Green Water Problem

Green water in the koi pond is the scourge of outdoor pond owners. Green water is caused by a population explosion of algae in the koi pond. Algae are microscopic, single-celled plants, which can easily multiply to a density of as much as 7,000-15,000 per milliliter. With that many of them in the water, it's no wonder that the water turns green. Koi ponds can get high concentrations of phosphates from food decomposition, and nitrates from the nitrification cycle. High concentrations of phosphates and nitrates are the food for pond algae, along with some iron as a catalyst. So high ammonia in the koi pond will make koi pond green.



Green water in the koi pond can't reduce with mechanical filtration because size of algae very small. The ideal conditions for algae to grow rapidly in number are:
1. Warm water pond, Algae grow well in warm temperatures. In warm temperature water in the koi pond potential to become green.
2. Well-lighted water, plant (algae) photosynthesis need Sunlight.
3. An abundance of nutrients.
4. Koi Feces produce amonia.

If whole or part of condition is fulfilled, algae in the koi pond grow well and water become green.

The key to 'clearing up' green water, therefore, is to prevent the algae from multiplying by removing the ideal conditions for their growth.
Algae Control in The Koi Pond

We Can Control Algae in the koi pond with several way. We Can choose proper way or combination of way. Follow the way to reduce green water in the koi pond :

1. Shade The Pond
Warmth of the water and the availability of light for photosynthesis is modulated by sunlight. Shade the pond will reduce sunlight in the pond. If koi pond shade sunligt can't access pond and algae can't grow well.

2. Remove sources of organic matter.
Removing all harmful compounds from the pond water is proper water filtration. Physically Filtration removes most of the decaying organic matter in the pond. Koi Pond filter must have a water capacity of no less than 10% of Koi pond volume and filter pump must be capable of turning over the entire volume of your pond in one hour. Idealy Filter must 30% of koi pond volume.

3. Remove Koi Feces from the pond.
Koi Feces produce ammonia, Ammonia and nitrites are extremely harmful, and even deadly to koi. Remove koi feces will reduce disolved ammonia in the koi pond. Remove Koi Feces can do with good filtration system.

In Biological filter chamber Certain bacteria convert these ammonia into nitrites, which are further converted by other bacteria into nitrates. Nitrates are less harmful than these two, but they are powerful fertilizers for all plants in the pond, including algae. Coupled with warm water, a suitable pH, carbonate hardness, and the presence of other nutrients like phosphates, nitrates are a sure-fire way of multiplying algae in large numbers.

4. Give Water Cleaner
Water Cleaner use chemical method to control algae. Chemical control usually means the use of algaecides, a chemical which kills or inhibits all types of algae to a greater or lessor degree. Water cleaner can remove green water in the koi pond in short times. Caution must be exercised with these chemicals as overdosing can kill fish.

5. Put other plants in the pond/Filter
Many plants have voracious appetites for pond water nutrients, so having them in the Koi pond will deprive the algae of nutrients.

6. Install UV (Ultra Violet ) system
Ultraviolet lamp systems designed to kill algae and make them clump together. You can put the uv lamp assembly before your main filter, so that the dead algae will not be returned to the koi pond. Ultraviolet systems will effectively kill planktonic algae with the proper size unit for koi pond. UV effectively eliminate green water in the koi pond in a short time.

7. Change Partial Water regulary.

Change 10-30% water regulary, if needed you can change everyday. If not you can change water pond every week.

Theese step can reduce and remove green water in your pond.

Reference:

- Laguna Koi
- KoiAndPond