Treating Green Algae in a Goldfish Pond: Visibility ~2 Inches

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods to treat a goldfish pond suffering from green algae, with visibility reduced to approximately 2 inches. Participants explore various approaches, including biological, chemical, and environmental strategies, while considering the implications of each method on the pond's ecosystem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that a water change could help, similar to indoor treatments, but acknowledges the limitations in a pond setting.
  • Another participant proposes introducing cold-water algae-eating fish as a potential solution.
  • A different participant shares their success with water hyacinth and water lettuce, noting uncertainty about their effectiveness in a pond with fish due to increased nitrogen levels.
  • One post mentions the use of an algaecide by a local restaurant, highlighting the need for caution to avoid harming fish.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about chemical solutions and shares their experience with a water change and microbial filter paper to improve water clarity.
  • There is a suggestion that high nitrates or phosphates may be contributing to the algae problem, with a humorous remark about excessive algae indicating high nitrates.
  • Some participants share links to external resources for further information on algae treatment.
  • One participant questions the reliance on Google for information, emphasizing the value of community advice.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on treatment methods, with some favoring biological solutions and others considering chemical options. There is no consensus on the best approach, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the most effective treatment for the algae problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various factors that could influence algae growth, such as water chemistry and the presence of fish, but do not reach a definitive conclusion on the underlying causes or the best treatment methods.

DaveC426913
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How do I treat a goldfish pond green with algae? Visibility is ~2 inches. It's not the wall coating I'm concerned about, it's the water itself.


I know how I'd treat it indoors - with a scraper and a water change, but that won't work in a pond. (Well, I suppose a water change would help...)

Currently, I've replaced the bacterial sponge in the pump with cotton batting for a finer filtering.
 
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It wouldn't hurt to stock in a few algae-eating fish.
 
That had occurred to me. Anyone know what algae-eaters are cold-water? I wouldn't want to put any tropicals in there...

I s'pose they'll know at the store.
 
I have had really good luck in my pond with the addition of water hyacinth and water lettuce. It takes care of the algae pretty well. I don't have fish though, so I'm not sure how well it would work with the increased nitrogen etc...
 
Here's a site that might help. It deals primarily with aquariums, but some of it might be applicable to your situation. The fish idea might have been a tad optimistic. I didn't actually read the thing.
http://www.aquariumfish.net/information/green_water.htm"
 
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I don't really know, but I'd suspect the chemical environment favors algae somehow, perhaps too much nitrates or phosphates. You can test for those really easily, but I admit I have no idea what you'd do about it. In a closed aquarium you'd just dilute the water regularly to keep the concetration down.
 
The local restaurant here in my hometown just recently had the same problem and they used some sort of algeacide to get rid of it. It took about a week to take effect because they had to put it in slowly so it wouldn't kill the fish. I go to the restaurant everyday and if you don't find a solution to the problem you can send me a private message and I will find out the name brand of the chemical they used. You may also want to check with local landscapers and garden shops to see if the carry algeacides for goldfish ponds
RAD
 
I wouldst avoid chemical solutions.

I have done a 30% water change and put some microbial filter paper in the filter. I'll continue until clear.

I have not been treating my pond like an outdoor aquarium. I thought they were somewhat more self-sustaining than aquaria.
 
Rach3 said:
I don't really know, but I'd suspect the chemical environment favors algae somehow, perhaps too much nitrates or phosphates. You can test for those really easily,
Yep, the problem is surely a high concentration of nitrates.

The test for high nitrates is ... the presence of excessive algae. :biggrin:
 
  • #10
Do you people not know how to google?

http://www.pondmarket.com/algae.htm

http://www.watergarden.com/pages/pond-algae.html
 
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  • #11
Why would Google be my first choice - when I've got me a community here that can give me advice on anything under the sun I care to ask about? :rolleyes:

But thanks.


[EDIT] Actually, those are really good links :redface: :redface: . Thanks!


(I'll use some of those methods. Too bad I can't put any plants in my pond, as they'll just serve as appetizers for the coons.)
 
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  • #12
Hope they help!
 

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