Algae: The Leading Cause of Fish Deaths in Ponds

By Clifford Woods

Fish pond algae are really a general name which represents all of the various types of algae, normally present in ponds. A few varieties of algae can actually be beneficial to the overall health of the pond while others types can be viewed as a real annoyance.

You will need to prevent as many algae blooms as you can in order to keep your fish and visual appealing pond vegetation alive. 

The most prevalent type is the floating green algae, like chlorella, euglena, and chlamydomonas varieties. They grow and reproduce quickly through cell division or spores.

Filamentous algae, also known as string algae, appear to be lengthy green noodles and have a hair-like visual aspect to them. The looks are a result of a combination of cells joined up end to end. Horse hair algae and blanket weed types like spirogyra, oedogonium, and cladophora are quite prevalent.

The Factors That Lead to Pond Algae Growth: The main three variables that enables pond algae to produce consists of: hot temperatures, vitamin abundant pond water, and crystal clear pond water that permits sunshine to pass through. A rise in temperatures speeds up both blanket weed and suspended green algae advancement.

How Various Algae Varieties Affect the Overall Health of the Fish Pond: Floating plank-tonic algae distribute at a speedy pace and can only be managed by ultraviolet illumination from a UV sterilizer. The UV spectrum splits the cell surfaces, resulting in the algae to collect together which in turn allows filters to easily remove the algae from the pond. A substantial amount of floating green algae can produce what is known as algae blooms. They could be devastating to pond fish as the blooms will at some point deprive the pond of oxygen thus killing off all underwater plants and fish life.

Why Too Much Algae is Harmful for Garden Ponds: Algae does not just make the pond seem unpleasant and overgrown, but in more severe situations, can actually cause the pond to smell foul. The rotting process of algae eats up oxygen from the pond water. This is especially harmful to the oxidizing bacteria and pond fish population, which both need oxygen to thrive.

Keep in mind that ammonia must be changed into nitrites by the oxidizing microorganisms. The oxidation procedure calls for vast volumes of oxygen to be able to take place. The rise in ammonia, which is additionally created by decaying algae matter, puts even more stress on the pond filtration system that houses the nitrifying bacteria.

How to Control Algae in Your Fish Pond: By far the most effective way of handling suspended plank-tonic algae is to make use of a UV clarifier or UV sterilizer. The ultraviolet spectrum eliminates the single-celled algae, resulting in it expiring and sticking to other deceased algal cells. Make an effort to cover a minimum of one third the surface area of the fish pond with plants, since they contend with algae cells for the accessible vitamins in the pond water.

Conduct regular cleaning by getting rid of string algae and blanket weed by using a garden rake. Not all algae are bad for a fish pond however. In fact, algae can be quite helpful to the pond because it supplies a way to obtain food for fish, presents shade from the sizzling sun, and offers as a shelter from king fishers, heron, along with various other birds.

It really is alright to have a bit of algae on pond surfaces, filtration systems, as well as other pond maintenance gear. The key is to keep it in check with a probiotics solution such as an organic algaecide created with beneficial microorganisms. 
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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Effective Environmental Services and Organic Environmental Technology We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins and offer Natural Organic Solutions

Controlling Algae Naturally in Your Pond

By Clifford Woods

You have two choices in dealing with algae in your pond and that is with chemicals or naturally.
Chemical methods are fine if you there are no living creatures or plants in your pond because algaecides and chemicals will kill any and all life in the water. Normally chemicals would be used in a swimming pool or perhaps outdoor fountains, any water feature that does not have plants and or fish in them.
The natural way works with Mother Nature, not against her. You could use plants and fish, or good bacteria that would create and maintain a healthy well balanced ecosystem. Algae itself is a plant, it needs nutrients and light to grow so when you add plants to your pond they directly compete for the nutrients available. Add enough plants and you naturally minimize the nutrients available to the algae.
Over feeding your fish. Fish food that is not digested by the fish is the main pollutant in many ponds. Fish eat many things in the pond and that includes algae. Too much food for the fish increases waste and provides nutrients that feed the algae. When the algae goes on an over population bloom reduce or eliminate feeding until it is under control.
Reduce sunlight penetration: Cover at least half of the surface area of your pond with plants. Water that is not covered is much more difficult to keep in balance than ponds filled with beneficial plants.

Add beneficial microorganisms

colonies of healthy bacteria found in Pond Magician are a crucial part in ensuring a naturally balanced pond. When cooler water temperatures are present add more and during the warmer months add less.
Keep the water moving: pulling water from one end of the pond and then filtering it before it returns at the opposite end will greatly improve water quality. Oxygen is added to the water as it is circulated.
Water run-off from lawns and surrounding gardens can overload the pond with nutrients and that is not good for the life in your pond.
Create a run off or add a drain tile.
You must manually take out the dead and decaying plants and their leaves: Decaying leaves and or plant debris will also create excess nutrients in your pond. Skimmers are by far the most efficient and easiest way to keep your pond free of debris.
Water change: A partial water change (10-30%) every month or month and a half may also help reduce excess nutrients in some situations.
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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Organic Environmental Technology. and Effective Environmental Services.

They brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins in the environment and sell Environmentally Friendly products

Tips for Keeping a Clean Pond All Year Round

By Clifford Woods

You have done all the work to create your beautiful pond. You've got the correct, colorful fish and the pumps are pumping, the plants are "just so" and you start enjoying.
You then do all the right things. Add the chemicals and things recommended and one day your pond is not as clear as it was. You cannot see your fish and worse - it's all green!
Oh no!

Well, here are some no chemicals tips for a clean, all natural, organic pond that you and your fish will love!

The first point is NEVER put any chemicals what-so-ever in your pond. They damage the environment; destroy natural vegetation and they can HARM your fish! If you are currently using chemicals, it is strongly recommend that you cease using them. At the very least, they are not safe for the environment.

Use effective microorganisms - always - an organic pond cleaner! Some kinds of microorganisms help us, but other kinds give us trouble. Among microorganisms, there are good bacteria and there are bad bacteria. Good bacteria cleans water, produce cheese, bread etc. and are of help to our health. Bad bacteria contaminate soil, pollute water and air. They cause sickness and disease and degrade health. So, look around. Do a little research and locate some effective microorganisms that you can use in your pond. Use organic pond cleaners, your fish will love you for it.

No Ultra Violet Lights - ever. Ultra Violet light does reduce the bacteria in the pond; however, the UV cannot tell the difference between the good bacteria and the bad ones. Because of this, a UV light kills the friendly bacteria in the Pond and in any effective microorganisms you are using - right along with the bad guys!

Use your dechlorinator. If your water is chlorinated or every time you add fresh water to your pond; dechlorinate. Chlorine is not good for the microbes in any effective organisms you use.
Plants and animals are not likely to store chlorine. However, laboratory studies show that repeat exposure to chlorine in air can affect the immune system, the blood, the heart, and the respiratory system of animals. Chlorine causes environmental harm at low levels. Chlorine is especially harmful to organisms living in water and in soil; so, use your de-chlorinator!
No sludge build-up! When effective microorganisms are used regularly in ponds, about every 6 weeks or so all-year-round, the black, stinky, smelly sludge build up on the bottom of ponds does not seem to happen.

Good practice:Some good practices when dealing with ponds are:

1. Calculate the gallons of water in your pond correctly. Use a calculator - The formula is: length x width x average depth x 7.5. This ensures that whatever you are adding to it is being added correctly to your pond.
2. If you have heavy rains, double the dosage of whatever effective microorganisms you are use.
3. Do not fertilize your pond plants. This also fertilizes the algae - and we do not want to be doing that!

Using effective microorganisms, at the recommended dosages, all-year-round (every 6 weeks or so) and keeping your pond dechlorinated whenever you add fresh water, will give you:

• Happy fish
• Thriving and beautiful plants
• No green water
• A clean, healthy, beautiful pond all-year-round!

Clifford Woods is the CEO of Organic Environmental Technology.
You can find out more about our Organic Pond Cleaner at www.effens.com
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins in the environment and sell environmentally friendly products

What is Pond Magician

What is Pond Magician and how does it work?

By Clifford Woods
Pond Magician (PM for short) contains beneficial micro-organisms which eat toxins. When they eat the toxins, they give off as a by-product antioxidants and probiotics (a substance containing beneficial micro- organisms) which are very good things for fish, plants, etc.
One very important thing to understand is that Pond Magician is NOT a chemical, nor does it contain any chemicals.
Sometimes you will see little white particles floating around on the top of your Pond Magician. These particles are just one of the ingredients in the product. They do not mean the PM is old or not longer good. Just keep the lid on tight so no air can get into the container as air tends to make these little white particles show up.
You may ask..."How do I know if the PM is still good?" Well, if it smells kind of sweet, similar to soy sauce, it is still good. When it goes bad it smells really bad and you can tell just by smelling the Pond Magician if it is still good or not. The shelf life of Pond Magician is 6 months after purchase.
It will last longer than that.
If you have a question about your Pond Magician, you should smell it. If you have had it for some time but haven't used it. The smell will tell whether it is good or not.

How Does Pond Magician work?

Pond Magician's millions of friendly microbes move through your pond and gobble up the organisms and pollutants that make your pond unsightly and smelly. Different than other pond and lake cleaners which solely treat organic substances, Pond Magician contains both beneficial aerobic (living or occurring only in the presence of oxygen) and beneficial anaerobic (grows and thrives in an oxygen-free environment) microorganisms and therefore can adapt to a wide variety of pond water conditions.
These two categories of microbes team up to eliminate the organic and inorganic pollutants that live in your pond. As these microbes do their work, you get the following benefits:

• Your pond water will be as fresh and clear as water from a fresh running mountain stream.
• Your pond fish and plants will be very happy, thriving.
• Your fish and plants will live longer.
• Your pond will have a very pleasant "alive and healthy" scent.

How much Pond Magician do I need?
First, you have to calculate the number of gallons in your pond using this simple formula:

1. Multiply the average length in feet of the pond by the average width in feet.
2. Then multiply that answer by the average depth in feet.
3. Then multiply that answer by 7.484. This answer is the approximate number of gallons in your pond.

Next, using the Table below, determine the amount of Pond Magician you need for two applications.
Gallons of Water in Pond:

• 0-1,000 Gallon Pond   - 1 Quart
• 1000-5000 Gallon Pond - 1 Gallon
• 5,000 - 12,500 Gallon Pond - 2.5 Gallons
• 12,500 Gallon Pond or More  Please call for specific instructions 818-897-4444

Clifford Woods is the CEO of Organic Environmental Technology.
You can find out more about Pond Magician at www.effens.com
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins in the environment and sell Environmentally Friendly products

My All Natural, No Chemical Pond Never Turns Green!

By Clifford Woods

"My all-natural, no-chemical pond never turns green" is a statement made by our Founder's wife about their pond. She uses Pond Magician and Magic Sinkers all-year-round!
This astonishing statement got me curious! I knew the products worked; but never turns green? This I had to find out more about. So, being naturally curious I asked her how they did it. She explains how they keep their pond fresh and clean all-year-round with natural, organic no-chemical products.
No Chemicals and tips for a clean, all natural, organic pond that you and your fish will love!

• The first point is NEVER put any chemicals what-so-ever in your pond. They damage the environment; destroy natural vegetation and they can HARM your fish! If you are currently using chemicals, it is strongly recommend that you cease using them. At the very least, they are not safe for the environment.
• Use the recommended dosages - always!

When asked to elaborate on the pond itself, she says she has a 2500 gallon pond and that she always uses the recommended dosages of Pond Magician, every 6 weeks or so, ALL-YEAR-ROUND!

• No Ultra Violet Lights - ever. Ultra Violet light does reduce the bacteria in the pond; however, the UV cannot tell the difference between the good bacteria and the bad ones.
• Because of this, a UV light kills the friendly bacteria in the Pond and in the Pond Magician - right along with the bad guys!
• Use your dechlorinator. If your water is chlorinated or every time you add fresh water to your pond; dechlorinate. Chlorine is not good for the microbes in the Pond Magician.

No sludge build-up! Because she uses Pond Magician - about once every 6 weeks or so, no black, stinky, smelly sludge builds up on the bottom of the pond.
Using Pond Magician, at the recommended dosages, all-year-round (every 6 weeks or so) and keeping your pond dechlorinated whenever you add fresh water, will give you:

1. happy fish
2. thriving and beautiful plants
3. no green water
4. a clean, healthy, beautiful pond all-year-round!

Pond Magician

gives you a clear, natural pond that never turns green all-year-round!


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Clifford Woods is the CEO of Organic Environmental Technology.
You can find out more about Pond Magician & Magic Sinkers at www.effens.com
We brew Beneficial Microorganisms that eat toxins in the environment and sell Environmentally Friendly products