's difficult when you grow fond of them! Best of luck
Darren Holding Thank you It is a vicious cycle to try and keep up on it. And trying to get the person whom owns the pond to get rid of some more is almost impossible. Got rid of 8 Koi she has 20 more in about 5,000 gallon size pond. They are huge fish tho. I appreciate your time. I was wondering when the best time to clean the algae off would be in what temp. Is best. The much she has is so thick and algae is really long. ... Thank you again for your help. Its stressful trying to take care of the fish. Enjoy your day. Take care ❤
We only get string algae in our waterfall and bog none in the pond. Why is that?
Hi Ducati - Thanks for watching our videos. It is very common to see string algae in waterfalls and bogs and very little in the pond. The nutrients that feed the algae are highest in the bog and waterfall. The string algae that is growing in your bog removes the nitrates and the nitrate levels decrease. Another factor may be your fish in the pond keep the algae cleaned up.
@@SplashSupply when you say “bog” are you referring to a large area of tree branches and such in a shallow kind of swampy area of the pond? My farm pond is 70x200 feet and I thought this was a fertilizer runoff issue. Thanks for the tips in this video by the way.
It grows so damn fast... you could "harvest" 3 times a week out of a large aquarium. I notice too..it attaches to some plant species must greater than others. It wont attach to Vallisneria or Crypt wendtii. But most bunch plants can be infested..same for mosses. The only real cure is to reduce light. Where sun hits..put some frosted glass or even a shower curtain to lower the light. For ponds? You might require some shading..bamboo fencing or shade cloth. Hydrogen Peroxide works..but kills not a cure.
Why do one needs to get rid of them tho?
It can also deplete the pond of oxygen of you let it over take everything. A little algae no problem but it can take over your plants and your whole pond and look really bad.
what would help algae on my plastic 70 gal tub on the sides? I have a UV filter two filters what is safe to use with my fish?
Terry Emerick - It is normal and expected to see a biofilm of algae coating the sides. Remember this is a pond not a chlorinated swimming pool. Your fish actually benefit from this biofilm because it balances the nutrient levels.
Adding other plants (At Splash Supply we have over one hundred pond plants to choose from) will help reduce excess nitrates and reduce stringy algae.
I read that the algae that grows on the side is different and is actually preferred/wanted in a tub (compared to the stringy one that floats in the water column as mentioned in this video)
Hi Per Shop - Technically there are hundreds (maybe thousands) of types of multi cellular algae. Algae comes in many forms, sizes, colors.
We like to see a biofilm of algae on the walls.
i have a small (70l) barrel pond/fish tank water feature type thing , i bought some fountains some oxygen weed stuff and a few goldfish (I mainly bought it so the stay cats that live in my communal garden have water to drink 2 weeks in it was like green soup i flushed the water clean and 1 week later is is even worse . please help someone
I had a similar problem two weeks into my new pond. The water was more cloudy than green and I couldn’t see my fish. I did the same as you, emptied the water twice before getting a UV clarifier. I also added Total Pond Water Clafier purchased at my local Home Depot. I don’t really know what caused the water to be cloudy and I understand it’s normal in new ponds though. Two months later the water seams fine and my fish look happy. Still adding water clarifier at least once a week when the water looks a little dirty.
Yes, I believe that is new pond syndrome. The ecosystem is not yet balanced. I had that last year. This year I am now battling the string algae, but no more pea soup. I first thought a little bit of hornwort, but you need quite a lot of it to get clarity and oxygen results that are needed.
@@kellyb3138 update I bought bigger tub 165l plasterers bath) loads of plants made a huge filter waterfall and still had green water a uv filter sorted it and once it did my pond seemed balanced crystal clear ! success ! i then spent more cash on goldfish 10 normal and 1 big mac daddy fishy paradise . one by one my 11 fish died i spent more cash on water testers which told me the water is perfect , maybe the cats ate killing them i dont know . All i do know is i am fed up with my bloody pond
@@marthesosa update I bought bigger tub 165l plasterers bath) loads of plants made a huge filter waterfall and still had green water a uv filter sorted it and once it did my pond seemed balanced crystal clear ! success ! i then spent more cash on goldfish 10 normal and 1 big mac daddy fishy paradise . one by one my 11 fish died i spent more cash on water testers which told me the water is perfect , maybe the cats ate killing them i dont know . All i do know is i am fed up with my bloody pond
I've got hair algae in my pond please please how do I get rid of it please. Really need help on this...
Many thanks
Russell kirkbride
Can you tell my koi to leave the roots to the water lettuces and water hyacinths pls? Lol
I hear you with the putting plants in the pond but every time I do this my fish just eat the plants 🌱 what can I do in this case ?
Floating plant islands are a great solution. Depending on your pond size there are many options.
Splash Supply Company thanks for the reply we’ll my pond is 25feet long 11feet wide, deepest part 5feet and 15inches at the shallow end many thanks
Algae growing off my water lilies... is this potentially harmful to my water lilies? Thank you
This isnt 100% correct. What with oxygenating plants at night?
hi mark, do you sell koi at your store?
Hi ruger kidd - Yes. Splash Supply has a beautiful selection of all kinds of pond fish including koi and goldfish.
Ozone and a Protein skimmer and Algae ceases to grow. No chemicals needed
Kois eat green
My koi eat all my plants within days ..
My fish eat all the roots off my floating plants 😭
Got it Algae=Not Enough Plants
I even have these annoying algae on my guppy tubs and outdoor shrimp tank.
Hi ARAM - We’ve never experimented with guppy’s or shrimp but the basic science should be the same. Enjoy!
Viniger Kills Alga, P. P. M may very.
Barley straw..job done..just needs time
Hi dogue - Thanks for watching and sharing. We do sell barley and barley straw extracts. Some people love it and swear by it. Many people report that it had no effect. We've also seen where it made the water brown and made the algae problem worse ... Always learning, trying, and sharing!
The algae actually grows ON my barley straw bundle.
Red leaf nutrient. That's an oversimplification that will misguide some folks
Hi Daniel - Thanks for checking out our videos. We do try to keep things straight forward and simple. Our mission at Splash is to help people Relax and Reconnect with Nature. In a properly built ecosystem pond, this basic understanding is sufficient for helping thousands of Ecosystem pond owners maintain crystal clear water with happy healthy fish and beautiful plants without the use of harsh chemicals, UV sterilization, or a lot of work.
In our 30 years of experience, we have seen plants play an important role. More variety looks great aesthetically and the variety does indeed reduce the nutrients that would otherwise be available for stringy fuzzy type algae. We think of it in terms of starving the algae instead of just waiting for it to grow and then killing it with chemicals.
Of course if you love digging deeper into the fascinating science it is absolutely amazing how this works on a molecular level. There are so many really cool projects where pond and wetland plants are being used to cleanup contaminated soils and waterways. In numerous studies it has been shown that Bacopa takes up copper and mercury, while water hyacinths suck up mercury, lead, cadmium, zinc, cesium, strontium-90, uranium and various pesticides. An old Magic Marker factory site in New Jersey is using sweet potato vines. Pennycress is helping to restore wetlands near abandoned mines in the UK. At the Chernobyl nuclear site and some Superfund sites here in the US many different plants including sunflowers and cattails are planted to remove uranium from the soils.
We’re simply using these same plants to clean up a little bit of fish poop 💩! No need for exhausting studies.
A glass of wine 🍷 and the sound of a nice waterfall is all we need to Relax and Enjoy!
That's all well and good if your fish will tolerate plants, my Koi destroy any plants put in the pond!!!
Bill Frater - Big koi can get obnoxious with plants it’s true ... Our ecosystem ponds are created with plant pockets covered with a thin layer of gravel, sometimes that helps ... You might also want to consider floating islands in the pond ...
@@SplashSupply …and I subscribed and will go shopping for your plant suggestions real soon…thanks again.. Oh no! You don’t sell plants…that’s okay, lots of nurseries locally. Cheers. Guess I can get a hat and shirt instead to show my support.