You know what's interesting? I've tried a new product and it is definitely doing things to the water. I was watching Ozponds and he mentioned liking a product called Splosht. It is little sachets that you throw in. I know we all sort of poo poo the addition of beneficial bacteria, since it exists in the pond water and on the rocks already. I don't really know exactly what all is in it. I was feeling a little carefree when I heard Kev say he likes it - so I gave it a try.
You put in a slightly larger sachet to start and then small ones ever two weeks after that. I've been using it about 6 or 8 weeks now. The water is extremely clear and a lot of the crazy thick algae that was totally covering the rocks like a thick, slimy blanket is gone. It has gradually fallen off in big pieces. Some has sunk down to the bottom and some ended up in the intake bay. The stuff down at the bottom seems to be disappearing and slowly changing from big slimy pancakes to small green granules. It's fascinating. All the pond life is happy. Snails, minnows, goldfish, dragonfly larvae are all thriving.
Maybe it is a combination of bacteria and enzymes? Bacteria helps digest the nutrients, starving the algae? And enzymes help break down the dead algae?
There is still lots of plant life growing in there. Some different types of algae and all the plants doing well. (The yellowed lily leaves are from our last big late-season frost. I need to get in and pinch them off and remove.)
Anyway, I thought I would share that!!!