Melinda’s Garden Moments is heard Mon.-Fri. at 7:45 and 10:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. on WHAV.
Keep the algae at bay and your pond water clear with a few strategies to keep your water garden in balance.
It may be easier said than done, especially early in the season when the water plants are just starting to grow.
Only feed the fish what they will eat within 3 to 5 minutes. Any uneaten food can decompose and encourage algae. And if the fish are hungry they will be nibbling on the algae, plants and insects, helping to keep your water clear.
Make sure you have enough plants to cover at least 50 to 75 percent of the water surface. Shading the water surface helps reduce algae.
Consider adding a pump or aerator to keep water moving and reduce problems. Biological filters can also help.
But once your water garden is back in balance, it will be much lower maintenance and provide even more enjoyment.
A bit more information: If algae is an ongoing battle, you may need to reduce the number of fish, change your water garden plant mix and adjust your fish and plant feeding schedule.
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