Pond UV Lights & How To Keep Algae Free Ponds | FAQ & Answers Part 5
Welcome to part 5 of my 6 part frequently asked pond keeping questions and answers series. Today I would like to discuss how to keep pond water free from algae as well as taking a look at some other common pond problems ...
How Do I Prevent My Pond From Going Green?
The best way is to install an Ultra Violet Sterilizer (UV Clarifier) that has enough wattage for the size of your fish pond. An 8 watt pond UV light is usually adequate for a fish pond up to 5,000 litres.
Water turns green or brown usually as a result of the build up of microscopic algae cells (4 microns across) in the pond. This is further increased when there is a lot of sunlight. The algae feed on increased nutrients in the pond, present during the warmer summer months.
Due to the microscopic size these single celled algae can not be removed from the pond by a pond filter at this stage. When pond water containing algae is pumped through an ultra violet clarifier it is subjected to UV light which breaks down the cell wall, killing the algae. This causes the algae to clump together.
As large amounts of algae clump together they form a much larger mass which is easily removed by your pond filter.
Click Effective UVC Clarifiers to review the extensive range reviewed on this site ...
Does A UV Clarifier Need To Be Maintained?
A UV light truly is one of the best inventions for a pond keeper. It is surprising knowing this fact that not that many pond keepers know of its existence. A UV clarifier doesn't need that much maintenance to be honest.
There is one thing that does need to be done however to maintain its effectiveness. You must change the UV bulb after around 8,000O hours of use. This works out at once a year. This is a good rule to follow.
However if your pond starts to develop a build up of algae in the interim then it may be a good idea to change the bulb before 8,000 hours are up.
To review the UV accessories reviewed on this site check out UV Bulbs & UV Sleeve Replacements here ...
How Do I Get Rid of Blanket weed?
The single best solution I have come across, far better than barley straw in my opinion is a new product called Viresco. This British invention is also an excellent product for breaking down organic sludge that forms on the pond floor.
If left to build up this sludge will start to give off poisonous ammonia. A tell tell symptom of this is excessive bubbles rising up from the pond bottom.
Why Is My Pond Loosing Water?
Ponds constructed from concrete and liner fish ponds do on occasion suffer from a leak due to a crack or puncture in the outer membrane.
The best way to test this is to stop your pump and see if the level continues to drop. If it does then chances are you do have a leak somewhere.
Try not to leave the pump switched off for 2 long however as you do for the time being need to keep the biofilter supplied with oxygenated water.
If the level maintains constant (a good thing) then simply check the fittings on the equipment to make sure that you don't have a loose fitting. Also check the biofilter to make sure that it is not overflowing.
Why Is My Pond Pump Making A Strange Noise?
The noise you are referring to is the noise caused by air being sucked into the pump or when the impeller isn't turning correctly. When a pond pump is sucking air it is known as cavitation and only happens when the pond water level is too low if you use a submersible pond pump.
My Fountain is Getting Lower and Lower
The 2 things to check in this scenario are the nozzles in the fountain and the suction of the pump. A build up of algae in the fountain nozzle is often a cause.
If the suction of the pump is blocked this will also cause the water flow from the fountain to become lower. This is often as a result of a poorly specified Pond Fountain Pump ...
