Gardening Tool - Avoiding Unsightly Algae

Avoiding Unsightly Algae

Excessive organic matter in the pond provides nutrients foralgae, contributing to its growth. Algae can obscure the view ofcolorful fish, and more dangerously, it robs the water ofvaluable oxygen and releases harmful pollutants.

UV clarifiers also are effective tools that use ultraviolet lightto destroy the reproductive ability of suspended algae. Dead,microscopic algae will clump together into particles large enoughto be removed by filtration.

Increasing the amount of floating and oxygenating plants in yourpond is another simple solution to keeping the water clean, andclear. Floating plants such as water lilies, water lettuce, lotusand water hyacinth provide shade, reducing sunlight in the pond,which helps control algae growth.

Submerged plants, also known as oxygenators, affect the carbon dioxide and oxygen levels of the pond by competing directly with algae for light and food. Oxygenators absorb nutrients from fish waste and minerals throughtheir leaves, helping to starve algae, keeping the water clear.Some examples of oxygenators are Hornwart, Anacharis and Parrot'sFeather.

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Brett Fogle is the owner of MacArthur Water Gardens and several
other pond-related websites includingMacArthurWatergardens.com
and Pond-Filters-Online.com. He also publishes a free monthly
newsletter called PondStuff! with a reader circulation of over
9,000. To sign up for the free newsletter and receive our FREE
'New Pond Owners Guide' visit MacArthur Water Gardens today!
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