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Keeping a garden pond clean and free from overtaking algae is a problem most pond owners face, at least on some level. Algae; which is a plant, comes in two forms: green water algae and blanket weed. The difference between each kind is very noticeable as green water algae has green suspended algae cells, covering your water surface; while blanket weed, appears more stringy and course. Both types thrive and grow most prolifically during the summer months where water temperature, sunlight and nutrients are at their highest. Having long sunshine filled days adds to this perfect environment for algae growth. So what can you do? If you have an existing pond, there are some ways to control algae spread, and there are management practices also, that will help you down the road. Tip #1: Do the opposite of what algae needs to thrive and grow. What this means is that if we know that algae enjoys both sunlight and high nutrient levels, ways to minimize both (without affecting aquatic life) is the first approach. How to Minimize Nutrient Levels: There are a few ways that you can mechanically minimize nutrient levels in your existing pond. These are to: 1.) install an ultraviolet light which kills algae, and 2.) install a filter to remove organic matter which will keep sediment levels to a minimum. You should also use good management practices which aim to reduce nutrient levels. If you have fish, one to consider, is to use a fish food that the fish like and eat-up: Fish food, that isn’t well received by fish, and goes largely uneaten, results in a high-level of waste. (This waste then breaks down and provides good nutrients for algae). Another consideration is, if planting use only aquatic soil compost as opposed to regular garden soil. Aquatic soil doesn’t contain as much algae encouraging nutrients. How to Minimize Light Levels: Adding plants to your pond is an excellent way to minimize light levels. So, if you enjoy floating plants, great, because these, as well as large marginal plants, are perfect to help add shade your pond. To learn more about how to build a pond or components such as pond lights and solar pond pumps that add to your pond’s health and environment please visit: www.best-in-garden-fountains.com
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pond lights, solar pond pumps, pond maintenance,
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