Early Spring Algae: Start With Your Filtration
You just got your pond through another winter, the ice is off — and then you spot it. A green tinge creeping in. Strings of algae on your waterfall rocks. Before you reach for any treatment, the most important thing you can do is make sure your filtration is clean, fully functional, and running at peak capacity. Remember- A strong filtration system starves algae of the nutrients it needs to thrive.
Why Algae Wins the Race Every Spring
- As water temps climb above 40°F, algae wakes up first — your beneficial bacteria are slower to recover from winter dormancy
- That gap between algae thriving and your filter coming back online is when algae takes hold — in the midwest it can stretch from late March well into May
- Two types to watch for: string algae — green, hair-like growth on rocks and waterfalls — and green water algae, which turns your pond pea-soup green and can't be netted out
Clean your skimmer net and filter pads
Your skimmer debris net is the first thing to check at startup. Rinse filter pads in pond water (never tap). If yours needs replacing, we carry many options including:
- Aquascape Signature Series 200 MicroSkim G2 Debris Net — replacement debris net for the MicroSkim G2 skimmer
- Aquascape Professional Grade Pond Skimmer Net — heavy-duty net for quick debris removal
- Aquascape Rapid Clear Fine Filter Pads — fine polishing pads for crystal clear water
- Matala Filter Media Quarter Sheet — Blue — medium-density cut-to-fit mat for fine mechanical and biological filtration
- Aquascape Classic Series Skimmer Filter Mat — model-specific replacement for Classic Series skimmers
- Aquascape Signature Series Skimmer Filter Mat — model-specific replacement for Signature Series skimmers
Refresh your biological filter media
Bio media is where beneficial bacteria colonize and break down ammonia, starving algae of nutrients. Spring is the right time to add more or replace old, clogged pieces:
- Atlantic Bio-Balls — easy to add to any biofall or filter chamber
- Aquascape BioBalls — designed for Aquascape biofall filters
- EasyPro Bio-Blox in Mesh Bag — 2 cu. ft. pre-loaded, easy drop-in for existing filters
Replace your UV bulb
Bulbs lose effectiveness long before they burn out — often with no visible sign. Annual replacement at startup is the most overlooked spring task. This is a great defense against green water algae. We carry many options including:
- Aquascape UltraKlear UV Clarifier — reliable UV clarifier for green water control
- Full range of UV filters and clarifiers — talk with us about your model and we'll match the right bulb
Upgrade if needed
If green water was a recurring problem last season, it may be time to look at your setup. We carry many options including:
- EasyPro Axiom Pond Skimmer — heavy-duty skimmer with built-in mechanical and biological filtration
- EasyPro UV filtration systems — complete systems combining clarifier, pump, and filter in one ready-to-run package
Once your filtration is dialed in, check out our next post on beneficial bacteria, natural treatments, and what to reach for when algae breaks through anyway.
Koi & More Pond Shop Info@koiandmorepondshop.com 847-432-1350 3150 Skokie Valley Rd., Unit 10, Highland Park, IL 60035