3 common pond problems and how to fix them

A short video explaining how to fix 3 common pond problems: Green pond water, String algae and muddy or cloudy water.
For those looking to supercharge their biological filters by installing a bog filter check out this playlist- • Bog filter DIY videos
For those looking for products for Green water:
Flocculant (Used to clump the single celled algae together so it gets trapped into the filter)
Aquascape pond flocculant (amazon link)- amzn.to/2WEeg98
Aquatics technologies Dam clear flocculant (Ebay link)- ebay.us/NnwVbT
UV lights (amazon link)- amzn.to/2ZT90Qf Remember to size according to pump flow rate.
For those looking to clear up String algae:
Diatomix- algaenviro.com.au/diatomix/ (use code ozponds at checkout for free shipping)
Nualgi (amazon link)- amzn.to/3XQv4oz
And for muddy ponds, again its the flocculant to clump all those suspended particles together:
Aquascape pond flocculant (amazon link)- amzn.to/2WEeg98
Aquatics technologies Dam clear flocculant (Ebay link)- ebay.us/NnwVbT

[@Lwimmermastermetalart]

Kev , your the best. I’ve had so much trouble in the past with my pond but as of today I have crystal clear water and very happy Koi. One thing I’m not sure if you mentioned is the use of barley straw for algae control. To look nice I tied a plant onto it and is doing the trick. ALL NATURALLY. Happy to say I use no chemicals at this point other than some new beneficial bacteria now and then. I installed a water filter to remove chlorine when having to add fresh water. With a waterfall there is some evaporation. Plus I know you should add a small amount (10%) of fresh. Thank you for all your wonderful information. I really wish I had watched your channel before I started my pond. My latest acquisition is a 8 inch butterfly tail I named Fin McKoi. He’s beautiful ! I had no fish in when I bought him. He just hid under some plants near the rock cave. He seemed ok but I was worried. Well I added 5 smaller butterfly tails for company. He sprung to life and all of them seem very happy. Now my goal is to get them to eat from my hand. Very sad you can’t have them down under. I hope more and more ppl watch your channel. So much can be done without spending a fortune.

[@Ozponds]

Thanks Lee. I’m glad your pond is doing well. Sounds like Fin McKoi and friends are happy. Well done 👍

[@mfaisalbobby33]

Very good video. Thanks for giving so much knowledge. I regularly watch all your videos and go accordingly for my 7 month old pond.

[@Ozponds]

Thanks mate. 👍

[@LeeGee]

What lovely ponds you have!

[@michealburgess4822]

Hey Kev, thanks so much for your time and advice. I have been watching for about a month now and after watching the bog filter video I put an oversized one in my back yard pond. It works fantastic!!!!! Now I have a new pond in my front yard with a bog filter. I can not wait for the eco system to level out. The pond was cloudy from the clay and green from algae. I added rapid clear and both the clay and algae began to subside. However, my pond had no shade at all and the temperature has been 90-100 F for several days. The algae bloom just took over. I put a shade up over about half the pond added one dose of Nualgi, and rapid clear (not on the same day). After waiting some time I saw the algae was clumping together. I have a water fall from my bog filter return, so I placed a polyester pillow in a mesh bag and hung in under the water fall. Now the pillow is green and my pond is clearing up fast!!! yayay!!! As a result I discovered I have seven baby fish from the three adult fish. I have not removed the pillow yet, do you think I should make a permanent place for the pillow in the bog filter? or just remove it completely once the pond is clear?

[@Ozponds]

You could absolutely add the pillow as a bit of a pre filter at the bog filter or even the skimmer 👍

[@scottdaniels3033]

Great explanation including the info on things you have not used. Mate keep the honest opinions coming. 👍

[@Ozponds]

Will do 👍

[@boxingday11]

Thanks, learning a lot from your uploads 👍🇬🇧

[@Ozponds]

Excellent 👍

[@alan19844]

Thank you very much for taking the time to post this helpful video.

[@Ozponds]

I’m glad you found it helpful 😊👍

[@ThomasLips]

I built my first biological filter a couple of weeks back after watching Kev's videos. I learned so much through the process. And I highly recommend this system!!! My water is crystal clear now here in Southwest Washington State👍👍👍 Watch his videos, follow his instructions, and you will have crystal clear water!!

[@Ozponds]

That is awesome!😊👍

[@paulagoddard5391]

Such lovely ponds!

[@kenmcguire2427]

This is great information. 👍

[@MandyJane123700]

I'm glad this video popped up in my recommendations! I figured out what caused a return of green water, it was tadpoles getting caught (and dying) in the screen I have over my filter intake, so I solved that, but now I am dealing with a string algae problem. I will see if I can get some Nualgi, but I don't know which one. They've got several products, and the amazon link in the description is no longer working. Probably "Nualgi Natural Pond Cleaner", I think that's the one with the diatoms. Thank you so much for all your wonderful and helpful videos.

[@Ozponds]

That’s no good about the tadpoles. I’ve updated the Amazon link, thanks for letting me know.

[@bob.fagg-bois657]

good and informational video.

[@fastbreak0822]

Greetings from Venice / Los Angeles CA.... I have a aquatic/herpetological company here in LA... Just wanted to commend you for suggesting and promoting the proper ideal and natural solution toward pond husbandry... Copper chemicals are barely a band aid and not sustainable for a healthy ecosystem.,. In fact it will make your pond much much worse over time... Great info... Solid content.... One x

[@Ozponds]

Thanks for the encouragement 👍

[@engrahmed7122]

best video and to the point content. you are my teacher. 🌹 Liked. Subscribed

[@Ozponds]

Welcome aboard!

[@ericthomas5440]

Thanks Kev, very helpfull vidéo, have à Nice day 😃

[@Ozponds]

You too 👍

[@ericthomas5440]

I does this mounth à dobble bog filter ( 2x 200L) following your informations. Before end of marsh will start water circulation my first pond 2000L. Eric d'Alsace France

[@Daniel_morfogeno]

Very good!

[@daniellurkin]

Thanks Kevin,I just bought a bottle of diatomix I'll take before and after pictures and fingers crossed it works for me.

[@Ozponds]

🤞

[@tuancao35]

Thank you, very helpful, subscribed, i am going to build a pond in my backyard, i hope if you are around Melbourne,so i can ask for help and advice.

[@pamelaullman8428]

Enjoyed video. Do you have a video describing how to use a flocculent?

[@Ozponds]

Yes. It one of my early ones. How to clear up a muddy pond 👍

[@timothyjorgensen7898]

I can attest that Nualgi (an alternative to Diatomix) also works great. Every spring I have been plagued by string algae. It isn't until the pond plants start to enter their growth spurt that the string algae begins to subside. But this spring I used Nualgi weekly before I even started to feed the fish and before the string algae normally appears. The result was a diatom (brown algae) bloom on the water surface that soon sank to the bottom of the pond, leaving the water crystal clear, and virtually NO string algae, except for a small amount growing in the waterfall. To ensure it doesn't return, I continue weekly doses of both Nualgi and supplemental pond bacteria. (I also change 10% of the pond water water weekly, but I had been doing that all along and it had no impact on the spring string algae bloom.) From what I understand, this emulates the cycle of a natural pond. The problem with koi ponds is that neither rainwater not tap water contains silica -- the element diatoms need to grow. Nualgi supposedly provides the silica and thereby allows for natural diatom cycle to take place, and shift the growth balance away from string algae and green algae and more toward the diatoms, which are a good food source for zooplankton, which in turn are fed on by the koi. Not sure if this explanation is accurate, but I am sure that Nualgi helps prevent string algae blooms.

[@Ozponds]

That’s great to hear! Yes the silica promotes the growth of diatoms 👍

[@timothyjorgensen7898]

@@Ozponds BTW, your channel is great. I watch it all the time. Keep up the good work!

[@user-fg5oe6hj8q]

Another very helpful video, thanks Kev. You sent me down a rabbit hole on diatoms, they are amazing! Do you continue adding Diatomix regularly, or once the diatoms have established are they self sustaining ? I’ve read diatomix is adding silica and other stuff for the diatoms to feed on (if that’s the term) so I’m guessing regular dosing is required. Ponds are closed systems so I get the need for inputs, but I’m also a tight arse so want to keep costs down. Thanks again Kev.

[@Ozponds]

I don’t add them or silica regularly. I found them useful in the early stages of the pond but unnecessary as it matured.

[@balmoralwatersportscentere909]

thanks heaps

[@observer8838]

I have been experimenting with Cloverleaf Prevent - it is brilliant. This is the first year I have not had a problem. It has to be applied every few weeks but is smaller amounts that the Cloverleaf treatment. If you have a lot of string algae you will probably have to use the standard treatment first and can use Prevent afterwards. Both treatments will leave a residue on ledges and the bottom of the pond but this can be removed by a pond vacuum. The less algae, the less the residue over time. Note, after a major treatment, your filter will get messy so be aware that this will need extra cleaning. I have found, overtime, the residue is less noticeable.

[@Ozponds]

Cool. I need to check it out. I’ve never heard of it. Maybe it’s not in Australia.

[@observer8838]

It is the No 1 choice here in the UK. I tried to find the recommended Aus one but cannot. @@Ozponds

[@daleaxe1030]

Hi Kevin iv got fome on my little pond iv a bog filter as you showed me what should I do its be fine for weeks but just started

[@Ozponds]

Foam? Are you over feeding? Protein can cause foam.

[@rsarav861]

Hello Kev, your videos are great guide for anyone looking for a natural pond. I have a question which most people have not addressed. In case if the water is hard/salty (Calcium/Magnesium). Does that BOG filter help with that as well?

[@Ozponds]

I don’t believe it will alter the water chemistry. Overtime it might lower ph but that’s about it.

[@DrJoeJoeHands]

Thank you

[@Ozponds]

I’m glad you are finding the videos helpful 👍

[@geoffj3191]

The bog in a barrel I built (after seeing your video) is keeping my water crystal clear but I do have string a little string algae. I don't mind it on the walls (less than 3 inches long as you said) and I find I can keep the rest of it under control by using a cut-down plastic grass rake (my leaf remover) and just wrapping it around the business part of the rake like spaghetti. It's not much of an issue really. Do you think the diatoms would get stuck in the bog filter? My current project is waiting for my goldfish to breed. I have mops ready to put in, and in a week or so I'll try a partial water change to see if that gets them in the mood. Got any tips on this for a video Kev?

[@Ozponds]

Hey Geoff. Glad the bog is still doing it’s thing 👍 they are incredible. The diatoms are microscopic so they won’t get stuck. I’m certainly not a fish expert I’m trying to learn more but I leave spawning advice for others with more know how 👍

[@bodemisneal384]

Kev great videos. Many thanks. I have a question about a new pond. Can a healthy pond ever be established (nitrogen cycle under control) without the addition of fish and the ammonia they generate?

[@Ozponds]

Absolutely, as any organic material breaks down it will release ammonia.

[@thack2502]

Awesome content as usual. Have you noticed a difference in the water quality of your different ponds ? From a pond design point of view, that’s the difference? I’ve noticed all your ponds are amazingly clear etc, but one looks like it has zero algae or scum on the bottom, while others might have a tiny bit. Is it just the size of the bog filter v fish/pond size ?

[@Ozponds]

Lots of factors. But mostly age and flow rates. If there’s a higher flow rate more crap will remain suspended and reach the filters. But even so overtime the sediments build up. If a pond is younger it might look cleaner. Also different fish can make a difference. Goldfish for example will eat algae, most aussie natives won’t.

[@LampWaters]

My water is soooooo green. Been vacuuming the bottom after weeks of building it had some sludge but now water is so green it's hard to Vacuum the bottom, because we just can't see the bottom and it's pretty deep. I had dreams of a garden water barrel Vacuum but my husband bought a Vacuum from the pond guy instead.. I added a few plants, some bacteria and some barley and running 3 pumps and yet seems more green everyday.... have not had anything except pumps to start so hopefully bacteria and barley can help. Still have to top off my water to get it above my bogs along the sides of the pond. I've decided I'm going to make a pre-filter that I can clean out before the water gets to my bogs that way hopefully less cleaning of bogs needed especially as we are still in beginning stages I want to catch as much dirt before the bogs as possible

[@Ozponds]

Don’t panic. Your pond is brand new. The balance takes time. It’s completely normal.

[@ModMINI]

Do you have a recommendation for a diatom product for north america? Thanks

[@Ozponds]

Yes. Link in description. Nualgi 👍

[@muhammadfauzanmohdnor3826]

I had build the bog filter and it is great! After 2 months, the string algae string start to grow on top of it. Do i need to get rid of it?

[@Ozponds]

You can remove it if it gets too long. By removing the string algae you remove nutrients 👍

[@craigisherwood7966]

I've got an oase pe 750 litre preformed pond with the oase 600 allin one filter with fountian and airator with 4 Warter lillies I'm getting algee on side of my pond my Warter crystal clear this is my first pond after 2 strokes any advise would help thanx

[@Ozponds]

Algae is natural. New ponds are almost always going to get an algae bloom of some sort. Be it string algae or green water. You can try some of the tips i mentioned or just stay patient. Eventually the pond should find its balance 👍

[@kalmx1]

Is there a formula on the bottle? Just so I can find something similar in my country, I’m thinking it might be SiO2

[@Ozponds]

There’s no formula. I’d say they want to protect their competitive advantage. If you are talking about the diatomix it uses silica to feed the diatoms however there are small amounts of other trace elements. It might be worth trying diatomaceous earth if you can’t get nualgi or diatomix.

[@titiasplantedaquariums]

I do have a fairly new barrel pond this year and it's full of string algae. The plants are in a brick cemented planter with soil and a layer of gravel. Did I add to much soil? The neighbourhood cats also use it as a drinking spot, so their bacteria transfer fuels the problem maybe even more. What to do? It is a filter- and fishless tub with a lotus and some oxygenating plants in the planter.

[@Ozponds]

Yes my guess would be the soil has added too much nutrient. Therefore the algae grows. Eventually the nutrients will get consumed.

[@titiasplantedaquariums]

@@Ozponds oke, I was planning on redoing the brick planter, removing some soil and add more gravel and sand. And also buying a few new plants, at the moment the scirpus cernuus is full of string algae and floats partially in the water. I don't like the look of that plant at all, so I will replace it with other oxygenating plants. Hopefully, together with adding some pond snails, will resolve the issue🤞🏻

[@Ozponds]

🤞

[@jtrappSkyThugs]

Will you still get algae growth on the rocks in the pond? I’m seeing some signs in the new pond after about a month. Water is still pretty clear, but kind of green tinted.

[@Ozponds]

You’ll always have some sort of bio film on the surfaces inside the pond. Certain algae will form part of that film. Some algae is essential to a pond ecosystem.

[@Juveforever30]

Hello Kev I have a problem. I run a pump with biological and mechanical filter in a pond I just build ( approx 300 to 400 gallons) and some soil fell into the pond making the water murky so I used a flocculant and it worked in the sense that the first level cleared but the problem now is that all the rocks and stones are coated with soil particles and can't even see the true colors of the rocks. I tried to use a water vacuum but was only able to remove the dirt from the shallow level of pond. The lower, deeper levels of pond are still covered with a brown layer and I can barely see down into lower levels cause the water is still a bit murky. Is there any solution to this other than draining the pond, removing all rocks and rinse them before placing them back into the pond? This has been very frustrating. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, the videos are interesting and helpful

[@Ozponds]

I’m curious why the vacuum won’t pick up the soil from the deeper level, how deep is this pond? Unfortunately manually removing it is your best option.

[@Juveforever30]

@@Ozponds the deepest is 3 feet and the vacuum does pick up the soil but it quickly gets clogged with pea peebles and its hose is not long enuff to reach that spot. Not to mention having to empty the vacuum every 30 seconds

[@infantesb]

Amazing quality of your water pond. Prove of it the shrimps on it. Could you tell me what kind of shrimps are they that could live outside? Thank's

[@Ozponds]

I’ve had really good success with just common cherry shrimp outdoors.

[@infantesb]

@@Ozponds you mean the red shrimps everybody have in their inside tanks with heat on?... 🤔 So... what's your minimum temperature in your pond in winter?

[@Ozponds]

Yes those ones. I’d get down to 5C in the water.

[@DeltaSanjula]

Ok, so hubby and I put in a small pond, it hold 1200 ltrs. And we’ve made some rookie mistakes. 1st it’s cement with with pond sealer 2nd it’s only 35cm deep 3rd we know nothing about fish We’ve set up the pond and have two pumps, one running a filter urn with filter pad and bio filter ceramic rings, along with another feature filter that has duel fountains front and back of the pond. Ok so here comes my issues, I have high PH 8 to 8.4’s and surface algae on the sides/walls. My gorgeous 3 koi and 4 goldfish are doing well, so is this a big problem? The pond is 3 months old now. The water is crystal clear. Any advise would be much appreciated! Thank you in advance, cheers!

[@Ozponds]

If the fish are happy I wouldn’t worry. 👍

[@throttlebuff]

Big Kev, I brought some lily pads from my girls parents pond and now have a green algea growing on them and spreading on rocks. My water is clear but this shit is spreading pretty fast. It's hard to grab out because it's thin like snot. What do you think? Oh, the minnows we caught and let go had babies already. It's only been a month.

[@throttlebuff]

It kinda looks like string algea but more poofy than stringy if that makes sense

[@Ozponds]

It’s a new pond so it’s most likely gonna get worse before it gets better. Try the diatomix or nualgi and use as directed and keep removing scooping out as much as you can.

[@davor2684]

Does the color of pond water depend on temperature? My pond is still brand new but I noticed that one week when it was about 35 degrees the water was completely green and then the next week when it was about 25 degrees it was crystal clear.

[@Ozponds]

Not really in my experience. That’s just what happens with a new pond….it can look horrible then one day everything finds the right balance.

[@davor2684]

@@Ozponds Hi, a few days later the water is getting cleaner coincidence or not the temperatures are a little lower again.

[@carbrickscity]

I heard if you have green water then you won't have string algae, same the other way around. Yet very little people talk about it. String algae kinda works as a plant which completes with green water so if you have string algae then green water won't appear. IMO string algae are far less worse than green water since for green water you can't see anything at all and it is very hard to fix and takes a very long time. String algae is easier to fix (just remove them from time to time) and could be fixed in less than 15 mins or less if you pond is small. But another little known fact is that green water is not a health risk to fish, it's actually good for fish, it's just ugly. Of course except when it turns very dark green.

[@valbyfield1496]

Diatomix sounds amazing - can you buy this product outside Australia?

[@Ozponds]

Not sure. Might be worth contacting them. I left a link to their site in description. If not nualgi also grows diatoms and I think they distribute globally.

[@valbyfield1496]

@@Ozponds Thanks for quick reply. I really like your videos and have learnt a lot I will use in my own pond construction

[@Ozponds]

That’s great to hear 👍 good luck with your build.

[@mikelhar]

For me, after years of spending $$$ for 'recommended' packaged products to rid my pond of algae I have learned the most efficient and cost effective method that is absolutely safe for fish and plants! Green water GONE in less than 48 hours. String algae GONE in less than 72 hours! This product cost me $2.50 for 64 ounces (more than enough to treat my 2,600 gallon pond which is 4 feet deep. 3% hydrogen peroxide - 1/2 cup per 1,000 gallons! This IS the miracle product! You will be sooooo happy! Buy it at your $ store!

[@Ozponds]

Thanks Michael I’m going to try this 👍

[@cactuar2058]

What would consider "new"? My pond is about 2 months old.

[@Ozponds]

That is brand new. New I consider anything less than 9 months.

[@garadunga]

What species of shrimp are you using in there? I'm in metro victoria myself and am keen to find a native shrimp species for my small pond.

[@Ozponds]

Some ponds I just use common cherry shrimp (not native) they survive our winters. Recently I went to a local river and collected some native shrimp (Paratya australiensis) I’ve added them in the past, from Queensland and they didn’t survive, I think there’s probably multiple species and those northerners can’t handle the cold. Im hoping to breed some to add to all my ponds, I’ve never found a local breeder which is a shame.

[@garadunga]

@@Ozponds The suggestions seem to point to getting the paratya from headwater sources, above falls and higher streams as they're more likely to successfully breed without heading to brackish water, also they tend to be hardier when it comes to temperature ranges. Looks like I've got a trip inland with a couple of bait pots to try and get my hands on some.

[@Ozponds]

I found scooping with a net along the margins worked best.

[@sisha2909]

Where do buy diatomix from? You mentioned it was cheap but all I can find is $99 for a litre. My pond is clear now but I have too many fish and getting bigger so this may help later on.

[@Ozponds]

Yes $99 per litre. But you’ll use less than 5ml per dose for most ponds. That’s cheap as chips should last you well over a year.👍

[@sisha2909]

@@Ozponds Great, thanks for that. My largest pond is about 12,000lts, would 5ml do that?

[@Ozponds]

I’d say so. No more than 8ml. They recommend 5ml for a 10m2 pond. In my dream pond I only dose 10ml and it’s a little over 50m2

[@sisha2909]

@@Ozponds Brilliant, thanks. I'll have to buy online coz I can't find a stockist. Loking forward to it.

[@Ozponds]

I think the only stockist is Aquascape Australia but I think it’s slightly more expensive. I purchased mine online. Great customer service and follow up 👍

[@muhammadfauzanmohdnor3826]

Regarding the string algae, i only had it on my bog filter, and non on the pond. Maybe it was eaten by the fish. So i was thinking, can i solve the issue by covering the bog filter with a black plastic? Will it be harmful for the beneficial bacteria if i cover the top of it?

[@Ozponds]

Blocking the sun would certainly stop the algae, but remember the algae are consuming nutrients. Without the algae the nutrients within the water will increase. I’ve never tried black plastic over a bog filter. Could you bring the gravel up higher so there is no water exposed to the sun? That way you don’t need to worry about staving the bacteria of oxygen.

[@muhammadfauzanmohdnor3826]

@@Ozponds okey, thanks for the advice.

[@muhammadfauzanmohdnor3826]

@@Ozponds one more thing sir, why the string algae only harmful when it is too long?

[@Ozponds]

It’s not so much that it’s harmful when it’s long. It’s more an indicator that there is a nutrient imbalance. Once the balance is found the algae stays quite short. It can take a long while for this perfect balance to be found. Every pond, bog filter is different. Different rocks have different minerals, plants may of still had fertiliser on roots, more fish food going in than the bacteria alone can process. And that’s only a few things it could be, there are many others. But overtime as the system ages these things should come into balance.

[@muhammadfauzanmohdnor3826]

@@Ozponds good info sir

[@russ8541]

Hi, I'm trying to go for a no filter pond, for turtles. In the case of green water, if I use a flocculant, how would I end up removing the clumped algae?

[@russ8541]

Because I also saw down here in the comments that string algae would prevent green water, and I'd rather have that but how would I go about adding it?

[@Ozponds]

You’d need a fine net to scoop it out.

[@Ozponds]

Algae spreads via spores

[@russ8541]

@@Ozponds o right, thanks. I suppose I could potentially use a suction vaccum too? Or would that not work

[@Ozponds]

That’ll work

[@willow-wf3jf]

are these types of ponds good for small children to play in once they run clear?

[@Ozponds]

That’s a personal choice. My entire family play in our ponds.

[@willow-wf3jf]

@@Ozponds thanks for the information. Going natural seems like a great idea. I just read that in Europe, they make natural swimming pools--like ponds--without all the chlorine.

[@Ozponds]

Swimming in natural water is a far superior experience in my opinion 👍

[@marie-christinematip4206]

💯💯💯💖💖💖

[@brettpauley4898]

How are you defining a “new” pond?

[@Ozponds]

Me personally. Under 2 years old.

[@high_fructose_corn_syrup]

Diatomix isnt available in the US 😭

[@Ozponds]

They will ship it. But anyway you can also buy nualgi. There should be links to both in the description.

[@joekowalski182]

You never said how much you add?

[@Ozponds]

Every manufacturer and product is different. Follow the instructions 👍

[@dianemcginnis6163]

I don't have a pump. It's murky. It's small. Thank you .

[@xxbladexx4471]

I still have a problem with string algae on my biofilter but the rest of the pond looks good

[@Ozponds]

As long as it stays there 👍

[@nicola3540]

Diatomic looks great, but at $100 a litre for their basic product, and more than double that amount for the premium product, it’s not exactly my idea of affordable!

[@Ozponds]

But you only use a tiny amount. For a small pond that’s going to last at least a year. $2 a week for fish food and hardly any algae. I think that’s reasonable. Maybe I’ve lost touch with the common man (or woman).

[@Vikface1978]

I agree. I’ve only a tiny pond so would only need a tiny bit so don’t want a bottles worth and can’t afford it.

[@tangents6299]

It's pronounced owl gee

[@Ozponds]

Ok