Getting the pond clear: 5 home remedies for algae

When algae become a problem

Although algae plants do not have a good reputation, some species are harmless to the body of water in which they live. As part of the ecosystem, they are even an indication of a balanced nutrient balance. The occurrence of some species is therefore completely harmless and cannot be prevented anyway. However, if the population gets the upper hand, the growth of algae not only reduces the visual appearance of the pond, but also prevents fish from being able to live in the water system. When the algae stock naturally decomposes, nitrogen is produced, which harms other living things.

However, it is still harmful for pond plants and inhabitants when gardeners use pesticides to counteract the growth of algae.

Causes of a strong algae population

• excess of nutrients
• unfavorable weather
• Location in bouncing sun
• long periods of heat
• too high water temperatures
• chemical water pollution (e.g. through nitrates or phosphates)
• natural water pollution from soil (carried away from the shore by downpours)
• excessive fish stock
• Fish droppings and uneaten food

Home remedies against algae growth in the garden pond

Of course it is possible to fish the algae threads out of the pond manually with a net. However, since this work is very tedious and there is no guarantee that the entire stock will be removed, home remedies are a helpful aid in combating it. After adding it to the pond water, gardeners can leave nature (under constant control) to itself. Other aquatic plants are not harmed by the remedies presented here.

Oak and peat for the ideal pH

Algae thrive in slightly alkaline water. If gardeners find that the pH value is too high during regular checks, peat or oak help against the resulting algae formation.

• Check pH regularly
• Fill the jute bag with peat and tie it tight
• put it in the water and attach it to the shore
• Keep checking the pH
• Renew peat content monthly

• alternatively place an oak branch on the ground
• remove before decomposition

The oak wood contains tannic acid, which gets into the pond water and lowers the pH value. These acids are harmless to fish.

competing plants

Heavy algae growth indicates a nutrient imbalance in the pond water. The more desired pond plants thrive in the water, the fewer nutrients are available to the algae. Conversely, a large population of algae robs the few aquatic plants of their food.

In addition, water lilies or reeds shade the water surface. Since most types of algae develop in direct sunlight, comprehensive pond planting is doubly effective.

The following ways have proven themselves to get the pond clear again:

• Purple loosestrife (aquatic plant)
• Water hyacinths (aquatic plant)
• Irises (aquatic plant)
• Pipe flasks (shore plant)
• water bulrush (shore plant)
• Arrowhead (River Plant)
• water lilies (floating plant)
• Frog Bite (Floating Plant)
• lotus ( floating plant )
• sea ​​jugs (floating plant)

Lush planting alone is unfortunately not enough. However, pumps and filters to clarify the water quality are urgently needed. These also have a double benefit in that they set the water surface in motion and in this way hinder the growth of algae. On top of that, the devices filter residues of fish food out of the pond. Experts also recommend integrating a phosphate binder into the filter in winter. The agent extracts the nutrients from the algae and is commercially available.

Only use milk in an emergency

Although the lactic acid counteracts the growth of algae by lowering the pH value, it also puts a strain on the balance of the entire ecosystem. It also clouds the water to an unsightly condition. For this reason, the food is only mentioned here for the sake of completeness. If you still want to try it, you should dilute the home remedy with water in a ratio of 1:2500.

shading

As already indicated, ponds in a sunny location are very susceptible to algae infestation. If the location in the blazing sun cannot be avoided, gardeners should provide shade with an awning.

Tall bank plants or a stretched awning are equally effective. Trees, on the other hand, are not suitable for providing shade. The falling leaves not only cause work, but also promote the growth of algae through water pollution. Withered leaves serve as an ideal source of nutrients for the unwanted aquatic plants.

Replace floor covering

It is usually small measures that bring about big changes. A popular mistake is using light-colored pebbles on the bottom. These look nice, but they also like blue-green algae very much. To prevent growth, they should be exchanged for dark stones.