Combatting New Pond Syndrome or "Pea Soup" algae.


Watch this video, we have the solution!


This is Part 1 of a 2 part series.

Below is a summary of key tips that are outlined in this video.  To watch this video in it's entirety, click on the video - and be sure to leave your comments

The transcript from the YouTube video titled "NEW POND SYNDROME - Algae Bloom Solutions | Say NO! to green pond water!!" by Columbia Water Gardens.

This video, by Carl from Columbia Water Gardens, addresses "new pond syndrome," which is the common issue of a brand-new pond turning green due to an algae bloom.

Summary of Key Issues and Solutions

1. The Problem: "Pea Soup" Algae Bloom

  • Cause 1: Environmental Fertilization. Heavy rain and thunderstorm activity cause nitrogen in the atmosphere to attach to the rain, which then acts as a fertilizer for everything, including algae, a photosynthetic plant [00:00:46].
  • Cause 2: Rotting Potting Soil. The customer in the video made the problem worse by adding plants that still had rotting, fertilizer-rich potting soil attached to them, which directly feeds the algae [02:37:00].
  • The Wrong Google Advice: The customer searched online and was incorrectly advised to simply add plaster, but not told to remove the potting soil, making the problem worse [01:52:00].

2. The Solution: Beneficial Bacteria Treatment

  • The recommended solution is a dry beneficial bacteria treatment [03:31:00]. This treatment is a multi-part solution:
    • It contains dried barley, which decomposes and produces hydrogen peroxide at a very low dose to target the algae bloom [03:37:00].
    • It includes a phosphate binder to remove phosphates, which are a primary food source for algae [03:52:00].
    • It has beneficial bacteria that will colonize the rocks and continue to remove the algae's food source [03:58:00].
  • Proper Plant Installation: If you want to put plants in your pond, you must rinse all the dirt off the roots and then plant them [02:56:00]. The fish waste already provides enough fertilizer.
  • Proper Application: When treating the pond, mix the dry bacteria with a bucket of pond water to dilute it, then pour it around the perimeter for effective distribution [04:14:00].

Video Details: