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since i installed a UV unit i've had very clean and clear water. the problem now it that blanket weed is growing crazy and has nearly filled the shallow areas of the pond.

i also get algae floating on the surface in little clumps, that when i try to remove with the net they break up and float way. it settles during the night then when the fish become active again in morning it all floats back up.

How can i deal with it? i have straw in the pond, and i've tried cleaning of the bottom it just keeps coming back?

Should i drain pond, clean of the sides and bottom and return the water.

i've tested the water nothing it to high nitrates only 5, maybe due to algae and plants using it.

www.blooming-brilliant.co.uk

i would not drain it...it will most likely just come back!
How many hours of direct sunlight is it getting?
try providing more shade!?

-jim

not sure on amount of direct, it does get alot, from around 10am till dusk.

i have lillys and weed shading areas,

www.blooming-brilliant.co.uk

It sounds like your pond is getting a bit too much sun. I've got a beach umbrella planted next to my pond to shade its unplanted end. That and my Summer plecos keep my pond's algae in check.

Where did you get your straw from and how long has it been in? Is this the first outbreak of the year?

Don't drain the water, It will only come back.

There is usually one outbreak for every pond every year. After the first outbreak the pond clears up within 3 weeks and with the use of shade, plant coverage of about 65% and I use the straw you should be fine.

Koi

Empty chairs at empty tables, the room silent, forlorn.

Yea once we figured out that our pond was getting too much sun, we got water lilys and other water plants, and the algae prob didnt stop but it got a lot better. Try lots of plants.

I have straw also and once it sinks we were told to get a new one. If you wash out the straw and let it dry, will it have the same affect?