We just had a small pond built with a waterfall, about 250 gallons, and are have problems with green water. We have a lilly and some water hyacinth along with six goldfish (5”-6”), two pecostomus (sp?), and a few frogs and toads. The water cleared up once but has been very green for the last few months. We just bought a Bioforce filter, and I clean the filter every day, but the water is still green. I’m not sure what else to do. I realize that there will be a little green, but I would like to see the fish again. Any suggestions anyone?

when it rained when i set up my pond, the water turned green too. We got chemicals to get rid of it and it worked. You shouldnt keep plecos in a pond becaus ethey need warmer water and the while suck on goldish. You should find a new home for your plecos and not add any more fish.

Have you read over my pond algae page at http://www.fishpondinfo.com/algae2.htm
It should give you some ideas. You may need more plants, more shade, good bacteria, a different filter, barley straw, or a UV sterilizer. My site goes over the options. Unless you live where the water stays about 50 degrees F in the winter, you will need to bring the plecos inside in the fall. Algae blooms in new ponds are par for the course. My page has a link to an article I wrote on options and being patient. The first few years of my 1800 gallon pond, it was mostly green all the time in the warm months. Now, it's clear every single day of the year.

Thanks,

We are continuing with the filter and the plants. I've seen the AlgeaFix on the market, but I'm afraid that the plecos won't have anything to eat if I use that. Do you think a water change would help?

Thanks again.

you shouldnt be keeping plecos in a pond. Yours is too small to have 2 and they will suck on goldfish.

Water changes may help a little bit initially but then the suspended algae will regrow. The plecos can eat sinking algae wafers, cucumbers, and plants as well as algae if you want to try the Algae-Fix.