Tea-colored water is something that happens to most Oklahoma City outdoor koi ponds and water gardens, and for those encountering it for the first time, it can be quite distressing. This is when your Oklahoma pond is clear, but the water has a distinct brown or orange color to it. Like many other Oklahoma pond and water garden problems, you have to understand and address the root of the problem to get to the solution.

​Tea colored water is caused by the buildup of tannins in the water. The substance is a natural occurring by-product of decomposing organic matter that enters your pond water, leaves, sticks, pecans, acorns and even driftwood breaking down in some way.

​Various species of plants create tannin, which is the ingredient that gives Western tea its brown color. Tannin plays an important role in protecting plants from predators, and is also responsible for the management of plant growth. They provide color as well as astringency to certain brands of wine and even coffee. But while brown is a delightful color to have in these beverages, it is the last color most pond owners want in their water. ​

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Continental Ponds is offering this pond information as a personal information source to our website visitors. Pond services are performed in Oklahoma City, Norman, Moore, Nichols Hills, Edmond, Yukon, Shawnee, Newcastle, Mustang, Bethany, Piedmont, Guthrie, Jones, Chandler, Midwest City, Del City, Shawnee, Tuttle, Blanchard, Bridge Creek , Warr Acres, Woodlawn Park, Lawton. Fish and Koi Pond Maintenance and Construction, Streams and Waterfalls, and Fountains are all in our wheelhouse of talent. Explore our website for more ideas. Like our Facebook page for daily tips and inspiration.

Pond scum is an issue that every Oklahoma pond owner will encounter at some point. Most times it is prevalent on large ponds with very little filtration or movement. How you choose to deal with it will determine the health and longevity of your pond, so it is important to understand all the factors involved with this phenomenon.

What Is Pond Scum?
The term “pond scum” is loosely used and includes a variety of objects, such as floating weeds, plants, and leaves. The term is also used to refer to filamentous algae which create mats on top of the surface of the water. The algae typically form on the pond’s sides or bottom and eventually reach buoyancy that allows it to rise to the surface. This is due to oxygen bubbles which it produces. Once algae reach the top the pond scum will spread rapidly to cover the entire surface, giving it an unpleasant appearance which is similar to a swamp. Pond scum should not be confused with floating plants such as water meal or duck weed.

Why Does Pond Scum Appear?
Pond scum results from an increased level of nutrients within the pond. These nutrients are often combined with increased water temperature and extended daylight hours during the summer. Pond scum is also a sign that your pond is deteriorating, and anytime high nutrient levels are present this should be a cause for concern. Things which contribute to the presence of increased nutrients include overfeeding, failure to clean the pond regularly, dirty filters and overstocking.

How To Prevent And Eliminate Pond Scum
There are various things you can do to prevent and eliminate pond scum. Many pond owners resort to using chemicals, since they are fast, relatively effective and don’t cost much. Unfortunately, chemical treatment is not a good solution long term since it merely hides the pond scum for a time before it reappears on the surface again. To get to the root of the problem you may have to do extensive cleaning or hire the services of a professional. The groundwater runoff may need to be redirected, and you should remove any grass clipping from the pond water.

Another brilliant solution is the installation of plants into the pond which consume nutrients. Adding shade to prevent the pond from being exposed to excess sunlight is another option, as is using bacterial treatment. To permanently prevent and resolve pond scum, it is wise to look for solutions that get to the root of the problem as opposed to dealing with its symptoms.

Additional tips for getting rid of pond scum permanently include not over-feeding the fish, replacing your filtration systems, enhancing circulation, including aeration and reducing the stock that is present. The good news is that pond scum in backyard ponds is relatively simple to fix once you understand the underlying cause as well as the solutions. Before resolving the problem you must first diagnose it, and then enact the procedures which are needed to correct it. Remember; even after the problem is resolved, ponds require regular maintenance or else the pond scum will appear again.

​​​For daily pond tips Monday thru Friday like and share our facebook page. To receive our monthly newsletter click here. Remember we are always just a click away from solving your pond problems!

Our outdoor design center is located at 9105 NW Expressway, Yukon, OK  73099. Please feel free to stop by for more water feature inspiration.
 
Continental Ponds is offering this pond information as a personal information source to our website visitors. Pond services are performed in Oklahoma City, Norman, Moore, Nichols Hills, Edmond, Yukon, Shawnee, Newcastle, Mustang, Bethany, Piedmont, Guthrie, Jones, Chandler, Midwest City, Del City, Shawnee, Tuttle, Blanchard, Bridge Creek , Warr Acres, Woodlawn Park, Lawton. Fish and Koi Pond Maintenance and Construction, Streams and Waterfalls, and Fountains are all in our wheelhouse of talent. Explore our website for more ideas. Like our Facebook page for daily tips and inspiration.

​Whether man-made or natural, ponds are attractive to male frogs in particular as they will hibernate there during the winter months, lying dormant beneath the water. However, they still require oxygen to live, which is why you will want to monitor the pond when it freezes and thaw a portion of it by putting a hot pan of water on top. Frogs also like ponds which have lots of shade as it makes the area attractive for breeding.

​Creating the right pond environment will attract frogs, but it may take a few years for them to appear. Many pond owners become impatient and decide to drive down to their local pet store where they buy a frog and then introduce it to their ponds manually. This is a bad idea. Frogs that are introduced in this manner may either die or simply leave. It is also important to remember that frogs are fragile creatures. If you use nylon mesh in your garden it must be taut and no more than 1.5 inches otherwise it can trap and kill them. If you have cats, dogs or other pets, they should be kept away from the pond otherwise they could also kill the frogs.

​​​​​For daily pond tips Monday thru Friday like and share our facebook page. To receive our monthly newsletter click here. Remember we are always just a click away from solving your pond problems!

Continental Ponds is offering this pond information as a personal information source to our website visitors. Pond services are performed in Oklahoma City, Norman, Moore, Nichols Hills, Edmond, Yukon, Shawnee, Newcastle, Mustang, Bethany, Piedmont, Guthrie, Jones, Chandler, Midwest City, Del City, Shawnee, Tuttle, Blanchard, Bridge Creek , Warr Acres, Woodlawn Park, Lawton. Fish and Koi Pond Maintenance and Construction, Streams and Waterfalls, and Fountains are all in our wheelhouse of talent. Explore our website for more ideas. Like our Facebook page for daily tips and inspiration.

​Oklahoma City pond owners often ask if their UV bulbs can be reused from one year to the next. These bulbs are one of the best tools you can use against water discoloration and issues which are associated with it. The reason for this is because when the super fine particles have exposure to the ultraviolet rays which the bulbs produce, the particles will begin clumping together, which will then be eliminated by the ponds filtration mechanical system. This results in water that is both clear and clean, given the bulb continues working in an efficient manner.

UV clarifiers are designed to eliminate floating algae which are single celled. They are less effective at dealing with blanket and string algae. Their primary purpose is to ensure the water remains clear and pristine. However, in order for them to do their jobs they need a fresh bulb from one year to the next, one which produces ultraviolet light. If you reuse these bulbs after a year has passed, they will continue displaying illumination and appear functional, but in actuality their effectiveness will decrease as time passes. The wiser course of action is to always replace your ultraviolet bulbs during spring, and plan to do the same each year.

​Aside from replacing the UV bulb, you will also want to evaluate the glass tube and quartz sleeve which houses it. Does it look like it should be cleaned? Debris has a tendency to collect within the glass, which blocks the strong UV rays from entering the water when it moves via the filter. All you need to do is apply CLR or a descaler and cloth which is soft so that the buildup is removed. A descaler is substances that can be used to get lime scale off metal surfaces. Just be sure to rinse the bulb and sleeve off really good before re-installing.

It is also important to inspect your filter media carefully, as well as the mechanical components within it. These include the prefilters, skimmer and pump sock. They might need to be replaced or cleaned, and although the clarifier is responsible for handling much of the water which is discolored, the filtration unit must still manage the removal of the debris. Therefore, it is essential to ensure they are operating correctly before algae starts to bloom during spring.

​UV clarifiers are outstanding when it comes to keeping pond water clear. However, it is also important to ensure your pond is well balanced to begin with. Make sure excessive nutrients aren’t present in the water, and if they are the best solution is to reduce the fish population. You might also need to cut down on the level of food they’re being given. Waste and debris will build up over time, so it is important to make sure you remove it regularly.

​For daily pond tips Monday thru Friday like and share our facebook page. To receive our monthly newsletter click here. Remember we are always just a click away from solving your pond problems!
 
Continental Ponds is offering this pond information as a personal information source to our website visitors. Pond services are performed in Oklahoma City, Norman, Moore, Nichols Hills, Edmond, Yukon, Shawnee, Newcastle, Mustang, Bethany, Piedmont, Guthrie, Jones, Chandler, Midwest City, Del City, Shawnee, Tuttle, Blanchard, Bridge Creek , Warr Acres, Woodlawn Park, Lawton. Fish and Koi Pond Maintenance and Construction, Streams and Waterfalls, and Fountains are all in our wheelhouse of talent. Explore our website for more ideas. Like our Facebook page for daily tips and inspiration.

Oklahoma Ponds and water gardens host a variety of different animals, including fish, turtles, ducks and frogs. One animal that many Oklahoma pond owners overlook are snails. As children my siblings, friends and I had a blast collecting snails in the morning dew before school. With my mother being French, they made for a tasty after school snack but that's a whole other story. ​However, these animals play an important role in the ecosystem, and when present in your pond can bring a number of benefits.

What Are Snails?
The snail is a type of gastropod which is shelled. Like turtles, they can retract into it for protection. In addition to freshwater snails, there are also sea snails, and those that lack shells are referred to as being slugs. Throughout history these animals have been very important to humans, serving as a source of food in some cultures, and in others their shells were used as a form of jewelry. While they are commonly associated with aquatic environments, snails can also be found in deserts. Most species are herbivores, and use their radula, or tongue, to break down food such as plants. Some land species however are carnivores.

How Snails Function In Oklahoma Ponds
​They are fond of eating algae, which means when present in ponds they can keep it under control. They are best seen as being natural janitors, but in ponds that are well maintained, they will serve more aesthetic purposes. A snail should not be seen as a solution to serious pond problems, particularly involving water quality. If your pond water turns green, for instance, this is because of planktonic algae blooms, which will be much too small for them to consume. Snails are better adapted to eating slime algae.

Another mistake that some pond owners make is attempting to use snails to control pond sludge. Now, it is certainly true that the snails will consume the organic debris that they come across in the sludge layer, but in most cases they will have a greater preference for healthier algae, which is responsible for maintaining the pond’s cleanliness. This means that in certain circumstances the snails can actually make the situation worse. Another thing to remember about snails is that they breed quite rapidly, and if too many become present in the ponds, deceased snails will merge will the sludge and make it worse.

How Snails Should Be Used
​Snails should be seen like fish, frogs, or turtles, which is an animal that will make the environment more interesting and attractive. While snails will help in cases were string algae are present, they shouldn’t be relied upon to do so, especially at the expenses of cleaning the pond manually or using other types of equipment. Another thing to consider is that if you have other pets or animals already residing in the pond, they could see the snails as being a source of food, and may prey on them, so you have to exercise caution when introducing them.

​​For daily pond tips Monday thru Friday like and share our facebook page. To receive our monthly newsletter click here. Remember we are always just a click away from solving your pond problems!

Our outdoor design center is located at 9105 NW Expressway, Yukon, OK  73099. Please feel free to stop by for more water feature inspiration.
 
Continental Ponds is offering this pond information as a personal information source to our website visitors. Pond services are performed in Oklahoma City, Norman, Moore, Nichols Hills, Edmond, Yukon, Shawnee, Newcastle, Mustang, Bethany, Piedmont, Guthrie, Jones, Chandler, Midwest City, Del City, Shawnee, Tuttle, Blanchard, Bridge Creek , Warr Acres, Woodlawn Park, Lawton. Fish and Koi Pond Maintenance and Construction, Streams and Waterfalls, and Fountains are all in our wheelhouse of talent. Explore our website for more ideas. Like our Facebook page for daily tips and inspiration.