Summer is the ideal time to enjoy your backyard pond. Here are a few tips to help you keep your pond in shape through the warmest months of the year.

One of the biggest problems in summer is that you find the pond water has turned green with micro algae. While this condition will not harm the fish, it does limit your ability to see and enjoy them.

According to Mary Ann Wheeler, Hikes Point fish department manager, "The biggest causes of algae problems this time of the year are simply too many fish and/or inadequate filtration. Fish have spawned and most people just don't want to thin out the fish population. Fish are natural micro algae-fertilizer producers. And this algae grows when it has an ample supply of nutrients, warm water and sunlight."'

A good rule-of-thumb for stocking is 1 inch of fish for every 3 to 5 gallons of water. A five hundred-gallon pond accommodates thirty-three 3-inch fish or seventeen six-inch fish. As fish grow, the fish population should be diminished.

Algae also can be partially controlled with adequate filtration. Filters remove the algae and the fish waste that fertilizes the algae. Pumps circulate water through the filter. If your pump was purchased to produce a fountain or spray, it may not be adequate for filtration, too. Your pump and filter should be able to circulate 3 to 4 times the total volume of pond water per hour.

There are times when your pond will have a natural algae bloom that will right itself. For instance, a new pond will often initially turn pea soup green with algae. As the aquatic plants become established, their leaves shade the water, keeping it cooler, blocking sunlight and thus retarding algae growth. As the pond ecology becomes balanced, the water clears. In an existing pond, this pea soup condition can also occur in the spring before plant growth is re-established. It will right itself in the same way and does not require special treatment.

If algae are out of control, you may be tempted to resort to an algicide. These chemical formulations do kill algae, but they do not prevent future growth. The algae usually return in 4 to 5 days. Many algicides are not recommended for use with water plants. And, prolonged regular usage can lead to unhealthy water quality.

In recent years there has been a great technological advance for micro algae control -- the ultraviolet sterilizing system. Water is pumped from the pond through a tube that exposes the algae to ultraviolet light, killing it. The result is crystal clear water throughout the pond season without the need to add chemicals. If your goal is ease in pond maintenance, a healthy ecological system and being able to see your fish, then this system is for you. The system will actually pay for itself when you compare the costs of adding algae-control chemicals and then water conditioners to restore the water's quality. Ultraviolet sterilizing systems are available at Feeders Supply.

Feeders Supply's aquatics professionals also recommend the use of natural bacterial treatments that keep sludge from building up on the pond floor. They break down the fish waste and decaying plant matter that can cause ammonia concentrations to rise to dangerous levels during hot weather.

More and more Kentuckiana families have added backyard ponds. And, part of the enjoyment is seeing the fish and plants through sparkling, clear water. At Feeders Supply, you'll find the knowledge and the products to help you keep your pond in tip-top shape this summer.