How to Clear Up a Milky Goldfish Pond

Goldfish ponds can provide a valuable and relaxing focal point in a well-landscaped garden, but if the water in the pond is a milky white color, that value may be greatly diminished. Milky water does not always pose an immediate threat to the health of the goldfish, but it does merit timely attention. The solution to most situations involving milky pond water are quite simple. Most important is that you not only treat the symptom but also determine the underlying cause for the sudden change in water quality.

Things You'll Need

  • Pond water quality testing kit
  • AccuClear, Nature Clear or similar product
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Instructions

    • 1

      Test the pond water immediately, once you have noticed a milky hue. More often than not, milky water is caused by bacterial bloom. This, in turn, reflects a lack of balance in your pond water.

      If your pond is relatively new, milky water can be reasonably expected as the small ecosystem strives for balance and equilibrium. If your pond has been around for a while but only recently began to appear milky, you'll want to consider removing any additions or recent changes that might be responsible for the bacterial buildup.

    • 2

      Treat the bacterial bloom prior to treating the underlying cause. An overabundance of bacteria in the pond can perpetuate an imbalanced life cycle in the water, making it difficult to strike a true balance under normal, healthy conditions for the goldfish.

    • 3

      Use AccuClear, Nature Clear or a similar coagulating product according to the manufacturer's instructions. Each product is used somewhat differently, but the principle is the same: The additive causes bacteria (and other small particulates, for that matter) to bond together. The increased mass of these coagulated particles causes them to sink to the bottom of the pond, where the life cycle is stopped rather quickly.

    • 4

      Use the results of your preliminary water test to make basic changes to the water quality. Bacterial bloom can happen for a variety of reasons: water too acidic, water too alkaline, water too warm, etc. Your water test should reveal the insufficiencies that will help you find an ongoing cure for your pond water imbalances.