Keeping pond water clear

A GARDEN pond is great fun, offering an opportunity to grow different plants and enjoy aquatic wildlife or ornamental fish. When well stocked with the right balance of oxygenating and shade plants, pond water should be clear. However, if the balance goes wrong, algae (microscopic plants) thrive and take over.

There are two common types of algae. Green water algae turn the pond water into an opaque green soup, while string algae, known as blanket weed, produce billowing clumps in fine strands. Both are unsightly and can be harmful to plants and wildlife as they reduce