A pond can be a beautiful addition to any yard, but one filled with algae can be less than appealing to look at. Algae can creep up on even the best cared for ponds, says Bethel Feed & Supply Pet & Garden Center in Ohio; however, while it has a tendency to appear quickly, these pet feed and garden supply experts say that you shouldn’t worry. There are ways to keep it from intruding your water feature.

5 Ways To Keep Your Pond Algae Free:

Regular Cleaning

Cleaning out algae and other debris as you see it is essential to keeping its growth to a minimum. For floating algae, a skimmer net can come in handy; however, if your pond has an extra buildup of thick sludge, you may need to use a pond vacuum to remove it.

Plant Balance

Including plants in your pond design will help to keep algae levels down. Choose underwater plants, like anacharis, and floating plants, like water lettuce, to help remove the extra nutrients from the pond that algae thrives on.

Algae Control Products

Garden supplies and algae control products, like ultraviolet sterilizers and Algae Fix, add bacteria and enzymes to pond water that help eliminate algae growth.

Limit Sunlight Exposure

Sunlight helps algae grow; if your pond is located in a particularly sunny area, plant pond-appropriate plants to help limit how much sunlight the water receives. You can also add blue or black dye to the water, which limits its UV exposure.

Don’t Over-Feed Fish

If your pond contains fish, like koi, avoid overfeeding them; fish food contains nutrients that help algae grow. Too many fish can also cause algae growth, so make sure your pond holds only the appropriate number of fish for its size.

To learn more about how to control algae growth in ponds, or to purchase algae control products, call the experts at Bethel Feed & Supply Pet & Garden Center. You can reach their store by calling (513) 734-2246, or you can visit their website to shop the largest selection of garden supplies and pet feed products.