best way to handle an algae problem in my koi pond?
the pond is lined, medium sized, has a waterfall with a filter already, four adult koi and a school of about 12 babies i believe
Algae will grow in a lively pond, which yours must be with hatchlings! I have a koi pond, and we've had new hatch every year for three years! The fish are in the pond year-round, which includes iced-over winters (pump runs continually, providing free-running water under the ice). In the summer, however, I do have excessive algae. I use a brush to dislodge some of the algae and skim it off with a pool net. Water cress and lillies shade some of the pond to limit sunshine and provide cover for the koi, too. I rotate some of the rocks out of the pond to dry out so the algae will come off, and put cleaned rocks and sand in their place.
Enjoy having a lively pond! Don't worry that there is a little algae. If algae is clouding the water, increase the volume (get a bigger size) of pump and filter.
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US $130.00
If you are looking to build a pond on your property but are short on time, then consider shopping for pond kits. Instead of shopping for equipment piece by piece, you can find everything you need in a kit. In addition, they can be more economical because all of the equipment is packaged together. The only downside to shopping for pond kits that you don't have the same flexibility in choosing each piece of equipment in the same fashion as you would if you purchased the items à la carte. Still, because there are so many price points for kits on the market, you should be able to find one that fits your needs.
One of the most common kits available for outdoor ponds is an in-ground kit. These can have a flexible liner you lay into a pre-dug hole or a rigid solid liner with preformed contours. These kits come with everything the system needs to work. In addition, you can find kits with more decorative items such as lights and plastic vegetation. Moreover, when shopping for them you can purchase flora and fauna at the same time so that you don't have to go out shopping again later.
The most basic pond kits will usually have the liner, the pump, and the filtration system. In addition, other components that are often included are a check valve assembly, filter brushes, bacteria, and a skimmer.
Note that there are several styles, shapes, and sizes of kits. If you have limited space, look into a pondless waterfall kit. A pondless waterfall takes up little real estate because the waterfall just flows into the ground and there is no pond to maintain. If you have children or pets there is less risk of accidental drowning. These are growing more and more in popularity because of their beauty and the small amount of maintenance required to keep the waterfalls running.
However, if you are looking for a larger pond you can purchase a kit with a waterfall that includes a pond. In addition, pond kits are available for large Koi ponds as well. Adding these Japanese fish to your water feature will attract other animals for you to admire and enjoy.
After you assemble your kit and are enjoying the sight and sound of it all don't forget about maintenance. Remember that most kits come with a pond skimmer. A skimmer skims the surface water and collects debris. Skimmers are particularly helpful if you have trees that drop leaves in your pond. This component removes approximately 85% of surface debris from the top. Therefore, the debris never goes to the bottom to decompose or get sucked into the filtration system to create possible clogs.
In addition to skimming, you need to do a thorough cleaning twice a year. Check the Yellow Pages or do some research online to find a professional who will add new bacteria, dechlorinate the water, and add a flocculent to settle loose debris. It is possible to clean it yourself, but you will be dealing with chemicals to dechlorinate the water. If you want to save time, work with a professional: rates are approximately $100-$200 an hour.
Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background also includes teaching, gardening, and fashion. For more of her useful articles on ponds, please visit Pond Supplies, supplier of affordable pond kits, liners, filters, pumps, fountains, and more.
