Pond Filters Keep Getting Blocked With Algae

[fabemmy]

My pond filters keep getting blocked with algae but the UV light is working and the water as been treated,

could it be the water flow is too fast or any other ideas on what it is.

[SlackAlice]

What's the set up you've got. You should have a pump fitted with a pre-filter going in to the UV light fitting and from there to the main filter, finally returning to the pond. What filter material have you got, should have a mix of sponge filters and flocor (or similar). The sponge filters should be removed about 3 times a year for a rinse through and clean and replaced about every 3 yrs. The pump pre-filter should be cleaned when ever there is a noticeable reduction in flow, for me thats about every 3 weeks in the summer and perhaps once every 2 months in the winter.

Your pump should be capable of turning over the contents of your pond every hour during the summer. IE, if your pond totals 1000 gallons then your pump should be rated at 1000 gallons per hour or preferably better, due to pump losses caused by pipebends and water friction.

Obviously the filter and associated pipework must be able to cope with the pump flow rate.

UV bulbs need changing every year, their efficiency decreases quite fast and it's not always apparent.

[anotheoldgit]

Are you getting mixed up between Algae and blanket weed.

I would think you mean blanket weed, the U/V light won't get rid of that, try a blanket weed remover such as barley straw sacks, such as Nishikoi Goodbye Blanket Weed.

Also periodically remove manually with a proper blanket weed stick, I personally use a cane with a small brass hook screwed into the end, then I take hold of the weed and then twist the cane round and round, and of course remove the pump filter and clean it often.

Some says that removing it manually only increases the growth of it, but I take the chance.