Why is the water green in small ponds? Cause of pond water pollution

Inna from Tyumen asks: “On personal plot I arranged a decorative small pond at my place and ran into the following problem: every year the water in it turns green, it becomes cloudy and all beauty disappears. What can be done so that the water in the pond does not bloom?

We answer

Finding a Solution in the Natural Environment

A pond on a personal plot is created in order to perform an aesthetic function to a greater extent. After water is poured into a specially prepared pit, the time comes to take care of planting ornamental plants and settling the home pond with fish.

Sooner or later, almost all gardeners face such a problem as blooming water.

Let's try to figure out why this happens by paying attention to the state of natural water bodies in the context of the external conditions in which they are located:

1. The purest and most transparent water is found in ponds with undercurrents, springs and streams.
2. Active processes of development of algae and bacteria are observed in those ponds that are located far from trees and shrubs, that is, in open areas.

The first option considered can be explained by the fact that the reproduction of blue-green algae (and we are talking about them, if the water in the pond turns green) is very difficult in those reservoirs where there is running water.

The second case allows us to conclude that the use of emersed ornamental plants can bring not only a tangible visual effect, but also a visible benefit. By taking food from algae, the latter help to solve two problems at once in one fell swoop.

As for the connection between the location of the reservoir away from large plantings and in open areas, and the reproduction of algae, its reasons have also been established for a long time: Sun rays in large quantities contribute to an increase in algal blooms and their reproduction.

How to care for your pond in the country (video)

Solutions to the problem

Summing up the properties that blue-green algae possess, we can conclude that the fight against them may well be successful, the main thing is to find the method that will be most acceptable to you.

So, what should you do if your pond suddenly bloomed:

• Get surface plants, such as water lilies. According to experienced gardeners, water hyacinth can also help. You can learn more about popular aquatic pond plants.
• Create conditions so that the reservoir is mostly in a shaded area. In case it is impossible to wait for shrubs and trees to grow, or you do not want to plant them, you can use artificial options, for example, cover the water with a dark film and keep it on the water until the annoying greenery on the surface disappears.
• The solution with running water, at first glance, is inaccessible to artificial pond. But, if you look, nothing can stop you from arranging a small fountain in your pond.

Reviews and comments

(3 ratings, average: 4,00 out of 5)

Dmitrich, Volgodonsk 28.04.2017

It all depends on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe pond and the volume of water. I have an area of ​​\u200b\u200b90 m2, a volume of 180 m3, three fountains 45 bushes Calamus bolt, 30 Hyacinth, 25 Arekhv water, 0 water lilies and 25 Nymphaeum (lilies) Water is filtered before it passes through the fountains there are 100 pieces comets 25 carp koi and 20 pieces red crucian carp, WATER YOU CAN DRINK

Algae on the walls and bottom of the pond can be helpful in keeping koi. But cloudy green water or "blooming" water is a common and undesirable phenomenon. If it's too intense and lasts longer than two weeks, it's time to take action.

Turbid, green water is inhabited by phytoplankton - single-celled algae and cyano-bacteria capable of photosynthesis. The spores of these living organisms are freely distributed in the atmosphere and are always found in natural reservoirs. If the water appears clear, the concentration of these microorganisms is low. In closed reservoirs, under certain conditions, these algae, of which there are thousands of species, can multiply very quickly. Some green algae move only with the current (chlorella) and are called planktonic, others are capable of independent movement (euglena, chlamydomonas). Total species green algae number 13-20 thousand.

Parameter Preferences environment they are so diverse that if the reservoir is unsuitable for them, then the fish, most likely, will not be able to live in it. Not only green algae cause "bloom": diatoms color the water yellowish-brown, red - red. Because in fresh water northern hemisphere predominantly blue-green microorganisms develop, the water turns into the corresponding shades. "Flowering" of water happens in the seas and even oceans.

Algae, the development of which is controlled by humans, can be beneficial for carp. This is an additional food, including cold winter when feeding has stopped. The rest of the time, algae, along with specially planted plants, absorb dissolved organic matter and improve water quality. Some hobbyists believe that the green water is good for the coloration of the fish - it is rich in zooplankton, the carp's natural food. In such water, goldfish are successfully grown in China, and even specially created in aquariums. But still, approaching your favorite reservoir and looking at a motionless green puddle is a little pleasure.

The pond is filled with green muddy water, through which not only the bottom, but also the shores are not visible. Fish are only visible near the surface. But the decorative aspect is not the main thing - there are dangers of this phenomenon that are not so noticeable.

During the day, under the sun's rays, algae produce oxygen, and at night they absorb it. If their development is too intense, and the pond is overpopulated with fish, fish may die early in the morning. In the middle of summer, when there is already little oxygen in warm water, the danger of this phenomenon is especially high. During the day, on the contrary, algae can produce too much oxygen and lead to a supersaturation of the water with this gas. Small oxygen bubbles damage the gills and cause gas bubble disease.

Excessive algae population affects the acidity of the water - pH. At night, they release carbon dioxide and increase acidity. These spikes in acidity create discomfort for fish that need a constant pH and don't want spikes.

Excessive development of algae in an ornamental pond becomes an undesirable factor affecting the quality of water and its inhabitants.

In short: because there are suitable conditions for them. For algae to appear in the water, no special actions are needed. This is easy to check by placing a transparent jar of even drinking water in the bright sun - a green or brown coating will gradually appear on the glass. Adding flower fertilizers will make the water cloudy and green in color. In closed reservoirs, ideal conditions under which water "blooms" usually develop without human intervention.

Food. Although algae can be content with little, the more food, the more actively they develop. Potatoes can not be fertilized, but with top dressing they will grow larger. There are many predators next to large herds of herbivores. Not all algae nutrition is fish waste - the water entering the pond already contains the necessary substances. In the spring, koi begin to feed heavily after winter, and this simply adds new substances to the water. "Flowering" water happens in the sea, where no one feeds the fish.

Light. Temperature. Photosynthesis requires light. When sunlight becomes more intense and prolonged in spring, algae develop more actively. The activity of algae depends on the temperature of the water. The warmer the water, the faster they develop.

Destroying all algae with pond chemicals or draining and cleaning the pond, if the causes of the phenomenon are not eliminated, will only solve the problem temporarily. When fighting green water, you need to take into account the maximum of reasons and use several tools at once.

biological control. Floating plants such as nymphs and water lilies shade the water. Cover with floating plants from a third to a half of the water table. Algae are much more hardy than higher plants and cannot be defeated by the addition of plants alone. Fast-growing species like elodea, hornwort, water hyacinth absorb organic matter and will definitely not cause algae to grow faster. The same function is performed by willow cuttings immersed in water. When adding new fast-growing species to control algae, keep in mind that such plants can also become a problem. In order not to get a new nuisance, first think about how to limit their distribution, and then add to the reservoir. Lowering the water temperature will reduce algae activity. This can be done using a well, but in the summer heat, the water will still heat up soon. In this case, you need to create a running water supply, but carp is a heat-loving fish.

Pond service. Use quality feed. All feeds are not fully digested by fish, but cheap feeds are also poorly digested by fish and decompose in water. For planting, use only landless soils that do not release organic matter into the water. If the containers contain garden soil, take them out for a while or replace the soil with any sinking soilless substrate (pebbles, sand, etc.). Such a substrate needs to be fertilized, but wait with this. Clean the mechanical filter regularly and remove organic debris from the bottom of the pond. Do not let it fall into the water waste water(even if there are no problems with algae). If there are no floating plants, the pond can be shaded with a net. Flowering plants need at least 6 hours sunlight for buds to develop.

Equipment and chemicals for water treatment in the pond

A home reservoir cannot function independently, as it happens in natural environment. Sometimes "natural" ways to deal with algae are not enough and you need to use special devices and water additives. After all, algae are living organisms that die under certain conditions.

An ultraviolet sterilizer is a tube-shaped device that destroys all microorganisms in the water flowing through it. It is usually placed between the filter and the pump, including when it is necessary to get rid of dangerous or unwanted population of the reservoir. Thus, on the surface of the filter, the colony of bacteria we need to process the waste products of fish is preserved, and the rest of the microorganisms die. A sterilizer correctly selected for the volume of the reservoir will destroy unicellular algae and restore the transparency of the water. A simple and safe solution to the problem green water. The sterilizer will not gather dust after getting rid of algae - it is used during quarantine and treatment of fish.

Chemical additives. There are many ready-made preparations for combating algae, including unicellular ones. Some additives cause the death of microorganisms, others bind them to each other so that single-celled algae can be removed mechanically. There are additives that color the water and retain sunlight, precipitate the phosphates necessary for the nutrition of algae. Be careful with any additions to the fish pond. Observe dosages and safety precautions! At mass destruction algae, to avoid an outbreak of ammonia, it is important to remove the organic matter in a timely manner. By the way, there are pond funds for this.

Briefly about actions against green water

If there is a green algae outbreak in a body of water, the following can be done.

Watch and wait. By reducing feeding, increasing aeration and trying to remove as much organic matter as possible. It is better not to do massive water changes, so as not to bring additional food. Often within 2 weeks the problem disappears.

With intense and prolonged flowering - look for the cause. Usually this is overfeeding, overpopulation, poor feed, wastewater with fertilizers.

Plant floating and fast-growing plants, create shade.

Use UV sterilizer and safe for fish and higher plants chemical agents.

Remember that a pond is for fish, not algae.

Everyone has encountered the “blooming” of water. In reservoirs, outdoor pools, bottles for watering plants, water acquires a greenish tint over time, and the walls become covered with a specific coating. Should we be afraid of "green" water?

These algae in the process of photosynthesis and color the water in green color

Reasons for the "bloom" of water

To explain this phenomenon, it is enough to consider a drop of lake water under a microscope. The water is filled with algae.

Algae are capable of photosynthesis - under the influence of light, the cells produce the pigment chlorophyll, which gives the algae their green color. Under adverse environmental conditions - for example, when a reservoir dries up - algae form spores that can for a long time survive without food. These controversies spread different ways, including by air.

Why can water in a bottle turn green?

Water from artesian wells does not contain algae. They simply cannot live at such a depth without access to light. Protera bottled drinking water production technology excludes any external pollution finished products. Thus, water in a closed bottle cannot turn green.

But after opening the bottle, air enters it, with which algae spores can also enter. Natural natural water contains in its composition the minimum concentration of phosphorus, which is a nutrient medium for algae. Under the influence of light, their division and photosynthesis begin. In this case, the water in the bottle may turn green within 2-3 weeks.

Growing algae are attached to the walls of not only bottles, but also filling equipment: pumps, stoppers, coolers, etc. In this case, when changing the water bottle, the equipment can become a source of algae and “greening” the next initially clean bottle.

How to avoid "bloom"

Naturally, "green" water is unpleasant, so you should follow a series simple rules, which will avoid "blooming".

1. When replacing potable water bottles, thoroughly flush the dispensing equipment. Rinse all accessible parts: tubes, etc. Once every six months, call a specialist for a more thorough treatment.
2. Do not keep the bottle open, after removing the cap, immediately install the equipment. Do not take an opened bottle by the neck without a stopper.
3. If possible, use and store water bottles in a dark place out of direct sunlight. If not possible, use an opaque bottle cap.
4. After opening the bottle, do not throw away the cork, close the used bottle afterwards. This will protect against contamination and "greening" of water residues in the bottle.
5. Do not use self-refilling bottles on springs, columns, etc. Without washing and disinfection of reusable containers in a production environment, this can be hazardous to health.

Blooming water in the pond

Often in late spring - early summer, the water in an artificial reservoir "blooms" as a result of the active reproduction of microscopic algae. The algae that cause this phenomenon, or their spores, are always present in the water of natural reservoirs. Under the scorching sun and in the presence of a nutrient medium, they begin to actively multiply, eventually covering the bottom of the artificial reservoir with a continuous layer of greenery, and the water in the reservoir becomes green and cloudy, a dark coating appears on the walls.
Indeed, the flowering of water is an unhealthy phenomenon and it is necessary to somehow fight it. The constant replacement of water, as a rule, is a laborious process and requires a source of water supply. The use of chemicals is not always possible and justified, both in terms of the impact on human health and the fish living in the reservoir.
It is best, of course, to try to restore the bio-balance in the reservoir by populating the reservoir with living organisms and plants that purify the water: hornwort, marsh iris, cattail, etc.
A plant such as eichhornia (water hyacinth) perfectly cleans the water, in addition, it is amazingly decorative during flowering, it’s a pity it doesn’t winter in our open reservoirs, so you have to buy it every spring, or you can keep the winter in a container with water indoors. Ordinary daphnia, which feed directly on blue-green algae, also help from water blooms.

Water blooms in the pond, as a rule, when the water overheats in the summer heat. Since algae need sunlight to develop, and they are autotrophs, that is, they "feed" themselves by doing photosynthesis, it is best to place an artificial pond in a diffuse shade, with this arrangement, the water in the pond will bloom much less, but try not to overdo it with shadow, because in order for water lilies to bloom in your pond, they need at least 6 hours of direct sun.
If necessary, it is better to shade the water surface with the leaves of aquatic and coastal aquatic plants. First of all, the leaves of the water lilies themselves, egg capsules, nymphaeums. It is recommended to cover at least one third of the water surface. Leaves floating on the surface of the water do not interfere with the development of others ornamental plants, but the algae block the light.
In general, ornamental aquatic plants are natural algae antagonists.
Water blooms with an excess of light and organic matter in the pond, which means that in order to reduce it in water, it is necessary to create a filtration system.
Install a small fountain or waterfall in your pond to circulate water. If funds allow, then it is worth installing a filter. There are filters included with the UV lamp. For different volumes of the pond there are corresponding kits.

* From tina helps blue vitriol, for 1 cube of water 1/2 tsp. (without top). The fish is alive, the plants feel great, the mud does not grow, the water becomes clear.

* You can get rid of water bloom inexpensively with the help of hydrogen peroxide:
ordinary hydrogen peroxide, which can be bought at a pharmacy, is used at a concentration of 20 ml per 100 liters of water. The effect will be visible immediately, all the "flowering" will immediately turn into small "lumps", which can be easily caught with a net. In addition, you can temporarily drain the water from the reservoir and wipe the entire reservoir again with hydrogen peroxide, and then rinse it again with water.
But, before such cleaning it is necessary to catch the fish!!!

* Another one of interest folk methods Pond bloom control without chemicals: just put a bunch of barley straw in it. When decomposed, barley straw releases substances that kill algae that cause water blooms.

* To prevent water blooming, you can add a solution of potassium or sodium humate to the pond, 2 times a summer, 500g / 10 cu. m. of water. An overdose of nymphs does not harm. It also inhibits the development of filamentous algae. The first treatment should be carried out in May, the second in early July. (It is not known how this will affect the fish)

* To combat filamentous algae, the easiest way is to put a few adult carp or silver carp into the pond, they do an excellent job of eating such a delicacy.

The larger the pond, the more likely it is to achieve biological balance in it, and, accordingly, the water is cleaner and more transparent!

A small decorative reservoir or a large pond intended for breeding fish differ significantly from a swimming pool not only in its purpose and appearance, but also in the composition of the water.

What is taken for granted in relation to a pool is completely unsuitable for a pond and vice versa.

While in the pool it is necessary to fight all manifestations of biological life, a pond without plants and living beings is like a big puddle.

Therefore, the method of caring for pond water is significantly different from caring for water in a swimming pool. If the water in the pool is subjected to systematic cleaning, as a result of which it may not change for months, then it is necessary to ensure constant renewal of water in the pond.

otherwise, a slow but obvious swamping of the reservoir will begin. The most common problems associated with maintaining a pond are: - water blooming; - water pollution; - low oxygen content.

water bloom
Blooming water indicates that it has a lot of algae. Algae appear already in the first weeks after filling the pit with water and multiply intensively in warm water with a lot of sunlight and a high content of nitrates and phosphates in the water.

Being food for the living inhabitants of the reservoir, not all algae are desirable. In general, algae are of three types:
- yellow, which fall in the form of a powdery sediment to the bottom of the pond;
- black (blue-green), existing in the form of spots on the walls of the reservoir;
- green, which usually float in the water and less often settle on the walls.

The most dangerous are the latter - green filamentous algae (filamentous).

At the first sign of the presence of green algae in the water, it is necessary to start an implacable war with them. Moreover, they fight them in the old-fashioned way - with the help of a rake or a pitchfork.

However, the best method of struggle is prevention. Create conditions that are unfavorable for the development of green algae, and they will never start in your pond!

How to achieve this?
First, do not use rich nutrients soil.

Secondly, remove dead leaves and food residues in a timely manner.

Thirdly, in the summer, make sure that the sun's rays do not fall on the water surface for more than 6 hours a day. You can plant shading plants on the south side of the reservoir or build a gazebo.

If the suggested measures do not help, then try using a special dye that does not let the sun's rays through, or, even better, install a cleaning filter.

In extreme cases, the use of algaecides, chemicals aimed at the destruction of certain plant organisms, is allowed. Read the instructions carefully before using the pesticide.

Otherwise, your pond may turn into a mass grave. Another scourge of natural reservoirs is weeds.

These are rapidly growing plants that fill the entire space of the pond and displace cultivated species. The only way to control water weeds is to catch them by hand.

However, something you can do even at the dawn of the construction of the reservoir - carefully dig up the soil of the reservoir, destroying the slightest hint of the presence of weeds.

Water pollution
The water in the pond may acquire an unusual shade - brown or black. Definitely, a change in the color of the water indicates that not everything is fine in the reservoir. Black water signals, most likely, that something is rotting in the pond. It can be plants or fish. In any case, the source of contamination must be removed.

If the water is heavily contaminated, then the water must be drained. Before cleaning the pond, net all coastal and deep-sea plants and start draining the water.

When there is not much water left in the pond, catch the fish and place it in a temporary tank.

Remove the remaining water, clean the bowl of the reservoir from dirt, and then fill it with fresh water with a small addition of old water. Brown water becomes when the fish raise silt from the bottom.

There are some types of fish, such as goldfish, which are famous for raising mud from the bottom of the reservoir.

Sometimes cloudy water causes a strong pressure of the submersible pump. This problem can be partially solved by using foculants - special chemical compounds that contribute to the sedimentation of dirt to the bottom of the reservoir.

lack of oxygen
One of the most common metamorphoses that occur with water during the operation of a reservoir is a decrease in the percentage of oxygen.

There may be several reasons for this:
- increased absorption of oxygen in order to decompose organic matter residues;
- a sharp decrease in the inflow of fresh water with a decrease in the possibilities of a water supply source;
- increased iron content - the transition of soluble iron salts into oxide compounds entails a large absorption of oxygen.

As a result of the depletion of oxygen reserves in the pond, conditions are often created that lead to the formation of products of anaerobic fermentation - decay of organic substances without oxygen.

The first of these is carbon dioxide. To increase the percentage of oxygen in water, aeration and iron removal are used. Aeration is performed during the fall of water, when oxygen is captured in tiny droplets.

That is why compressed air is used for aeration, waterfalls, water cascades and, of course, fountains.

The quality of aeration depends on the level of the water jet - the higher it is, the better the quality of aeration.

In addition to oxygen enrichment, water aeration promotes the oxidation of iron salts, which, reacting with atmospheric oxygen, turn into insoluble compounds. These compounds can be captured using elementary gravel or limestone filters.

The transparency of water directly depends on the amount of penetrating light. In order for algae to bloom and microorganisms to multiply, there must be a lot of light in the water. Based on this knowledge, it is better to place any reservoir in a place on the site where little sunlight penetrates. How less light gets into the water of the reservoir, the less will be the growth of algae.

It is important to take into account one nuance: you should not create an artificial shadow with the help of shrubs and trees. Yes, there will be no water bloom, but another problem will have to be solved - constantly falling leaves into the water in autumn period. However, the solution to this problem is also simple - when there is intense leaf fall, a mesh is stretched over the reservoir into a small cell (for birds). Thus, by removing the net, you will remove all the leaves at once, which makes it easier to work in the garden.

But how to create shading correctly if there is already a reservoir on the site, and it is not possible to move it to another place. In this case, it is useful to plant aquatic plants in the pond, for example, water lilies, the leaves of which will cover the water surface, preventing it from warming up so that the water begins to “bloom”.

If you decide to plant plants in a pond, remember that they should not occupy more than a third of the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe pond.

METHOD 2

Good helpers in the fight against blooming water will be ornamental fish that feed on pests and mosquito larvae. However, you should not add a large number of fish to the reservoir and feed them excessively - otherwise you can get the opposite effect.

METHOD 3

In specialized stores, you may be offered to use tablets as a means of preventing the "bloom" of water in a pond. However, you should not abuse such products, since the presence of chemical elements in them can cause irreparable harm to the soil and aquatic plants.

The greatest effect is the use of various UV sterilizers. It's special ultraviolet lamps, the action of which is aimed at the destruction of microorganisms, the growth of which causes the blooming of water. Such devices do not harm fish, plants of the reservoir.

METHOD 4

Strong flowering appears only in stagnant water. If possible, you need to make sure that the water in the reservoir does not stand, it should flow, splash and boil. This does not mean that the water in the reservoir needs to be changed every week. It is enough to install a fountain in the pond or organize a small cascade - the water will be enriched with oxygen, and the reproduction of algae will noticeably worsen.

METHOD 5

There is another simple way to keep the water in the pond clean and clear for a long time. A small amount of marsh peat should be placed in a loose fabric bag and lowered to the bottom of the pond. To prevent the bag from floating up, it is pressed with a stone. This natural remedy will allow the water to remain clean for a long time, without turbidity.

Fish can live and breed in tap water. You just need to keep in mind that usually tap water is chlorinated, and chlorine, when combined with water, forms hydrochloric, hypochlorous, chlorous and chlorous acids. The latter decomposes rather quickly. Therefore, before you put the fish in a pond with fresh water, you should let it settle for several days. It's even better to check with your local waterworks ahead of time what kind of disinfectant they add to the water, because some substances take longer to decompose than chlorine compounds.

In dry weather in summer, water should be added to the pond in a thin stream from a hose. If you add a lot of fresh water to a small pond at once, this will lead to a sharp change in temperature and an increase in the content of chlorine in the water. In addition to chlorine, the acid-base balance has a great influence on the quality of water. Fish are able to tolerate fairly large fluctuations in the acid-base balance of water, but in some cases the water may be too acidic or too alkaline for them.

Finally, both ash pipeline and rainwater get dirty over time, and this has to be dealt with somehow. Pollutants from the soil can be avoided from entering the pond, in your area there may be fresh air, but nonetheless chemical composition water will inevitably change as a result of the decomposition of fish waste and other organic residues. If you have a small pond with a lot of fish and plants, you will need to clean it from time to time. Below is how to do this.

GREEN WATER

The water turns green due to the large number of small algae that live both in the water column and at its surface. These small algae are harmless to fish, but the water becomes cloudy.

In any new pond, the water becomes greenish two weeks after the pond is filled, and if this is not dealt with in any way, the situation will worsen. If the surface of the pond is warmed by the sun and the water contains a sufficient amount of certain minerals and carbon dioxide, then algae will multiply very quickly. In order for the water not to bloom, it is necessary to create conditions unfavorable for the growth of green algae, the article is pond care. This can be achieved if the surface area of ​​the pond is large enough (at least 3.5 m2) and there are plants that shade the surface of the water and absorb mineral salts and carbon dioxide dissolved in it. To prevent water blooming, it is also necessary to remove dead leaves of plants in time, make sure that food not eaten by fish does not remain in the water, etc.

Unfortunately, dealing with water bloom is not so easy, even if you follow all the recommendations for maintaining balance in the pond given in the article. The main reason for failures is mud raised by fish from the bottom or strong mixing of water with an overly powerful pump.

Sometimes it is simply impossible to create the necessary balance in the pond due to the fact that the water surface area is too small (less than 3.5 m2), the depth in the deepest part does not reach 45 cm, from the surface of the soil or a paved area near the pond, mineral water enters it. substances or organic residues water, or there is little or no higher plants (for example, in a pond with koi carp or with a fountain). In this case, you need to resort to some method of dealing with algae. There are several of them, and among them there are both cheap and expensive ones. For example, a sack of barley straw or peat can be placed at the bottom of a pond, but this usually does not do much good. It is possible to put daphnia into the pond, although the fish will eat the daphnia faster than they will eat the algae. The obvious solution is chemical algae control. There are quite a few such algicides, and most of them act selectively on small algae and are less harmful to other plants and fish. Carefully follow the instructions for use of algicides. You should start applying them before the algae becomes too much. Algicides of selective action give only a temporary effect, they must be applied every 1-4 months. Another type of algaecides are substances that bind algae and organic matter that clog the pond, as a result of which they settle to the bottom. The third way to deal with algae is usually the most effective. This is a harmless dye that does not let sunlight into the water, which is necessary for the development of algae. But these are all temporary solutions. It is possible to solve the problem of water purification in a cardinal way only by installing a filter.

weeds PLANTS

There are several types of weeds that spoil appearance pond, interfere with the growth of the desired aquatic plants and make it difficult to look at the fish. First of all, these are filamentous green algae, or filaments. Their long and silky threads are attached to the bottom and walls of the pond or form balls floating in the water. Filamentous and microscopic algae usually do not occur in a pond in which balance is achieved with the help of higher plants. Installing a filter will rid the pond of small algae, but, conversely, will encourage the growth of thread algae. These weeds are best removed from the pond with a net, rake or two-pronged pitchfork. Rotate the rake or pitchfork around as much algae as possible and remove from the pond, putting it in a compost heap. Chemical means of dealing with filaments are recommended to be used only after mechanical cleaning. Plants floating on the surface of the water, sometimes growing beyond measure, such as duckweed, can also clog the pond. Such plants must be removed from the water in a timely manner with a net and not allowed to grow. Also dangerous are fast-growing shore plants growing on a terrace in a pond, which must be drastically cut back if they begin to drown out more delicate plants.

POLLUTED WATER

Contaminated water may not have an unpleasant odor or discoloration, but still be dangerous to plant and/or fish life. There are several types of pollution. As a result of rotting of the leaves of water lilies and other underwater plants, an oily film can form on the surface of the water, which prevents oxygen from penetrating into the water. This film should be removed - stretch a newspaper over the surface of the water. If dry leaves or dead fish rot in the pond, the water turns black. In case of severe pollution, you will have to pump water out of the pond, clean it and only then fill it again. Equally drastic measures should be taken if paint, herbicide or any other harmful chemical has entered the pond. Finally, in small ponds with a large number of fish and plants, after a few years, fish waste, food residues, organic waste, etc. accumulate, during the decomposition of which toxic substances are released. This problem is solved by partial replacement of water in the pond in spring and autumn. Pump out a quarter of the volume of water with a pump, and then add tap water to the pond in a thin stream to the usual level.

MUDDY WATER

Brown cloudy water is harmless to fish and plants, but spoils the appearance of the pond. Water becomes cloudy mainly for two reasons: fish digging in the silt raise turbidity from the bottom of the pond and from the surface of the soil in baskets with plants, or too powerful a pump creates a strong current, which also raises silt from the bottom of the pond. Of course, prevention is better than cure, so plant baskets should be covered with burlap, buy solid-walled baskets, cover the soil surface in them with gravel, and install the pump in such a way that the water movement is not too strong. You can get rid of this problem for a while by applying special chemical substances- flocculants, as a result of which the dirt will settle in flakes at the bottom of the pond. This layer of dirt on the bottom must be removed with a special vacuum cleaner or other means. Unfortunately, the water will turn cloudy again if you do not eliminate the root cause of the cloudiness.

ACID And ALKALINE WATER

To determine the pH of water, there are easy-to-use kits. At pH values ​​from 6.5 to 8.5, water is suitable, but at very low or higher values, it is dangerous for the life of both plants and fish. A pH value of 9.0 or higher means that the water is too alkaline. This is usually the water in ponds with waterproofing made of concrete or artificial stone. All concrete surfaces should therefore be painted over, try to remove as much algae from the pond as possible, and add buffering agents to the water, which can be bought at the same place where aquatic plants are sold. An acidic environment (pH value less than or equal to 6.0, which does not happen very often) occurs due to water entering the pond from the surrounding peatlands. In this case, you need to partially change the water, put limestone in the pond or add buffering reagents.

CLEANING POND

The pond needs to be cleaned if it has begun to leak, a thick layer of silt has formed at the bottom, or the water has become contaminated. On a fine day in late spring or summer, first remove all coastal plants from the pond, and then deep-sea plants. If possible, move them to a temporary pond; if this is not possible, wet the plants with water from a hose, preventing them from drying out. Build a temporary pond in the shade with plastic or butyl rubber sheeting, make separate compartments for fish and plants, and fill with water. Plants with floating leaves and oxygenating plants should be placed in plastic containers filled with water. Start pumping water. When there is not much water left, take out the fish with a net and put them in a temporary tank. Check the condition of the fish and cover their temporary home with a thin net.

Pump out all the water from the pond and remove the silt from the bottom. Scrape the dirt off the walls, being careful not to damage the surface. Refill the pond with tap water and add some old pond water if it is not contaminated. Plant the plants, clean the baskets if necessary, and return the plants to the pond. Finally, carefully release the fish back.

Muddy, blooming water, a bunch of algae - this is probably the biggest fear of many owners of suburban areas, which does not allow dreams of their own pond to come true.

But in vain. After all, with anyone, even the smallest water body, the site becomes more comfortable and beautiful.

There are many ways you can easily keep your pond from blooming and yourself from unnecessary work. Let's go in order.

Method 1. The transparency of water can be controlled by the amount of light. It is known that algae and microorganisms need a lot of light for "blooming", for reproduction. And we, in turn, using this knowledge, nothing prevents us from placing a reservoir in a place where there is little sunlight. The less light, the less algae will grow.

But there is one very important nuance here: you do not need to create this shadow artificially, with the help of trees or shrubs. Because in this case, having got rid of the problem of flowering water, you will get a friend a problem - how to deal with falling leaves in the fall. Although there is also a fairly simple solution for this - during the period of intense leaf fall, pull a fine mesh for birds onto the surface of the reservoir, so that later, removing it, remove all the leaves in one fell swoop - but still you should not add extra work to yourself.

So how is it right to create a shadow if we already have a pond, and we are not going to transfer it anywhere? Useful plants, such as water lilies, can be planted in the pond, which will cover the surface of the water and prevent it from warming up enough for algae to grow there. All about creating a reservoir in the article: All stages of work on the device of a garden pond

But even here there is a nuance: it is important to remember that a reservoir cannot be occupied by plants by more than a third.

Method 2. Introduce ornamental fish into your pond. They will destroy pests and larvae of the same unloved mosquitoes. And the waste products of your fish serve as excellent fertilizer for plants - here you have an ecosystem. Just be sure not to add too many fish and do not overfeed them - otherwise you will get the opposite effect.

Method 3. Of course, you can go to specialized stores and ask - now there are special pills against the flowering of the reservoir. Just be careful with such products: make sure that there is as little chemistry as possible, because an incorrectly selected product can harm both the right plants and the soil.

You can also pay attention to various UV sterilizers - special ultraviolet lamps that are aimed specifically at the destruction of microorganisms that cause water blooms and are not dangerous for humans, fish, and plants in the reservoir.

Method 4. Abundant flowering can only appear in stagnant water. So make sure that the water in your reservoir does not stagnate, make it move, boil and splash! Of course, I do not urge you to change the water in it every week. Just buy a fountain or make a small cascade, a waterfall - splashing water will enrich the pond with oxygen, which means that algae will be less likely to multiply in such water.

Method 5. Take some marsh peat, put it in a permeable cloth bag, and lower it to the bottom of the pond. Press the bag with a stone so that it does not float up, and that's it. This peat will help the reservoir to remain clean and not cloudy for quite a long time.

As you can see, making water not bloom is quite simple. Now it's up to you - if you still don't have a pond - be sure to schedule one for this summer season. You will not regret. Even a tiny pond, the size of a basin, which will certainly fit and on 6 acres can become an additional highlight of your site.

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	All about garden plants

The bathing season in Russia traditionally opens with the feast of Ivan Kupala (on the night of July 6-7). It ended on Ilyin's day (August 2), even if August turned out to be warm. During this period, the water turns green (“blooms”) and becomes unsuitable for swimming. The water in the aquarium and in any open vessel (bottle, jug, decanter) is also colored.

Causes of water bloom

You can understand the reason for this phenomenon by examining a drop of water under a microscope. In the "blooming" water, it will be easy to see particles of microalgae. These are the so-called cyanobacteria, blue-green algae. Two conditions are necessary for the development of cyanobacteria: sunlight and a nutrient medium. The answer to the question why the water turns green in the aquarium is obvious. The aquarium is placed in the light, because light is necessary for the normal life of its inhabitants. The nutrient medium is formed by the remnants of food (therefore, it is not necessary to give the fish more food than required). In reservoirs, the nutrient medium for the development of blue-green algae is created mainly by nitrogen and phosphorus. Cyanobacteria develop in a decanter, a jug and any other vessel with water standing in the light, upon contact with air, because air has a complex formula that includes a lot of chemical elements.

Water bloom control

There is nothing wrong with the fact that the water in the aquarium has turned green: cyanobacteria do not pose any danger to fish, snails and other aquarium inhabitants. However, the unaesthetic appearance of the aquarium forces us to purchase a special scraper for cleaning the walls. Knowing why the water turns green, it will not be difficult for you to avoid “blooming”. First, try to position the aquarium so that direct sunlight does not fall on it. Secondly, do not pour too much food into the water. But if the water still turns green, get a special one at the pet store. chemical agent to clean it up. You can prepare a solution of streptomycin yourself - it cleans the water perfectly. Take 4 mg of powder for every liter of aquarium water. For example, if you have a 3 liter aquarium, you will need 12 mg of streptomycin powder. Dilute it in a small amount of boiled water at room temperature and pour into the aquarium.

Water in reservoirs is also cleaned chemically or mechanically. Also, ultraviolet filters are used for cleaning (they are equipped with pumps for this purpose) and circulation systems. With the bottom-circulation method of purification, water is taken by a pump from the very day of the reservoir and fed to the surface through a pipeline system.

In order for the water in the bottle (jar, barrel and other vessels) not to turn green, it is necessary to limit the access of sunlight and ensure tightness (minimize contact with air).