Do certain aquatic plants reduce green water?

Do certain aquatic plants reduce green water? In this mini-guide, we will mainly focus on ponds, but the biology is the same in an aquarium.

Yes, certain aquatic plants can help reduce green water, which is caused by excessive algae growth. Aquatic plants absorb the nutrients that algae need to grow, which can help regulate their growth. Aquatic plants will "compete" with the algae.

The problem often arises in winter, as the pond may experience an algae bloom because your aquatic plants are generally in a "vegetative rest" state. You can therefore find other solutions to reduce green water, which you can find by clicking here: solutions for green water in ponds.

In addition, many aquatic plants (which you can order from our online shop here - aquatic nursery) produce oxygen through photosynthesis, which can help maintain an adequate level of oxygen in the water and promote the growth of bacteria that consume algae.

However, it is important to note that adding aquatic plants alone will not solve the green water problem. It is also important to maintain an adequate level of filtration and water cleaning and to monitor nutrient levels in the water to prevent excessive algae growth.

Here is a guide to help reduce green water in a pond or basin:

1. Monitor nutrient levels in the water, especially phosphates and nitrates. High levels of these nutrients can contribute to algae growth. It is also very important to check the water pH. You can easily find test strips to monitor these parameters, or consult a pond water analysis specialist if you cannot find them. 

2. Use an effective pond filter to remove debris and nutrients that can contribute to algae growth. It is important to properly size your filtration according to the number of fish and your water volume. Any questions? Contact us, we have been sizing and installing filtration systems for over 10 years throughout France & Belgium. 

3. Regularly clean the bottom of the pond to remove debris and dead algae that may contain nutrients that feed the algae. You can use a suitable skimmer or a pond & pool vacuum. 

4. Use a water clarifier to flocculate suspended particles and algae, making it easier for the filter to remove them. This is generally a very effective short-term method. We recommend OASE's PONDCLEAR, which is very reliable and will help flocculate the matter. If you are looking for more natural solutions, you can use NAUTEX. 

5. Add aquatic plants that absorb the nutrients algae need to grow, such as:

• Water mint (Mentha aquatica)
• Creeping milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)
• Water lily (Nymphaea sp.)
• Water lily (Nymphaea sp.)
• Pickerel weed (Pontederia Cordata)
• Iris 

6. Use high-quality food for your fish (avoid overfeeding, everything should be eaten within 5 minutes) because it can contribute to algae growth by adding too many nutrients to the water.

7. Use treatments specially designed to treat algae, but use them with caution as they can be harmful to fish and other aquatic animals. One of the best solutions is to aerate your pond and balance the pH (you can use NAUTEX in a natural solution or barley straw). Find the full range of solutions to treat green water by clicking here. 

It is important to note that reducing green water can be a slow and continuous process, and it is recommended to regularly monitor nutrient levels and water conditions to prevent excessive algae growth. If despite this advice you are still looking for a solution, contact us at support@foudebassin.com