algea question help!!!

[yshurtleff]

I have a 90 gal. hard plastic pond with six goldfish and 2 shubunkins,2 tadpoles. the problem is I'm getting really long algea strands in my waterfall..should I put an algea eliminator in there or something else please help..:confused:

[Harry Tolen]

The healthiest solution to an algae bloom is more plants. So, what kind of plants do you currently have in there and how long have they been established?

[yshurtleff]

well one is pickerel weed,and one that is like a lillie but smaller with little yellow blooms..and the pond has been cycled for about a month now...Yes it is still a baby and not fully established..just its a little overwelliming the waterfall..:(

[Harry Tolen]

Over time, the plants should get ahead of your algae. In the meantime, just remove it manually. That is much better for your pond than adding chemicals to kill the algae (which are never very good for plants, no matter what the label says).

Moderately reducing the amount of light received by your pond, by temporarily placing some taller potted plants along one side, will also help.

Finally, don't be afraid to increase your water change schedule slightly. The reduction in nitrAtes will reduce your algae problem as well.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[g. mcclean]

You could add some underwater plants such as anacharis ( sp) and marginals such as water iris. Also floating plants such as parrots feather would add some shade to the water. We finally beat the problem with a UV sterilizer light. We have not had to add chemicals since then and rarely have an algae problem. Good luck.