How to Clear Pond Algae

Anyone who's kept ponds knows how annoying algae can be. This little plankton infests your pond's water, turning it green and often covering the pond's walls with a slimy, unattractive coat. Many may turn to chemicals known as algicides to clear algae, but these can be dangerous to your fish if used incorrectly. Luckily, there's an organic, natural way to clear pond algae that doesn't employ these dangerous chemicals.

Things You'll Need

  • Rope
  • Mesh bag
  • Water lilies
  • Heavy rock
  • 2 handfuls of barley straw
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Instructions

    • 1

      Tie the handfuls of barley straw together over the rock so that it is one bundle and place the bundle in the mesh bag.

    • 2

      Submerge the bagged bundle of barley at the center of the pond. Barley straw, when it decomposes, releases chemicals that prevent the growth of algae.

    • 3

      Cover the pond with water lilies, covering about two-thirds of the surface area. The lilies will block out sunlight and absorb algae-promoting nutrients.