Manage Algae and Control Pond Scum

To manage algae and control pond scum is probably the single biggest ‘problem’ any backyard waterfall-garden pond faces. There are two distinct types of algae in ponds to deal with, string algea/filamentous algea and floating Green water algae. There are thousands of individual species of pond algea from there.

Algae is a perfectly normal part of any garden ponds/waterfall, but too much algea is well too much. Nobody likes the looks of pond water full of pond scum. If it gets out of hand, can even be detrimental to aquatic life.

So what to do? A well designed backyard ponds and waterfall, where water is initially ‘pre-filtered’ through a skimmer bascket and then run through a bio-filter will take care of most any major pond algea problems. If ongoing problems continue other steps may need to be taken. UV sterilizers are an option, especially where 'polished' water is demanded.

A less expensive option to manage algae is barley straw, long known for being a safe and effective pond algae control. I recommend having some barley straw in the pond all the time as a helpful algae killer.

Finally, good water circulation, with good aeration, and a low pH will all aid in deterring any out of control pond scum problems. All of these factors work to the advantage of the bio filter and pond plants allowing them to literally out compete algea for all available nutrients.