Backyard water feature algae?

[JimmyBob]

We have approx. a 40x40x18 rock with water flowing from the center 24/7. In the past few months, it's decided it wants to be an algae farm. Hardscape in Bixby recommended 1t. of bleach weekly; thought it was working, but in last week, the algae is as bad as ever. There are plants that are part of the feature, so mega-bleach is obviously not the answer. Anyone have a suggestion(s) how to get rid of this crap? Any solution must be bird and dog friendly.

 

[cableok]

I use the same chlorine in my pondless waterfall that I use for my pool. Works like a champ.

 

[GoPokes43]

How many gallons of water? You may need to maintain the shock level for a few days to get rid of the algae because the chlorine will be used up quickly eating the algae without any residual chlorine left, causing the cycle to repeat.

1 qt of bleach (at 8% chlorine) will take the chlorine level in 2500 gallons up to about 12 ppm, which is a good level to knock out algae, but may need to do that a couple times a day, several days in a row.

Here's a link on how to do it for a pool, but probably not worth buying a test kit for your purpose and just go crazy with the bleach: https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/3913-Turning-Your-Green-Swamp-Back-into-a-Sparkling-Oasis

EDIT: Just realized that you said there are plants. Maybe try an algaecide like Polyquat 60 - I don't know if it is safe for plants. You probably have a lot of dead plant material decaying that creates nitrates and nitrites that feed the algae. So, getting rid of that should help.

 

[SKC]

Also, just like in pools when trying to get rid of algae, even when using bleach, you'll want to scrub the surfaces to get rid of the algae that may cling to rocks, etc. Any brush will work, and once brushed, rinse it with clean water.

I really like TFP and have followed their suggestions for pool maintenance for the past few years.

 

[GoPokes43]

Yes, TFP seems good. We just had our pool built a few months ago and scoured the internet for good pool advice. Quickly realized that buying overpriced chlorine and all sorts of other chemicals at the pool store is too complicated, full of distorted information and just expensive. Sure, there are tweaks to be made, but generic concentrated bleach and muriatic acid from Home Depot takes care of almost all my balancing needs.