natural pond question (sort of "off topic")

[countryborn]

Well, this has nothing to do with home building, but does have to do with our home site.
We have a spring-fed pond with gold fish in it (& frogs & salamanders & occasional visiting mallards).  As the weather warms up, algae grows in it.  Not only does it look ugly, but we think it depletes the oxygen, which would be bad for the fish & amphibians.  Any ideas about how to get rid of the algae without harming the animals?
thanks!

[muldoon]

greening up is a sign of healthy pondlife.  The most common contributors are overabundance of nutrients, and lack of aeration. 

First, you'll need to determine what it is exactly your dealing with.  Is it algea - if so filamentous algae or planktonic?  Is it hydrilla or watermill? 

Can you post some pictures of the place during spring and non spring time? 

[Redoverfarm]

Here are just a few sites that might help

http://www.interstateproducts.com/aquaticweedkiller_weedmanagement.htm?gclid=CLbjwdOvhJoCFSAgDQodm1OTGA

http://www.exoticwaterscapes.com/barley-straw.php?gclid=CMyNv8CwhJoCFSQMDQodBnl9GA

[John_M]

I would guess that an aerator of some type (looks like a fountain) would be a big help.

[NM_Shooter]

The biggest things to assist in getting algae out of the water :

Shade the pond.  Decrease the number of critters that crap in it.

Is it string algae?  That can be nasty stuff.  Does much water flow out of the pond?  A good way to decrease algae in garden ponds is to place a bundle of barley straw in the pond.  As it decomposes it releases hydrogen peroxide (small amounts) which kills off the algae. 

If you put "good" plants in the pond, this will help consume the nitrates... some of them, such as lily pads also provide shade. 

This can be a struggle.  We have a pond and I hate string algae.....

-f-

[fishing_guy]

We are fighting the string algae now in Minnesota.  It usually does go away when we can put out our warm weather plants, which use up the excess nutrients that come from out fish.
Until then, we use the harvest method.  Scrape it out with a net.  For some strange reason, all of our dogs love eating it...I have to watch where I throw it!

[countryborn]

Thank you for all the info, we will follow up.  I think the barley treatment sounds most promising.
Probably sould do some local research.
To answer some questions, the pond is shaded, trees on all side.  It's maybe 15 foot by 25 foot, 6 to 8 foot deep at the center.  Other than fish & frogs, only occasional wild ducks crap in the pond. 
A steady stream runs into the pond from the spring uphill.  Nothing runs out, water soaks into the ground, & evaporates.
I should have some pics someplace, will try to send some.