Algae In Goldfish Ponds | Should I Remove Algae Off The Sides Of My Garden Fish Pond?

I receive quite a few emails regarding pond algae, usually emails regarding how to get rid of planktonic algae also known as pea soup algae, pond algae bloom or green water.

I'm also regularly asked about how to get rid of blanket weed also known as string algae, hair algae, blanket algae and my personal favourite pond scum.

Today I received an email from Kevin, a subscriber to my free newsletter regarding the pond algae that can be found on the sides of his goldfish pond and on pond filters, pumps and other surfaces within his goldfish pond. Kevin wanted to know if he should remove algae off the sides of his pond.

I've had my pond for about 2 months. All is going quite well. The water is clear the fish are active and content to be near the bottom. There is algae on the sides about 1/4 inch thick. Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

The fish are eating it but I was considering getting snails at a friends suggestion.

Any input?

Thanks

Kevin"

My reply to Kevin...

"Hi Kevin,

Thanks for the email and hope you are well!

There are approximately 17000 species of algae. Some affect pond keepers and water garden keepers whilst others don't.

The algae that you mention is perfectly harmless and is in fact beneficial to the pond eco system. As you say it is being eaten by your goldfish. They wouldn't eat it if it wasn't good for them.

Algae that grow to about 1/2 an inch long and can be seen attached to pond pumps, pond walls, pond filter boxes and pretty much any other surface within the pond itself is perfectly normal and is experienced by all pond keepers.

Some pond keepers try to remove this beneficial pond algae by sweeping the sides of the pond. This doesn't work because it simply grows back. To be honest trying to get rid of this type of algae is a waste of time and also a bad idea. Leave it be because pond fish love it and it helps with your pond's overall equilibrium.

Algae on the side of your pond is normal and adds to the overall effect of the pond. This type of algae adds oxygen to the pond during daylight hours as well as being a source of food for pond fish.

Algae In Goldfish Ponds ... The Bad Algae Types...

  • Planktonic Algae also known as suspended algae, floating algae, green water, pea soup or single cell algae
  • Filamentous Algae also known as string algae, blanket weed, hair algae or pond scum.

Pond algae bloom on the other hand i.e. planktonic algae mentioned above needs to be controlled using a UV Clarifier because if left untreated it will eventually starve the pond of oxygen as well as making your pond water resemble a bowl of pea soup.

There are several methods of controlling suspended algae bloom but the best pond algae remover is without a doubt a UV Clarifier also known as a UV sterilizer.

Filamentous Algae Can Be A Bad Thing

The same applies to blanketweed often known as pond scum. This is one type of filamentous algae that not only makes your pond look like an eye sore but is also very bad for the pond inhabitants if left untreated. The thick mats of weed if left will eventually cover the entire pond and seriously affect the oxygen levels.

It is known as blanket weed because when it is wet and fished out of your pond it resembles a wet blanket. It is a prolific grower and needs to be controlled.

As is natures way ponds suffering from excessive blanket weed won't really have a pond algae bloom problem because the blanket weed is using up all the pond nutrients and subsequently keeping algae bloom away. Unfortunately this time it isn't a win win situation as it is a matter of opinion as to which is worse. Trust me you don't want either of these proverbial nuisances.

With regard to whether or not to add snails to your pond I would advise you read this article here which outlines the pros and cons of adding snails to a garden fish pond ... Are Snails Good For My Fish Pond?

Hope this helps!

Good luck with your pond."

Are You Looking To Get Rid Of Pond Scum?

As mentioned in previous newsletters Viresco is a great way to remove blanketweed from your pond.

How many pond keepers have asked themselves this simple question "How do I get rid of blanket weed from my pond?"

The answer has always been the same ... Wish I Knew! ... Now, thanks to John McLauchlan we all know. John McLauchlan, is the owner and developer of Viresco Aqua and Viresco Koi.