The garden pond or pool could be so beautiful if only the water wasn't so green and unsightly because of all the algae! A lot of work again. Do you know that too? How about using fish instead?
Are there fish that eat algae?
Yes, there aredifferent types of fish that eat algae. You should base your choice of fish primarily on the size of your garden pond. Large species such as koi can only find enough living space and freedom of movement in a large pond.
Which fish eat algae?
There are probablyhardly any fish that don't eat algae, but some are considered particularly good algae eaters. First and foremost, there are a few species of carp that should be mentioned here, such as the grass carp or the pennant carp. Both are quite large and not suitable for a mini pond. The goldfish is probably one of the most popular fish in the garden pond. It also likes to eat algae, just like the rather inconspicuous gudgeon or the golden minnow, which is only ten centimeters small.
What conditions do fish need in the garden pond??
If you want to put fish in your pond to combat algae, then ideally it should be big enough and deepso that the fish can overwinter in it. Otherwise you would have to overwinter the animals somewhere else. The pond should also be protected from cats and herons. After all, you are not buying the fish for food, but for algae control. If you would like to use fish in the swimming pond, the pond water must not be chemically treated or chlorinated.
Can I keep fish in the rain barrel?
This is unusual, butit workst: You can keep fish in the rain barrel. This not only helps against algae in irrigation water, but also reduces the mosquito plague in your garden. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- The rain barrel should be large enough so that the fish have enough space.
- There must be no chemical residues in the bin.
- The rain barrel is stable and safe from the neighbor's cat in a shady place.
- With a suitable filter system, you ensure consistently good water quality.
Tip
Snails against algae
Not only fish eat algae, snails can also be used for this purpose. The different animal species generally do not compete, but can complement each other well. While fish primarily eat thread and floating algae, most species of snails eat the algae that grow at the bottom of the pond. Together, the animals ensure clear water and a clean pond.
