How do I rid my fish pond of algae?




Would snails help keep my pond algae-free or do I need to add non-toxic chemicals to control the algae growth? Is there a recipe for a homemade algae control solution? My fish are not happy right now.

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Snails do eat algae, you may have to get quite a few to control it if it's bad, but we used to use them when we had a pond and it worked great. We got them at the pet store.
Here you go:
http://www.tetra-fish.com/pond/learning-center/get-educated/how-to-control-algae-and-green-water-in-your-pond.aspx
https://www.thepondguy.com/product/learning-center-article-wg-choosing-algae-control/learning-center-algae-control
Research the use of hydrogen peroxide. Used correctly it is safe for fish and pets.
I know you don't want to hear it but...You need to manually clean out your pond! (sigh) I know. It's gross. It's wet. It's heavy. (sigh)
But you need to do it in order to maximize the health of your fish and pond.
Get a proper size bucket(s) and fill with pond water. Scoop out all the fish if necessary to clean. Instructions on % to pump out and timing:
https://pondinformer.com/koi-pond-water-change-guide/
You should test your pond water. " High pH and Phosphorous levels are the leading cause of algae blooms."
THEN - get in there and scoop out all the crap! Remove any plants into buckets after shaking any algae off. Remove rocks and scrub. Scoop crap off the bottom. You get the idea. Use a scrub brush and scrub the water line(s) off the plastic. The cleaner you get things now, the less you'll have to do next week. And the week after.
"...in peak summer ...slightly heat the water, as it can stress fish due to the rapid chill."
"The algae that causes green pond water grows because there is a nutrient imbalance in the pond. ... Another very common cause of algae is having too many fish in the pond. Keeping koi or goldfish in a pond is very enjoyable, but the waste that fish produce gets broken down into nitrates which feeds algae."
"...the simplest, long-term solution to keeping water clean and clear. Floating plants, such as lilies and lotus, provide shade and reduce direct sunlight in the pond to control the growth of algae. Add submerged plants that release oxygen to the water, such as anacharis, hornwort and parrot's feather."
https://www.aquascapeinc.com/water-gardening/maintenance-and-care/the-key-to-clean-water
Corbicula clams will be far more effective at filtering your water than snails. More good tips:
https://nualgiponds.com/how-to-get-rid-of-string-algae-in-your-pond/
🐠🦈
That's a funny-looking fish!
Just kidding - your pup is adorable!
Also try installing a UV light if you haven't already got one. It should keep your pond looking clean and clear.
I actually used the nuagali algae product in our HUGE 19K gallon HOA pond. I contacted them and they responded with a clear plan of attack. That was last summer, it took 4-6 weeks but this summer NO ALGAE.