murky pond

[mazzywoo]

We have a small pond with two goldfish. Does anyone know of a safe way to help clear the water without using filters? I have introduced oxygenating weed and some snails but the water is still a bit murky.

[stevie-p]

Apart from constantly changing the water (which dont help the fish)you probably are doomed to murky water.
You do need filters and ideally a UV light.

[WendyS]

If you go to a good acquatic shop you will be able to buy mini straw bales which are about the size of the peanut cages you hang up for feeding birds. Apparently as the straw gets soaks and starts to decompose, it has some magic effect of reducing green algae in your pond although it will take a couple of weeks before it starts to work. If you don't want to go to the trouble of introducing pumps & filters, try this method. It works for us.

[Catso]

I'd say it depends upon what you mean by murky. Just because your water isn't crystal clear it isn't necessarily 'bad'. A bit of muck isn't a problem. But full of algae or a 'pea soup' is not good, no.

If you have ensured oxygen levels, and added snails, your fish won't be too bothered. (It might help them hide from herons, as well!)

In nature, if not flushed by running water, crystal clear ponds are often biologically dead or very close to it.

[hammerman]

quite often, all that's needed is a small water lilly or water hawthorn....something to reduce the amount of sunlight that gets into the pond. Aim for 3/4 of the water surface to be covered and the fish will feel a lot more confident.

Green water is millions of single celled algea. This requires light and nutrients to thrive. By cutting down the light, hopefully the plants (oxygenators and lillies) will take up the nutrients from the pond (formed from fish waste and decaying organic matter) and therefore starve the algea.

Its just a matter of getting a nice balance. Don't get a big water lilly though....make sure it's a dwarf variety !!!!

[mazzywoo]

thank you all for your advice-I will definitely try the barley straw blocks and also put in some more plant-cover!