Don't know if it is the time of year or what = my water is clear, the rocks are really starting to get a build up of green . I am using the powder bacteria weekly and the liquid once a month. Is there anything to help clear up the rocks. Other then that all is great.
Jodi
Green on the rocks is common in ecosystem ponds through out the season. Some ponds will have less than others but most will experience it a times over each season.
It is especially hot right now and will help create optimal conditions for the build up you are experiencing.
I usually don't let it bother me on the interior of the pond. A good healthy layer of algae on the rocks is actually beneficial to the pond. We just don't want to let it get out of control.
You regular addition of beneficail bacteria will help to keep the algae in check.
If you are having some undesirable build up in your streams and on your waterfalls, The Pond Digger Brand Pond Debris Scrubber works wonders.
Here is a link to the product that has been a major problem solver. http://www.exoticwaterscapes.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=44&products_id=897
It has a natural oxygen powered scrubbing action that helps lift undesirable build up off your rocks and gravel in your streams and shallow shelfs in the pond.
We have had nothing but RAVE REVIEWS from customers using the product.
Keep us updated on your pond and have a great day.
Peace,
The Pond Digger
I also have had problems with algae blooms on rocks along the surface of my pond, it doesn't seem to grow in the deeper sections though. My water is clear and i can see all the way to the pond of my pond, but the string algae drives me crazy. I have tried using chemicals and bacteria but had slim to no results ( I try not to use any chemicals in my pond, but it was really bothering me ). I also noticed that it seemed to accur with higher volume where more oxygen was entering the water ie. streams & falls. Since I noticed that the deeper sections of the pond were not being affected by the algae i determined that elminating the amount of sun entering the pond might help. I ordered hyacinth and water lettuce from pond megastore they have tons of nice aquatic plants. This created a shady enviroment in my pond while elminating the high levels of nitrates limiting the food source that algae needs. Was a perfect solutiuon for me no chemicals, no algae and a beutiful pond again. I hope this helps worked for me at least
A pile of water hyacinths is a great way to snap a problem eco-system into shape real quick. The problem around this time of year in most climates is that water hyacinth is not real happy at colder water temperatures. When your water temperatures are below 60 degress. The eco-system ponds in my yard are sitting at 50.
We are having a warm spell here in the Inland Empire but are still experiencing low temps in the evenings. As the temperatures go into flux this time of the season, string algae wakes up while the rest of the eco-system like; aquatic plants, most beneficial bacteria, & fish are in a state of slumber. This is the time of the year when a great deal of eco-system pond owners turn to
barley straw extract to help manage pristine water quality. Barley straw extract is as organic as it gets.
I love it when the water temperatures reach 60 to 65 degrees in my ponds. The whole dynamics of the eco-system change!
Spring will be here before you know it but I am certain we will have another cold spell or two before the fun begins.
The Pond Digger
I'm having exactly the same issue as the rest of you. The water is clear, but the green sludge is clogging my skimmer filter and needs to be washed out almost daily. I've been using the powdered and liquid bacteria and just wonder if a really good dose might do the job.
Any thoughts on this would be appreciated. Guess I'll buy the scrubber stuff next.