So you have just installed your very own water garden.
Congradulations!
It will bring you hours of joy and tranquility!

But it looks like pea soup you say?

Well acording to my friend, The Pond Doctor, this is a natural process
and happens anytime you bring together light and water.
 The "soup" is a free swimming type of algae. It is harmless but rather unsightly.
It will eventually die as your water plants grow and compete with it for food and light.
The other type of algae is Filamentous and will adhere to anything.
(plant stems, pumps,a snails shell...)It is advantagous to your pond, so leave it there!
If there is just too much of it(and that can easily happen) just pull out some of it.
Be sure to leave a good amount, because it is there working hard
for you and helping the water stay crystal clear.

How soon will your pond clear up?
It could be a couple of weeks to a couple of months depending on a number of factors.
But don't despair, the best thing to do is to balance your pond.
* Remember your pond is a miniture ecosystem,
and it needs to stay balanced...just like everything in Nature.

Keep this in mind when trying to balance your pond:

1. Always have anacharis or other oxygenating plants in the pond, and use the correct amount
2. Include the proper amount of fish. They like to nibble on the alage and mosquito larvae.
3.Include snails
4.Add floaters (water lettuce, water hyacinth, etc)
These are a must because they shield your water from the UV rays of the sun, thus decreasing algae. And their roots act as a filter, again cutting down on the algae.
5. Filters are a great help! Either to run your fountian or waterfall, and for keeping debris from mucking up your water paradise. They are also beneficial for overwintering your pond!
6. Get a net to remove excess food, tree leaves and whatnot.
7. Be sure to prune your lilies and other plants and remove old leaves regularly!
Whatever you do, Don't go changing your water, or the "Pea Soup" process will start all over again!!

 Recommendations for stocking ponds 

This chart recommends the mix and amount of fish and plants for a well balanced pond.

Size Of Pond

Plant type            TUB           2x4           3x5           4x6           5x7           6x8           7x10           8x12           10x15
           Lily                  1                 1                 1                 1              1                 1                 1                 1                   2
Oxygenators          5              10             15               20           25          30              35          40           50               65
Marginals                1                2                    3                3                4                5                6                8                10
Floating             2                2                2                3                4                4                5                6             8
Fish{3-4"}           1-2                3                4                5                6                8                10                12           15
Fish are based on goldfish. One Koi requires the space of 5 goldfish. Koi are NOT RECOMMENDED for ponds smaller than 1000 gallons, or 8x12

More to come.....

do you have a pond question? E-mail the pond doctor.
{click the doll below}
If you live in Licking Co. {Ohio}
She'll even make a house call for a small fee. ($35)

Information from: The Pond Doctor ~ Lori Swihart