
Panic and throw in as much algaecide as possible?
WAIT—read this blog first!
What is Green Algae?
It’s natural to want your pond to stay as clear as it was on Day 1 but a real outdoor pond with aquatic plants and fish is in its most natural state with some algae growth on the rocks and a leaf or two that did not make it into your skimming system. The more you feed your pond fish, the more they poop—so expect to have to add water treatments and perform necessary yearly cleanouts to help take care of the natural ecosystem living within your pond. Also- SUN: if you have sun and you have water, you will have algae! With the right steps, you can help prevent green water or simply combat it when it rears its ugly head.
Filtration System & Beneficial Bacteria
*NOTE: NEVER clean off your Bioballs once you get going for the season -- don't even lift them up into the air to clean off the filter mats in the Biofalls. Everytime you expose your bioballs (or lavarock if you're rockin' a different system) to oxygen or hose them off, you kill off ALL of your beneficial bacteria colonies and are starting over from scratch! They may start to look mucky and gross, but I promise you, it's okay!
Aquatic Plants
For more information on aquatic plants in our area of Central Pennsylvania, read our Aquatic Plants Blog!
Algaecides:

SAB, Stream & Pond Clean. SAB is made specifically for STRING algae that exists in the pond, as it contains pure strains of concentrated beneficial bacteria and enzymes and is ideal for breaking down debris in ponds. This natural cleanser helps to maintain a strong biological balance, which ensures a clean and healthy pond.
Liquid Algaecide is designed to specifically treat PEASOUP green water (like the picture at the beginning of this post), as well as, mild cases of string algae.
Ecoblast Contact Granular Algaecide works great at killing off the algae that grows on the rocks and gravel of your waterfall. This algaecide treats controls and prevents a broad spectrum of planktonic and filamentous algae. In order to work, this granular has to make direct contact with the algae (i.e. unplug your pump and let all the waterfall water run into the pond before sprinkling this product on).
Beneficial Bacteria. While this is not an algaecide, it works hand in hand with an algaecide IN THAT your algaecide kills the algae while you're beneficial bacteria breaks it down! If you don't break down the dead algae, the algae will inevitably fertilize more algae growth: much like manure does in a cornfield.
So Now What?
Located in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Dreamscapes Watergardens installs and renovates koi fish ponds and pondless waterfalls (disappearing waterfalls) all over the Central Pennsylvania area. For more information on koi ponds and waterfeature installations, please contact us directly!
Dreamscapes also carries a full line of pond supplies from water treatments and fish medications to pond pumps, heaters, fountains, plants and fish! Tadpoles and snails are also available at our Aquatic Retail Center in Lebanon, Pennsylvania seasonally while supplies last from May-August. If you think you need it, we have it!
Retail Hours: April 5th-October 27th 2018:
Monday-Wednesday: By Appt
Thursday-Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 9am-12pm
October 28th-April 2019: HOURS BY APPT
Contact Us
2155 State Route 343, Lebanon Pa | 717-272-6555 | info@dreamscapeswatergardens.com
Dreamscapes Watergardens services koi ponds and waterfalls in the city of Lebanon, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Cleona, Cornwall, Fredericksburg, Indiantown Gap, Jonestown, Kleinfeltersville, Mount Gretna, Myerstown, Newmanstown Palmyra, Quentin, Reistville, Richland, Schaefferstown of Pennsylvania,