Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Green bubbling algae

Andreasinclair_garden_designerAndreasinclair_garden_designer Posts: 4
in Problem solving
I have a large established pond (over 20 years) and recently there is more and more green bubbling algae.  The pond is 30m x 15m and at centre has a depth of over 1.5 m. It's a pond for nature but I want to get rid of the unsightly green stuff! It's a lot for me to 'skim' off. 

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Too much sunlight getting to the water and probably too much nutrition in the pond too.  Plants like waterlilies that'll shade the water will help.  In the meantime treat with something like  Blagdon's Barley Straw extract ... followed by their SludgeBuster treatment if necessary. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    It should clear by itself after a while, and the algae with bubbles provides a great hiding place for newly hatched creatures. Tadpoles use the bubbles to breathe as when they are very small they can't break the water surface to take air.
    Lilys will help a lot by providing shade.

    I use the Blagdon products that Dove mentions (on her recommendation) and they do help. But in a pond the size of yours it would be a very expensive route

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Andreasinclair_garden_designerAndreasinclair_garden_designer Posts: 4
    Thanks for your comments, I'm guessing it's back on with the waders!!  It does have 50% surface cover. Yes, Pete, the pond is absolutely teaming with wildlife. I might put in a couple of straw bales, it did work years ago but wondered if there was anything 'new'. 
    Thanks again. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    In a big pond like that, you have to accept that the algae will be quite significant at certain times of year. 
    Cover from plants is the best solution. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Andreasinclair_garden_designerAndreasinclair_garden_designer Posts: 4
    Thanks for the email your message, 
    It does have 50 % cover, in over 20 years this is the worst it has been!!
    I'll get on the waders and drag it out 😕 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    TBH it wasn't until after I'd posted about the Blagdon's that the size of the pond sunk in, 😉 and I was just going out ... I guessed that @Pete.8 or someone would be along soon.  :D

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Andreasinclair_garden_designerAndreasinclair_garden_designer Posts: 4
    Thanks to everyone for taking the time to comment 🤗 

Sign In or Register to comment.