Pond Problem Solver

Koi and pond enthusiast, we are in a unique position to help you solve your Koi Pond and water garden problems.  Each and every month, we visit 50 to 100 ponds.  We have personally witnessed at least 99.9% of all pond problems in many different type of ponds.  While each pond is unique per it's individual environment, we have developed a few tricks and techniques that help our Koi pond customers.

The biggest problem that frustrate most pond owners is algae - green water or the long stringy stuff.  At this point, for a detailed explanation of the deeper meaning of these issues see our Pond Algae Information page.  Here I will focus on a few hints on how to handle the situation.

Before we start, let be clear on a couple of things:  Bacteria and chemicals are not the same.

Bacteria vs. Chemicals:

Products that kill the algae that causes green water and string algae are 'chemicals' and should not be used.  These products are not only killing the algae, they are killing the beneficial bacterial in the pond that is essential for a healthy pond.  In some cases, these products also kill fish.  Using these products is similar to putting a teaspoon of sugar in your car gas tank once a week - not a good idea!

Products that starve out the algae that causes green water and string algae are natural bacteria provided by Mother Nature.  Why mess with a good thing - she knows what she is doing.

Pond Mechanics:

I consider pond mechanics to be the actual equipment, such as pumps, filter, UV light, skimmers, etc that is running the pond as well as how the equipment is set up.

Green Water - you have 2 choices:

1.  The Natural Way.  Let mother nature handle it and let the pond balance naturally.  Yes, it will happen, however, it may take awhile.  The balance of the fish, plants, sunlight, shade, and bacteria (NOT Chemicals) must be just right.  Oh yeah, once it is balanced do not go on vacation and have the little neighbor children feed the fish.  It is almost a guarantee that the fish will be overfed and an algae bloom will happen just as you arrive home.  What a happy home coming - huh?

2. Pond Mechanics.  Hint: Mechanics before beauty - works every time.

Did you know:

 40% of water features built today don’t work from day ONE. Another 40-45% are not functioning within 12 months after installation.  Think About It:  80-85% of the Water Features built this year won’t be functioning at this time NEXT YEAR!!  http://www.ippca.com/blog/page.php?page=news

Don't be a statistic.  Spend the money up front to set your pond up mechanically correct - let the beauty of the pond come later.   If your pond is set up mechanically correct, you will save money, time, and energy over the long haul.  Call us - we are experts in this situation.  We work on ponds everyday.  Many times, just a small mechanical tweak can result in a crystal clear pond, lower maintenance and the fish will love you.  Oh, yes, the money that you save on 'chemicals' can go into your child's college fund.

String Algae - you have 2 choices:

1.  The Natural Way.  Let mother nature handle it and let the pond balance naturally.  Yes, it will happen, however, it may take awhile.  The balance of the fish, plants, and bacteria (NOT Chemicals) must be just right.  Oh yeah, once it is balanced do not go on vacation and have the little neighbor children feed the fish.  It is almost a guarantee that the fish will be overfed and an algae bloom will happen just as you arrive home.  Happy home coming!

2.  If your pond is setup mechanically correct (see above), you will only need one product that will keep the string algae under control.  Over the years, we have developed a natural bacteria that we use exclusively on all of our maintenance ponds.  Call us, our product has been thoroughly tested and is guaranteed to work when used correctly.  If your pond is not setup mechanically correct, this product will help, however, the results will not be as good.