Murky Water

Well - for the latest update on the murky water. We took a sample to our local pond expert who confirmed that is 99% likely an algae bloom. As we have yet to have a proper cold spell to kill it off, we finally bought some stuff to put in the water. It hasn't cleared totally, but will do some more treatments. We can see about 3/4 way down now.
Well - we re-aquainted ourselves with our 6 fish - and ALL THEIR BABIES!!!! They have been making the most of the cover!! The boys found at least 10 little dinky ones swimming aroundover the weekend. Unfortunately no frogs yet - my friend has had so much spawn already, she's having to clear most of it away!!!!

 

Congratulations Honey Bee cann't be much wrong with your water quality.

 

Sorry to tag on the end of this thread but my pond water has become quite muddy too. It was a new pond last year and didnt really clear then. ( an old pond enlarged so had to change the water) Over the winter is improved but since the local Heron has dined I have found that it is quite murky and he has obviously stirred up my oxygenating weed - and stolen some fish!
Is there any way that I can get this cleared? It has been like it for weeks now and the heron has moved on....

 

As you are in Christchurch, you have had a pretty mild winter too, so any algae has't been killed off. We got some stuff from the local aquatic centre to treat the water with, and it worked. We were adamant we were not going to use anything, but had to eventually. It hasn't damaged any of the wildlife either as we have now discovered a newt and the Frogs have re-emerged. I can't remember what the stuff was called, but you have some good garden centres down there, so they should be able to recommend something.

 

Thanks for that - we have a "southern aquatics" locally so I will pop and and see what they say.will keep you posted

 

If its mud it will settle on its own accord I would think.

 

I was told( by a chemist!) that you can use a handful of iron sulphate to clear the pond for a fraction of the price you pay for branded stuff without even harming the fish
Has anyone tried this? its very tempting...

 

A "hand full" doesn't sound very scientific for a chemist.
I would think the quatity of water should come into it somewhere along the line.
Probably, (guessing) turns the water acid.
I wouldn't try it on my fish, I dont think.

 

I don't think it would turn the water acid Pete. It's a sulphate (chemically neutral). But I think I would want something a bit more exact than 'a handful'. Sounds more like Mrs. S's cooking. :D

 

I suppose if we are talking about killing algae. Sulphate of iron is used to kill moss on lawns, which is a primitive plant much the same as algae, perhaps.
I agree, a known quatity to a known quantity of water, otherwise its a trial and error thing, which could possibly hurt the fish.

 

Thanks for the advice. He did say that it would clump together" the algae and then it would settle to the bottom but didnt expand on the "handful" bit.
Rather worrying for my few fish!

 

I think I'm going to try it later if I get any green water in my pond, which I usually do.

Probably start but removing some green water and adding small amounts of the iron sulphate and see what happens.

 

just don't try copper sulphate, the water will turn blue

 

Am I right in thinking there is a fish treatment that turns the water blue?

 

Your right Pete Malachite Green & Methylene Blue used for Flukes & Protozoal infections in Pond Fish turn the water green or blue they are old fashioned remedies and are quite dangerous to handle,modern cures are safer to use.