Algae growth is the number one problem of the fish pond. It pulls the valuable oxygen of the pond and destroys the plants and fishes in the water. Hydrogen peroxide treatment is a common solution to solve this problem.
Many pond keepers are afraid of using this chemical to clean the pond but unfortunately, they cannot control the quick growth of algae.
If you are facing the same problem, you are in the right place. We have made a proper guide for you which will assist you to know why hydrogen peroxide is important and how to use hydrogen peroxide for the pond.
Table of Contents
Why Hydrogen Peroxide Is Important For Pond Algae Treatment?
Pond algae is a group of microscopic plants that make the pond water green. Generally, they grow quickly in still or motionless water. They destroy the ecology under the water and can even kill the fish.
Due to an excessive amount of nitrate and phosphate level and sunlight, algae growth increases. Excess amount of Algae uses the required oxygen of your pond and causes the death of the fishes.
So, it is very important to treat the algae growth. It creates a negative impact on the ecology under the water. It makes the water green and reduces the quality of the water.
Natural Process Doesn’t Always Work
There are many natural ways to control the algae growth in the pond such as: adding submerge plants that release additional oxygen in the water. On the other hand, floating plants like lotus, lilies, etc. reduce the direct sunlight in the water.
Aquatic plants also help to control algae growth. But natural ways are not always effective. The natural process is slow which causes the death of the plants and fishes.
Hydrogen Peroxide Is Safe To Use In Pond
Pond keepers use some old school pond chemicals such as potassium permanganate, hydrogen peroxide, etc. to solve the algae problem quickly.
Potassium permanganate is not a good option to treat the algae. It is a powerful chemical that is used to clean the parasites and bacteria. It can kill the fish. So people mostly use hydrogen peroxide for treating the algae.
Hydrogen peroxide directly comes in contact with the algae and kill them. This chemical dissipates very quickly into the water. So you don’t need to remove the fishes from the pond. It is an easy and convenient way to kill algae.
Hydrogen Peroxide Is found In Natural Ingredients!
Many people use barley or barley extract in their pond. It is a natural way to control the algae of the pond. You may be surprised to know that hydrogen peroxide is the active ingredient in the decomposing barley.
So, you can imagine, how useful hydrogen peroxide is for your pond!
How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide In Pond
Hydrogen peroxide is a liquid chemical. It consists of two molecules of hydrogen and two oxygen. Its density is quite similar to water. It also helps to kill bacteria and fungi.
It is the safest way of treating algae growth. It is a viable tool for treating algae. It is very easy to use this. But, you must know some common things before applying them to your pond.
Measure The Pond Capacity
Before using hydrogen peroxide you must know your pond capacity. It is the first step in using hydrogen peroxide. For measuring the capacity of the pond, you need to know the volume of the water.
It is an easy step. Take a measurement tape and measure the length, width, and depth of your pond. Multiply the values and you will get the result.
Use Right Dose Of Hydrogen Peroxide For Killing Algae
You have to use the right amount of hydrogen peroxide. Otherwise, it will affect your fishes. There are several kinds of hydrogen peroxide used in the pond. Such as Algae-off, green clean, etc.
You will find hydrogen peroxide in any pharmacy and pond supply store. You can also find this in online shops. They provide a mixture of 35 percent of hydrogen peroxide.
Half cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution is perfect for 100 gallons of pond water. Never use an excessive amount of hydrogen peroxide. It causes an ammonia spike.
Pour The Solution
Pour the mixture into your pond with a cup. After that, the algae will die very quickly. As algae are destroyed quickly, the oxygen level into the water begins to decrease. So, you must monitor your pond after pouring hydrogen peroxide.
You can use a wooden stick or metal rod to circulate the solution.
Remove The Dead Algae
After the treatment algae appear on the surface of pond water. Because of the dead algae, the water of the pond turns into the muck. So, remove the dead algae properly.
It is better to remove it the next day. Use a skimmer to remove it properly. You will find the skimmer in any pond supply store. Remove the algae by dragging the skimmer across the surface of the water
Cautions To Take While Using Hydrogen Peroxide For Ponds
Though hydrogen peroxide is one of the safest chemicals it has some side effects. Excess amounts of hydrogen peroxide pull the oxygen of the pond water.
So, don’t use an excessive amount of hydrogen peroxide. It must be dissolved in the water.
Hydrogen peroxide cause burns to the skin. Use it carefully. It is very harmful to the eyes. It causes tissue damage to the eyes. Keep this chemical away from children and pets.
Avoid treating the algae in very hot weather. It causes a deficit of oxygen in the green water.
Conclusion
A proper balance of plants and proper filtration helps to keep the pond clean. The growth of algae destroys the proper balance and make the water dirty. An adequate amount of hydrogen peroxide is safe for the fish and the plants of your pond.
Hydrogen peroxide also reduces the phosphate and nitrate in the water. It balances the ecology system. So you can use hydrogen peroxide for ponds without any hesitation. Just make sure whether you are properly using it or not.
Hope this guide helped you to solve your problem.
How often can you treat with hydrogen peroxide?
Whenever you see new algae growth.
Hi Mr Mostaq, how many ml are in a half cup? Or better question is, how many ml of H2O2 per every 100 Litres of water?
Thanks in advance
Can I repeat hydrogen peroxide treatment in my gold fish pond and how often
Use it in your pond when you see new algae growht.
Dodes hydrogen peroxide kill the frogs?
How often should we add HP for a 150 gallon pondless waterfall? Start with once ev. 2 wks?
Use it whenever you notice a new algae growth.
Would you say that 80 degree temperature is a safe temp to treat my small pond with Hydrogen Peroxide?
Farely safe. I recommend you treat your pond with Hydrogen Peroxide in he early morning when the temperature is low.
How often can I treat my small pond for algae? It’s been two weeks and the algae is back.
I think you should take preventive measures. Use barley straw as it will keep releasing a small amount of hydrogen peroxide over a long period of time.
I used hydrogen peroxcide to kill the algae now my ph is 10 – how can I lower the ph in combination with this treatment safely? My pond is 100 gallons! Thank you.
You should use ph lowering product that doesn’t contain vinegar. Because if you use vinegar and hydrogen peroxide together it creates a toxic acid that is harmful to fish.
How long does it take for the hydrogen Peroxide to work? How often can I use it in my pond?
It will take about a week until you see the result. You can use it whenever you see new algae growth as long as you maintain the dose.
How often do you treat your pond with hydrogen peroxide? Will it be harmful to turtles in the pond?
Use it when you see new algae growth in your pond. They aren’t harmful to the turtle. But, to be safe, wait 24 hours before you let in turtle in your pond.
Thank you for this helpful article! Looking forward to having a cleaner pond! God bless you! Betsy
You are Welcome Betsy. Have a good day.
We have a waterfall/pond. Is this treatment safe for kids to swim in afterwards?
You should run the pump 6 hours before your kids can swim in the hydrogen peroxide treated pond.
For a 2000 gallon pond/waterfall, how much 3% Hydrogen Peroxide would you recommend?
can i use ozone via a diffuser with hydrogen peroxide to increase o2 levels?
will that clear the water?
My dog drinks out of our small 100 gallon pond. If I treat with 1/2 cup of Hydrogen peroxide will it be harmful to him?
Will the hydrogen peroxide kill off the good bacteria and good algae in my pond?