First, consider whether a total clean-out is really necessary.The traditional advice is to give small ponds a complete overhaul to remove debris every five years, and give large ponds a thorough clean every ten years.

Recommended for:Long term control of green water, string algae, and blanket weed and preventing re-growth in future. What is it? Barley straw works as a long-term algae control method, preventing the growth of both green algae and string algae.The ultimate aim for any fish pond owner is to be able to view and enjoy their fish. Here’s the Swell UK guide to getting gin-clear pond water that you can see through right down to the pond liner. Fit a UV Clarifier to clear green water Why do ponds form algae and get blanket weed? How are the Hydra products used? Use the resources below to find out everything you need to know. Hydra Pond Clear Plus Removes green water from ponds and water features without filter systems to give clear pond water Envii Pond Klear is the UK’s most trusted green pond water treatment with good reason. Containing innovative bacteria that work down to 4°C. This gives Envii Pond Klear a very unique advantage over other treatments. Most treatments only work down to around 12°C which gives algae a window to sneak in a little extra growth. Algae grows down to 8°C, therefore if the bacteria can’t work that low, there’s nothing to fight off the algae. Still not sure which UVC you need for algae control? Select a pond filter with UVC built-in. Trap the waste, flush the waste

Top up ponds with fish if the water level drops significantly. Evaporation in hot or windy weather can reduce oxygenation, causing problems for fish. Ideally use rainwater from a butt, as the nutrients in tap water encourage algae. If you must use mains water, warm it in the sun first and add in small quantities, to avoid a sudden temperature drop. Topping up isn’t usually necessary if there are no fish – most wildlifewill cope with fluctuating water levels. If the pond liner becomes visible, consider adding a stone-covered liner or allowing pond-side plants to grow over the edge, to help disguise the exposed liner and protect it from sunlight Circulating the water with a pump helpsto improve oxygen levels, whichbenefits both amphibians and fish, particularly in deeper ponds where oxygen doesn’t diffuse readily through the waterUsing a unique two-stage process exclusive to us, this natural, microbial treatment starves algae of nutrients and digests the resulting dead organic matter, leaving your pond crystal clear.

Although water quality and water clarity (clearness) are not always linked, a reduction in clarity can sometimes indicate a growing problem with water quality, such as excess waste substances. Since the majority of substance breakdown takes place within your highly optimized biological-media, one of the easiest ways to enhance water filtration is to add a concentrated beneficial bacteria supplement straight to the filter box. Beneficial bacteria treatments contain the same strains found naturally in ponds, but in highly concentrated doses, and often alongside other helpful ingredients, such as pro-biotic enzymes. More beneficial bacteria will help with the breakdown of waste, which should also lead to a reduction in ammonia and nitrites which can cause issues with both water quality and clarity. Place decaying plant material on the side of the pond, so any smaller creatures hiding in it can return to the pond later The problem: When the spring sunshine comes it brings with it the potential to turn your clear, clean pond water into a green blot on your landscape. The build up of nutrients over the winter months and the warming of the water, create the perfect breeding ground for microscopic green algae. Green algae can be unsightly and greatly reduce visibility in your pond. Hydra Pond Clear Plus Removes the green water by causing it to flocculate and rise to the surface where it can be netted/skimmed off. PRIOR TO APPLICATION – If your pond has excessive blanket weed, first remove as much as possible and dispose of it on the compost heap. This will prevent the build-up of dead organic material, and therefore improve microbial digestion and reduce oxygen consumption. Hydra Quartz eliminates string algae and slime by starving the weed and inhibiting recurrence for extended periods.Our Envii Pond Klear Xtra is a natural pond treatment that uses beneficial bacteria to clear pond water. Containing three times more bacteria than our flagship product Envii Pond Klear, it effectively clears both green and murky water by binding together the particles and sinking them to the bottom of the pond. The best mechanical filters are ones which are self-cleaning and can even automatically clean themselves, sending the dirt down the drain on a regular cycle. Remove the waste before it’s broken down, and you’ll have less nitrate and phosphate build-up, and less algae too. However, cleaning out a pond can seriously disrupt itsnatural ecosystem, which can take several years to recover. It canalso be physically demanding and messy work, especially with a large pond. And you need a lot of collected rainwater to refill the pond afterwards. For tips on maintaininga healthy pond ecosystem,see our guide to wildlife ponds. Keep the water well oxygenated in hot, humid weather,especially if you have fish, by running a bubble fountain or similar. Solar-powered fountains are readily available. This can also help to deter blue-green algae