Koi Pond Algae Control: A Top Of The Line And Environmentally Friendly Solution

Algae control in koi ponds is a problem for most pond owners. Algae fouls the pond, which affects the clarity of the water and also creates an inhospitable environment for fish. When spring and summer arrive and the sun exposure is longer and more intense, algae blooms can turn pond water a cloudy green.

In a desperate attempt to clean their ponds, some pond owners turn to chemicals, but this can quickly backfire as harsh chemicals can disrupt the pond’s ecosystem, leading to disease or even death in koi fish. .

An effective and natural way to clean pond water is to use barley straw for ponds. You can buy it in 8-ounce mesh bags and tie it up in your pond. At first the bag will float, but then it will sink. (The number of bags to buy depends on the surface of your pond).

For barley straw to work, it must be placed where there is movement of water and sunlight. The combination of moving water and sunlight causes the barley to rot, which slowly releases hydrogen peroxide into the pond. This clarifies the water and aerates it. Once the straw starts to work, it is effective for 3-4 months and then needs to be replaced with new bags of barley.

Once the barley straw is up and running, you can use it to control koi pond algae year-round. Although straw is less effective in the winter, it still works below the surface and can help prevent algae blooms in the spring and summer.

It is important to note that not all barley straw is created equal. In our backyard pond and in consultation with members of our local pond group, we like to use only certified organic barley straw because this ensures that you are using chemical and pesticide free straw. This is essential because remember that chemicals of any kind can disrupt your pond’s natural ecosystem, destroy beneficial bacteria and cause disease in fish and other pond life.

Using barley pond straw is an inexpensive solution to a common problem with backyard fish ponds and water gardens. It is also an environmentally friendly solution and should be used before trying other options for algae control in koi ponds. Since it is completely natural, it can be used in combination with other natural solutions, such as ultraviolet lights and beneficial bacteria, if necessary.