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Pond Algae Control

Pond algae control is essential to maintain a healthy pond for the fish and plants.


There may be several reasons for increased algae in your pond – from too many fish to too much light or drastic temperature changes. As a start you should know that algae need nutrition and sunlight to live. The nutrition needed is nitrogen and phosphorus which they can get from fish waste, fish food, decaying plants, leaves or fish and even misplaced lawn fertilizer. They can also use sludge from the bottom of the pond to grow.

For starters you must have a good pond water pump and pond filter which should take care of most of your algae problem. Also, a good pond skimmer is needed to get rid of larger sized fish waste, decaying organic matter and debris.

Below are some things you can do for pond algae control.

Your fish pond should not get full sun. Ideally your pond should be at least sixty percent in the shade. Sunlight helps algae grow and spread on the surface of the water. For example in the summer as the temperature rises you can practically see algae growing in your pond. You can achieve shade for your pond by adding shrubs and tress and if done properly this will just enhance your landscape while bringing your pond algae under control.

Under water aquatic plants can also help with algae control. Plants naturally convert carbon dioxide into oxygen which is good for the fish but not for the algae. In addition water lilies and other floating plants take up space on the water surface where algae can grow and they provide some shade.

Do not overfeed your fish. Buy appropriate fish food in pellets that float on the water for a while so if not eaten it can be skimmed or cleaned by the filter. If the food sinks too quickly not only do the fish not get a chance to eat it, it sinks to the bottom and adds to waste. Also, too many extra nutrients can be absorbed by the algae and help it grow. Here again aquatic plants help by absorbing the extra food.

Chemical pond algaecides products can help but you need to be very careful with these and follow the directions exactly. Incorrect or extra dosage could cause all life to die – not just your plants and fish but birds and frogs that may visit.

Natural algaecides like barley straw, vinegar, lemon juice or baking soda are a great alternative to chemical algaecides if you are a do it yourself kind of person. Barley straw is a great preventative measure but will not kill existing algae. And vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda are best for lowering the pH.

Since algae control is so important for your pond, we recommend you follow the recommendation above but also invest in a good natural algaecides distributed by pond suppliers to keep your pond water clear and healthy. Unfortunately without proper maintenance a beautiful pond can easily turn into a swamp that may attract mosquitoes and other unwanteds. Pond algae control products can make your task very simple.