Pond Tips

What do I do about String Algea in the spring?
May 1, 2003

The string algea ponds experience in the spring is a cold water string algea. It survives off the nutrients that are accumulating in the pond from the fish starting to eat and produce waste. Because the plants and bacteria won't grow and start absorbing the extra nutrients until the water stays a constant 55 degrees or better, the string algea becomes the natural water cleanser to keep the fish from over producing ammonia and getting sick or dying. Once the plants and the bateria start growing, the pond will balance itself out, and the algea will disappear. The best thing to do besides have patients is to remove larger pieces of the string algea by cutting it off cleanly so no bits of the algea will spread to other parts of the pond and removing it from the pond.

Running Your Pond During the Winter Without a Heater
January 1, 2003

If you are running your pond during the winter without a heater, make sure to check the water level in the skimmer box often. As the ice forms, water gets taken out of the pond, and the skimmer box can go dry. As the ice thawns, there is a possibility of the pond overflowing. If the overflow isn't removing the water fast enough, you may need to pump some of the water out.

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