Green surface on my pond

[smethwick]

I noticed that one of my ponds, has a surface of green...almost like the surface tension on water, very thin layer, barely noticeable, Any ideas what this could be and how i could get rid of it?

thanks in advance..

[bigwig]

Hi could it be algae prehaps ? Do you have a pump and filter in your pond ? Is there a large area of exposed water, ie not covered with floating plants and is the pond in direct sunlight for most of the day ? I had a similar problem when we first set up the 1st pond and I realised that it was due to not enough surface cover therefore allowing the sunlight to penetrate and the algae to grow. I have now covered 3/4 of the surface with floating plants and also have aquatic snails,( wonderful algae eaters ) a Swan Mussel, masses of oxygenators ( compete against the algae for food supply as well as adding oxygen to the water ) and a net of barley straw ( algae is supposed to stick to the straw ). So far, no more problems Are there fish in your pond ? The excretions of fish can add lots of nutrients to the water, thus increasing the food supply for algae. You can buy chemicals to treat algae with, but I have not used them - don't like the idea of adding chemicals to water.

I expect someone more knowledgeable than me can help you better.

[smethwick]

Cheers...

No Fish
No Pump(the otehrs are also pump free)
Does get the sun
Not all the surface covered with floaters
New pond
does have snails ( more to come)
thansk for the help..any more help appreciated

can someone also explain about this barley straw!!

thanks again

[Kayleigh]

Hi smethwick,
The barley straw rots down, its this process that reduces nutrients...not quite sure how it works..
A new pond will always have green water give it time and it will balance out..
Throw a few bunches of watercress into the pond this will help.

[smethwick]

Hi Kayleigh, new to this game...Watercress!?!!??!!???

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by smethwick

Hi Kayleigh, new to this game...Watercress!?!!??!!???

It works..It uses up nutrients..

[smethwick]

with roots..or the stuff you buy from Asda??

ta!

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by smethwick

with roots..or the stuff you buy from Asda??

ta!

any supermarket bag, just throw a handful in..
You will have to take some out when it get going as its vigorous, but it pulls out easy. I just rake the top with a garden rake every Autumn..

[shei111]

Originally Posted by smethwick

I noticed that one of my ponds, has a surface of green...almost like the surface tension on water, very thin layer, barely noticeable, Any ideas what this could be and how i could get rid of it?

thanks in advance..

Hello sounds like blanket weed, use a bamboo cane and keep rolling it around in your hand , the weed will twist around the cane , Im no expert in ponds but find thats the simplest way to get it out .shei.

[bigwig]

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

any supermarket bag, just throw a handful in..
You will have to take some out when it get going as its vigorous, but it pulls out easy. I just rake the top with a garden rake every Autumn..

The stuff in bags have no roots, so how do they grow in the water ?