Q: String Algae - What to do?

I can't recall the type, but there is a type of bale straw to put into
the pond that grows microorganisms that eat the algae. Actually algae
is a sign of a healthy pond, plus it oxygenates the water. You could
partly shade the pond or grow lilies. Other plants can compete with
the algae. We remove algae and excess elodea, adding it to a compost
pile. In any event, make small gradual changes.


On 5 Mar 2005 18:23:03 -0600, Otto Pylot
wrote:

Howdy all,
This is our first winter with a new pond. It is about 1100 gallons
outside in the backyard with about a 4 1/2 foot waterfall that
meanders down a 6 foot stream. 4 Shibukin goldfish and more mosquito
fish than I can count. The water moves fairly well 24/7. The only
thing we treat the pond with is Pond-Zyme Plus about every two weeks.
We are in the SF Bay Area. There is a lot of string algae that is
growing and even though we attempt to take it out, it's a losing
battle. Will the algae go away once the weather warms up and stays warm
or is there something we should treat the pond with that is safe for
our current fish and the koi that we plan on adding this spring?
I'd hate to make my pond chemically dependent if I can help it so what
should I do or is this a natural cycle that will clear itself over
time. The fish and plants all look healthy. Thanks.