How much algae is "ok?"

[MikeS]

My little pond is doing well, the few fish that I have seem to be doing well. As a reminder, mine is a smallish pre-formed pond. The four "shelves" in the corners are showing the green algae on them, but the water itself isn't green. (I hope that makes sense). I'd like to get rid of the algae on the shelves if possible. Would a draining of the pond to the top of the shelves be ok for the fish...wipe down the shelves and then add some water?

Mike S - St. Louis

 

[taherrmann4]

That algae that forms on the sides of your pond and on your shelves is probably beneficial algae. I would not scrub this off the sides.

 

[koidaddy]

Do not remove it Mike, its the good stuff. Why does it bother you? Just curious. I think it looks more natural with some algae growth on the sides. Mine looks like 70's shag carpet and my fish love it.

 

[MikeS]

Thanks for the replies...I guess that I'm used to seeing a "clean" swimming pool, "clean" aquarium, etc...NOT used to seeing a pond yet. So if you guys are telling me to leave well enough alone, I will. Just making sure that I'm doing things correctly!

Thanks -

Mike S - St. Louis

 

[koidaddy]

You could also add a plecostamus to help keep it in check if you want and that wouldnt hurt your balance other then what he poops, which can be alot. The more you clean your pond the more it takes to get things going again, small water changes and keeping the sludge from your filters will keep you going good.

 

[j.w]

Just remember tho if you get a tropical fish like a pleco you will need to bring him inside for the winter. Should be pretty easy w/ a smaller pond tho.

 

[Koilady]

Hi Mike. Excess suspended algae so that you are not able to see your fish or very long hair algae, means that your pond is not in balance. If you have hair algae I suspect that your pond is nice and clear and your fish should do okay because the algae is removing excess toxins from the water. Many people think that if they have hair algae or suspended algae that their ponds are not healthy but I have seen more fish die in clear water due to a false sense of security in that if the water is clear the pond must be healthy.
If you have algae that you want to get rid of, make yourself a bio-filter that is easily made and maintained and made not only for the size of the pond but for the amount and size of your fish. I think I have a diagram on this site of the filter that we have been using for about 25 years. Best we've ever used.

Your's Koily, Lorraine