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Continued algae problem in pond (pics)

harvey669harvey669 Posts: 10
edited May 2023 in Wildlife gardening
Hello,

I’ve posted before but still got a problem with a build up of algae in my wildlife pond. I’ve tried Barlay straw, watercress and now using additives to control it but nothing seems to be working. 

I’ll remove it and a few days later it’s back with a vengeance and causing my wee fountain to also clog.

Any suggestions or shall I just let it do its thing? This is its first summer and plants all seem healthy and growing which I hope will help oxygenate it all the more.

I’ve attached some pics for reference.

Thanks in advance

Kris 

Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I've just come back from doing mine.
    I just lift it out with open fingers and it comes out nicely - check for bugs then leave by the pond just in case.
    I find it quite therapeutic and it's nice to get close to the water.
    Once your plants get underway they'll use the nutrients and the algae will usually drastically reduce.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • harvey669harvey669 Posts: 10
    Thanks Pete 
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    edited May 2023
    You may already have lots of oxygenators, but if you don't, that's what you need.
    You need they type you just chuck into the pond - like hornwort. They grow fast so use up plenty of nutrients in the water which starves the algae.
    Hornwort is one of the best, but it does take 2-3 years to establish itself. There are plenty of others.
    Puddle Plants are very good for pond plants

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It's pretty normal at this time of year when water's warming up too.  :)
    It can take a few years for a new pond to get it's balance, because the plants are the same as any others and take a couple of years to get established.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • harvey669harvey669 Posts: 10
    Thanks folks. Yeah I got a selection from puddle plants back in October aimed at attracting dragonflies and the likes. Great website 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    They'll barely even be settled yet  - give them a couple of years and you'll see a difference by then  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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