Hi Friend,

Here is todays's Pond Q&A, all the way from the nations capital..

That's right, we're on the road this week - visting the city we started our pond business. I've personally drained, cleaned, scrubbed, and 'de-mucked' hundreds of ponds over the years.

Can't say I miss it, but it does bring back some memories. Like the time we cleaned out the 50,000 gallon pond at the Embassy of Japan, and moved their 200+ large KOI into a temporary holding tank for a week (with NO casualities).

Maybe we'll post some pictures of that soon, but for now - on to today's Q&A.

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Who knew the Pleco would be so popular?

Question>

I read your letter regarding the hair algae with your solution as to using the Plecaustomus sucker fish which keeps your pond algae free all year 'round.

I am curious as to whether this type of fish is compatible with koi? I have a 2800 gal pond, with which my biggest problem is the hair algae being pulled into the skimmer part of my pump, causing the water flow to slow down tremendously. I usually catch this and clean the skimmer,and all is well for a couple of days. I do a backwash on my filter about every other day, and I also have the aqualight set up to help with my algae problem. The water is clear, and my fish are fine, but I am thinking there must be a way to keep the hair algae from causing this much of a problem. Do you have any suggestions for a pond of this size?

Thank you!

Bobby & Rosa

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Answer>

Hi Bobby & Rosa,

Yes, if you live in a climate that doesn't see freezing weather - then the Plece will usually survive year round, and is an excellent solution to your hair algae problems.

However, these fish do not like to start with algae that is already established, or growing longer than 1/2", so I would recommend brushing or scraping as much of the algae out as possible, and removing it before adding the Plecos.

That being said - Yes, they do fine with most KOI, although I have heard some stories of them 'sucking' on to the sides of larger KOI, which can potentially damage the slime coat of the KOI, and cause problems. I never said these were smart fish... so might want to keep an eye on them, but I've never had problems, and I've got six large plecos in my pond...

We also recommend Algae Fix for controlling string algae. You can learn more about 'Algae Fix' here:

http://www.macarthurwatergardens.com/Additives/pondcare_algae_fix.html

Or just search for 'algae fix' on our website.

Hope this helps!

Brett Fogle

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