Question
This spring I put in a new pond. Size 8'x12' and 19'' deep..Have a skimmer on one end and a filter with waterfall  on the opposite side.  Pump is 2200GPH. The water is constantly green even though I have added the Algae-fix and off as suggested locally. The plants are turning yellow due to these applications. I get full sun most of the day. Live in Raleigh NC area.  Have about 15 goldfish in the water which are doing fine.. Water was tested and approved.  Would like to get the water cleared up without the use of excessive chemicals.  Was told it takes time for the water to clear but it stays green and cloudy. Is there anything I can do to correct this situation.?. Also is there a local group in the Raleigh/Wake Forest area that I can join and get advise on pond care and maintenance?  Thank You

Answer
Len,

This is the absolute, number one question that I get on a daily basis at my pond store and the answer is so unbelievably simple that I am often doubted, but I promise you it is true.

JUST STOP FEEDING THE FISH.

Yep, that's it.  Just stop all feeding.  The fish will get enough to survive by eating algae and nibbling on plants.  

Here's the formula:

NUTRIENTS INTO THE WATER = GREEN WATER
NUTRIENTS OUT OF THE WATER = CLEAR WATER

You're the one putting the nutrients into the water by feeding the fish.  The natural bacteria growing on the rocks converts the wastes into Nitrates and plants, especially floating plants remove the nutrients, the algae starves and settles out, and the pond clears.  It is really THAT simple.

If you add a garbage bag full of water hyacinths, water lettuce, or parrot's feather, floating on the water with no soil and fortify your bacteria with a good bacteria concentrate and stop feeding the fish, you will have clear water in a week or less.  After you get clear water, you can start throwing out the excess plants and start back feeding just a little.

Right now your pond is young and you don't have the huge populations of bacteria growing on the rocks to convert massive amounts of nutrients, but with time, you will, and green water won't be as much of a problem.

Sorry, but I'm not familiar with any groups in your area.  Get you a current pond magazine and look there for the info you need.  In the mean time, I'll help as much as I can from here.

Good Luck,

John