How Do You Keep the Water Clean in a Koi Pond?

Crystal-clear water is a goal of all fish keepers, particularly those who take care of koi ponds. It’s generally easier to maintain clear water in a tank than in a garden pond. You have to accept that koi aren’t only larger species but also messier. There’s also the matter of koi ponds being exposed to more elements that can turn the water dirty. Outdoor ponds are at the mercy of biomass, which means the water can be affected by more than just food waste and fish excretions. Dirt, pollen, and dead leaves can accumulate and provide enough nutrients to stimulate algae bloom, a biological process that can result in pond water looking like pea soup. While it’s possible to establish a pond ecosystem that will clean itself through various processes, there will be times when pond keepers will have to take a proactive approach to removing dirty water.

Chemical & Natural Pond Water Cleaners

Whenever pond water exhibits a murky green appearance, algae bloom is to blame. Algae will always grow in pond water, but you can significantly reduce growth with certain chemicals, which are some of the most essential koi pond supplies. Algaecide solutions are similar to herbicides. They aren’t harmful to fish or invertebrates, but some of them may impact aquatic plants, and there’s always the impact on plants that live near your pond. Some algaecide products target specific species such as Oedogonium, while others are formulated to kill various kinds of algae. It’s important to review the label and check for plants that may be affected. A better remedy is an organic approach with a product like ClarityMax+:

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ClarityMax+ is a combination of barley straw extract and multiple strains of bacteria that work exceptionally well without the chemicals.

Batting Pond Filters

The natural cotton stuffing material used for quilting can be used to clean pond water without removing or changing most of it. Making a filter with batting is easy, but it will only be effective if you use a secondary pump with enough power to recirculate a high volume of water. Submersible pumps with a chamber for filtering are the best kind for this method. You only need to keep them inside the pond during the cleaning period, during which you’ll likely have to replace the batting filter several times. If you care for a very large pond that holds 5,000 or more gallons of water, the installation of submersible pond pumps can be permanent.

Bacterial Mix Solutions

This is a slower method to get rid of dirty pond water, but it’s highly recommended because it can improve the overall health of the pond. Whenever possible, bacterial treatments that contain several strains are preferred. Using the aforementioned chemical solutions repeatedly will have a negative effect on the plankton life of the pond. The advantage of bacterial solutions is that they promote a healthy nitrification process, which in turn keeps ammonia levels low.

Manual Cleaning and Water Changes

Removing between 10 to 20 percent of pond water weekly during summer months will keep the pond looking clear, but you still need to skim the surface and vacuum the bottom. Just water your plants with the pond’s nutrient-rich water. This proactive method is very effective, but you can reduce its frequency by keeping a diversity of species. Sturgeon, crayfish, large Plecostomus, and schools of Siamese algae eaters along with plants can go a long way toward cleaning up after messy koi.

Keeping the water clean is just one of the many important duties of caring for a koi pond. Luckily, at Aquatic Warehouse, you can find everything you need to keep your pond environment a healthy one for its inhabitants. Take a look at what we have to offer on our website, stop by our store in Kearny Mesa, or give one of our friendly representatives a call today at 858-467-9297.