Pond Owners and Aqua Shade

[Bucknutz]

Looking for the best, and safest alternative to Copper Sulfate. Pond has a water filter system that supplies water to the house. I would like to take care of the algae, keep the pond looking great, and be easy on my water filters.

Any experience? opinions?

[lazylivin]

I think the most economical method is to use pond dye. Usually Blue or Black. It reduces light penetration curbing algae, not sure if it is filter safe

[Viggen]

If just algae why not just use UV light?

Properly sized, it will keep it crystal clear!

[bbtm64]

The pond dye works well. A UV sterilizer is probably your best bet for long term prevention though.

[lazylivin]

I think he's talking farm pond opposed to yard pond. Large 15 foot deep 1/2 - 1 acre pond or something on that order

[bbtm64]

That'd be one big ass UV unit, lol

The dye would be best then.

[Bucknutz]

Yes, the pond is 1/2 acre 18' deep. This is part of the new property we just bought.

The water filter system does have two pre filters, a sand, and carbon filter, chlorine dosing, and has a UV light not being used. My understanding is with chlorine dosing the UV light isn't needed.

I found Cutrine that I think I'm going to check out.

http://www.ibnature.com/commonly-used-pond-chemicals

[Viggen]

Ahh.... Yea you would need big uv lights for it to work however properly sized it would keep it clear.  Any idea how many gallons of water you have?  I have seen uv's on ponds well over 20k gallons......

If you don't have it already one or two bubble plates would help turn the water over.  Those will help keep the water moving to eliminate dead spots.

You can also do some floating plants to help out as well as water Lillie's to help refract the sunlight &/or also make a big big filter.... It would need to be really bid.

I have never been a fan of chemicals especially if the water is supplying the water to the house!

[lazylivin]

I did the math based on provided dimensions and came up with 1,460,160 gallons. I am going to guess it is closer to 1 million gallons though since the depth is probably gradual.

[Viggen]

If that's all the bigger it is I am sure the guys at Jack's would say a 6w coralife turbo twist UV would get it crystal clear

[Boonjob]

If that's all the bigger it is I am sure the guys at Jack's would say a 6w coralife turbo twist UV would get it crystal clear

Well 2 of them most likely

[Bucknutz]

I've decided to stay away from chemicals and treat the pond with beneficial bacteria microorganisms.  Now to figure out what kind or combination, and who to buy them from.

[Viggen]

good call on no chemicals.....

Putting a couple bubblers in their might be a good option.  Eliminating as much stagnant water as possible will help out immensely!!   

[Heathcoot]

werent you looking for tilapia or some sort of farm fish to help keep it down