Careers
Finally getting clear pond water: Here's how it works
Pond and biotope owners know the feeling: you're looking forward to your first dip in the cool water, but nasty floating algae or annoying sludge thwart your plans: cloudy, greenish water is anything but inviting. In this blog post, we'll show you how to get your pond water clear again or successfully prevent discoloration in the first place!
Beginner
10 minutes reading time
Clear water in the pond starts with the planning stage
If you want to keep your pond water clean in the long term, you not only need to maintain your pond regularly, but you should also consider a few things when planning it:
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The right location is crucial! The spot where you plan to build your pond should not be exposed to strong sunlight all day long. However, avoid having deciduous trees nearby to provide shade: falling leaves can sometimes contribute to a deterioration in water quality.
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Excessively high temperatures often cause ponds and biotopes to tip over. Algae thrive in slightly heated water! For this reason, in addition to choosing the right location for your pond, you should also make sure it is large enough. If your garden is not large enough, you can prevent the water from heating up too much by ensuring it is deep enough. But be careful: if you plan to stock your pond with fish, the recommended depth may vary depending on the species!
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Also take into account the slope of your property! If a pond is created at the foot of a sloping terrain, heavy rain may cause the water to run off along the slope instead of seeping away. This washes soil and other ground matter into the water, which can lead to overfertilization and consequently to algae formation.
What promotes algae growth?
The answer is often: fertilizer. If too many nutrients are added to the water, algae will grow quickly and turn it green. Phosphate and nitrate often enter the pond unnoticed, as potential sources are not immediately apparent:
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Rainwater that runs into the pond due to steep slopes, paved paths, or gutters, bringing with it dust, bird droppings, soil, or pollen.
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Garden waste such as leaves or grass clippings that are blown into the water by the wind. Overfertilized flower beds in the vicinity can also be a factor.
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An incorrectly selected fish stock in relation to the size and planting of the pond causes high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. Fish food that is not eaten and sinks to the bottom also contributes to the water system becoming unbalanced.
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Other animal visitors such as ducks, herons, amphibians, and reptiles also contribute to the problem by excreting feces in the water, introducing organic substances, and stirring up sediments.
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It is also worth taking a closer look when refilling: tap water can introduce phosphate into the water. Well water sometimes contains nitrate – for example, from agricultural sources – as well as iron, which can further affect the biological balance.
How can you naturally clarify cloudy pond water?
To keep your pond water clean, it can be useful to use Effective Microorganisms. They support the breakdown of sludge and help to regulate algae growth in your water. The appropriate care varies depending on the type of water area:
Natural pond
To successfully combat algae and sludge in your natural pond, we recommend our two care products Pond Clear and eMB Starter. The former regulates the natural balance in the water, while eMB Starter helps break down sludge and neutralize odors.
Liner pond
Effective Microorganisms also help to naturally clarify cloudy pond water in liner ponds and biotopes. For best results, combine Pond Clear with EM ceramic powder and Zeobas ultra-fine rock flour.
To keep your pond water clean, it can be useful to use Effective Microorganisms. They support the breakdown of sludge and help to regulate algae growth in your water. The appropriate care varies depending on the type of water area:
Natural pond
To successfully combat algae and sludge in your natural pond, we recommend our two care products Pond Clear and eMB Starter. The former regulates the natural balance in the water, while eMB Starter helps break down sludge and neutralize odors.
Liner pond
Effective Microorganisms also help to naturally clarify cloudy pond water in liner ponds and biotopes. For best results, combine Pond Clear with EM ceramic powder and Zeobas ultra-fine rock flour.
The checklist for keeping your pond water clear
To help you keep your pond water clear in the long term, we have summarized the most important points for you:
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During the planning phase, consider the location and take temperatures and slopes into account.
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Avoid excessive nutrient levels in the pond and keep an eye on all sources of fertilizer: garden waste that is washed into the water, mistakes in fish stocking, or incorrect refill water.
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Cut back your pond plants so that they do not extract too many nutrients from your water.
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Maintaining your pond begins in spring and is especially important in summer to keep the water clear.
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Remove leaves from the pond in autumn.
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During the planning phase, consider the location and take temperatures and slopes into account.
-
Avoid excessive nutrient levels in the pond and keep an eye on all sources of fertilizer: garden waste that is washed into the water, mistakes in fish stocking, or incorrect refill water.
-
Cut back your pond plants so that they do not extract too many nutrients from your water.
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Maintaining your pond begins in spring and is especially important in summer to keep the water clear.
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Remove leaves from the pond in autumn.
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Remove existing algae regularly. Even the best pond care cannot prevent algae growth in summer 100%, and manual removal is an efficient way to keep your pond water clean.
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Install a filter so that the standing water can circulate.
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Use test strips and water samples to check the health and stability of clear water in the pond.
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Rely on effective microorganisms and trust the products from Multikraft: Pond Clear, eMB Starter, EM Ceramic Powder, and Zeobas Ultra-Fine.
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Calculate the optimal amount of pond care products for your liner pond or biotope with our handy calculator!
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Remove existing algae regularly. Even the best pond care cannot prevent algae growth in summer 100%, and manual removal is an efficient way to keep your pond water clean.
-
Install a filter so that the standing water can circulate.
-
Use test strips and water samples to check the health and stability of clear water in the pond.
-
Rely on effective microorganisms and trust the products from Multikraft: Pond Clear, eMB Starter, EM Ceramic Powder, and Zeobas Ultra-Fine.
-
Calculate the optimal amount of pond care products for your liner pond or biotope with our handy calculator!
Clearing pond water with Multikraft
Multikraft products based on Effective Microorganisms are available for natural and sustainable care of your pond. They help to stabilize the biological balance in your water and keep your pond water clear in the long term. Further information on application and dosage can be found in our online shop and in the pond-section.
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