How to Control Pond Algae in Australia

Struggling with green water or stringy algae taking over your pond? You’re not alone. Algae is one of the most common challenges pond owners face in Australia. The good news is it’s manageable with the right approach and treatments.

Before you panic upon seeing algae in your pond, remember this: algae are a completely normal part of any organic pond ecosystem. A small amount of algae is perfectly okay and even beneficial. The key is maintaining balance so algae growth does not get out of hand and impact water clarity.

At Aquascape Australia, we supply professional-grade pond treatments and filtration systems including Clear for Ponds, SAB Stream & Pond Cleaner, UltraKlean Pressure Filters and the IonGen System G2. These solutions are designed to keep your pond water clear, healthy and in balance all year.

What is Pond Algae?

Algae are microscopic aquatic plants. In small amounts they contribute to a healthy ecosystem, but excessive growth can quickly cloud water and disrupt balance.

The two most common types of pond algae are:

• Planktonic algae (green water): Tiny free-floating algae that make pond water cloudy or pea green.
• Filamentous algae (string algae): Hair-like strands that form mats on rocks, streams and waterfalls.

Why Does Algae Grow in Ponds?

Algae flourish when there is an abundance of nutrients, warm sunlight and poor water circulation. In Australia’s warmer climate this combination is common, which is why algae control is one of the biggest challenges for pond owners.

Typical triggers include:

• Overfeeding fish
• Poor or undersized filtration
• Leaves and debris breaking down in the water
• Strong sunlight without enough aquatic plants for shade
  

Types of Pond Algae

Suspended Algae (Green Water)

Suspended algae are single-celled organisms that multiply rapidly, turning water cloudy and green. This form of algae is often described as “pea soup.”

Causes:

• Excess nutrients from fish waste and decaying plants
• Too much direct sunlight
• Inadequate filtration
• Overstocked ponds or overfeeding fish

Solutions:

• Clear for Ponds: Binds nutrients and clarifies suspended algae
• UltraKlean Pressure Filters: Provides UV clarification and advanced filtration for long-term clear water
• Add aquatic plants to absorb nutrients and provide shade
• Avoid overfeeding fish and remove debris regularly

String Algae (Filamentous Algae)

String algae form long strands or mats that attach to surfaces such as rocks, streams and waterfalls. If left untreated, they can spread quickly and be difficult to remove.

Causes:

• Excess nutrients in the water
• High sunlight exposure
• Poor circulation and organic debris build-up
• Durable spores that multiply under favourable conditions

Solutions:

• Clear for Ponds: Binds nutrients and clarifies suspended algae. 
• SAB Stream & Pond Cleaner: Breaks down organic debris and digests string algae on surfaces
• IonGen System G2: Targets string algae with safe copper ion technology
• Add shade with floating or marginal plants such as water lilies
• Skim off algae mats quickly to prevent spores from spreading
• Increase circulation with pumps or aeration

How to Control and Treat Pond Algae

The aim is not to eliminate algae completely but to control it and keep your pond in balance. Here are the most effective methods and the products we recommend.

1. Beneficial Bacteria Treatments: Clear for Ponds

Clear for Ponds helps restore and maintain water clarity by binding excess nutrients and clarifying suspended algae. Regular use prevents green water and string algae and supports a healthy ecosystem.

Best for: Ongoing prevention of green water and restoring clear water.

2. Organic Debris Breakdown: SAB Stream & Pond Cleaner

SAB Stream & Pond Cleaner uses a blend of natural bacteria, enzymes and barley to digest organic debris. It is particularly effective on string algae, helping to clean rocks, streams and waterfalls.

Best for: Breaking down string algae and improving the appearance of pond surfaces.

3. Advanced Filtration: UltraKlean Pressure Filters

The UltraKlean™ Pressure Filters provide a powerful combination of biological and mechanical filtration with built-in UV clarification. These filters are easy to backwash, require minimal maintenance and are available in complete kits with pumps and fittings for fast installation.

Best for: Reliable long-term control of green water and crystal clear ponds.

4. Targeted Ionisation: IonGen System G2

The IonGen™ System G2 uses controlled copper ion technology to target string algae directly. Safe for fish and aquatic plants when used as directed, it is a highly effective option for larger ponds or stubborn algae problems.

Best for: Reducing string algae in streams, waterfalls and larger water features.

5. Ecosystem Practices for Algae Prevention

• Regular daily or weekly addition of Beneficial Bacteria treatments such as Maintain for Ponds, Clean for Ponds, Beneficial Bacteria or Wetland Pond & Lake. 
• Add aquatic plants to provide shade and absorb nutrients
• Avoid overfeeding fish
• Remove debris regularly with a net or skimmer
• Ensure circulation with pumps or aeration to keep water moving
• Adequate biological filtration for your pond
  

Keep Your Pond Clear with Aquascape Australia

Algae does not need to take over your pond. With the right treatments, filters and maintenance, you can enjoy a thriving water garden all season.

At Aquascape Australia we stock everything you need to manage pond algae effectively:

• Clear for Ponds for water clarity and string algae control 
• SAB Stream & Pond Cleaner for string algae and debris
• UltraKlean Pressure Filters for UV and biological filtration
• IonGen System G2 for targeted string algae control

Shop online today with Aquascape Australia and keep your pond crystal clear, healthy and beautiful.