Pakistan Gardening Forum

Dear Members,
I wanted some assistance regarding the algae growth I am having in my Koi pond.

The setup is:
- 15 Koi (small ones) and maybe 20 tiny mollies.
- Filteration system with UV lighting
- 4 lillies

The pond gets a lot of sunlight, and the filteration is working great, as in the water does stay clear, but the algae growth around the edges of the pond is quite severe. Water is changed on a regular basis, but the algae on the side is an issue. I have read that I need water plants that compete with the algae for nutrients. Can someone recommend which plants and where I can buy them in Karachi? Also, can anyone recommend any stores from where I can buy aquarium supplies / filteration equipment refills?

Can someone please advise on what I am supposed to do?

Video of the pond
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x38a0vl

Just an idea, see if "sucker" fish are compatible with your fishes. I once had them in a small aquarium to keep the aquarium clean. These fishes might be helpful in cleaning your pond. I am not sure about plants which prevent algae growth. As long as algae is not hurting anything, why bother about it?

I saw the video, its a nice setup... I would recommend to clean the algae weekly by yourself... no product is effective in eliminating the algae.. water lilies will slow algae formation when they cover the whole surface.. in my experience swordtails are better in eating algae compared to mollies...

Would you know if this fish is compatible with the Koi and the mollies?

Nice setup- plants which can help reduce algae and look good are water hyacinths and water lettuce. They can be found in a few nurseries. I have hyacinths if you'd like!

How long has the setup been running for? From what I know it takes a while for the filter to kick in. Other than that, koi are dirty fish as in they eat/poop a lot and so algae has a lotta nutrients!

The setup has been running for slightly over a month. Water is partially changed every 3-4 days (40%) and an 80% change every 5 weeks. The sides and floors are scrubbed clean at this time as well.

New video where I have added some more plants.
http://dai.ly/x38himm

Swordtails are compatible with Koi, Mollies and goldfish..