Fountain Algae
 

My front yard fountain with the warm weather has developed a light (green) algae cover at the bottom. I have been adding algaecide clarifier that does not stop the problem. It was suggested to try hydrogen peroxide which also doesn’t work. I know I will probably have to drain the fountain, clean the bottom and refil, but I don’t want the same problem to start all over again. Any suggestions to remedy the problem will be appreciated.

Hello...we were having the same problem...I did not want to use the algaecide because birds bath and drink from our fountain. I scrubbed the fountain after my husband took it all apart, so we again started with a CLEAN fountain. I read about the hydrogen peroxide so wanted to give it a try cause said safe for critters. That was all about one month to six weeks ago. Every time I add water I add some peroxide, at least one cup , and to this day the fountain has stayed CLEAN and CLEAR...so happy. I think the trick was that I started with a fresh scrubbed fountain. Hoping this also helps you!

stop using it as your bath tub... :a040:

One small tablet pool chlorine, we use it on ours

Bleach wash rinse

I agree and do the same thing. If any birds are stupid enough to drink from it, Darwin has just done the avian gene pool a favor:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Try putting a chlorine tablet in the bottom, once it is cleaned.

Wish someone had already suggested that :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Wash it clean, put about 10 pre-1972 pennies in it.

Need to change the water. Clean surfaces. Add new water.

Algae can be controlled by removing the phosphates in the water. A pool store sells such products.

Clorean

I use 2 products made by Fountec. First is their Algaecide/Clarifier. One drop per gallon of water each week. Second is their Scale/Stain Remover. One tablespoon per month. The water in our fountain stays crystal clear, with no algae or white scale buildup. Sold in 8oz bottles (Amazon) which will last a long time.

T
 

I had several fountains up north. Try adding vinegar after a good cleaning, it's safe for birds and critters.

The chlorine evaporates from the water, so the birds aren’t getting any when they drink it.

Please do not hurt the birds with harsh chemicals in a bird bath. How would like to drink chlorine?

Be VERY careful using Chlorine bleach; it will destroy the seals and gaskets in the pump.

I have a waterfall and starting with a clean system I add the recommended amount of pond algaecide that I buy at Home Depot. Don't add too much as you will get foaming. Our waterfall has autofill that off of our reclaimed water line (sprinkler). It is not the purest and yet the algaecide keeps the algae under control for over a year.

Makes sense....copper is a great biocide and is used in boat bottom paint.

We have a small fountain that runs 24-7 in our birdcage. We have always used bromine glandular powder from the pool & spa store. Use only a "tiny bit" literally! You don't need to change the water. It will clear up on its own. We also use it in the cement bird bath in our garden . Keeps the water clear. ONLY A LITTLE SPRINKLE! One small bottle lasts about a year or more. We have been doing this for many years. Give it a try.

Hummmm…. I thought that was a man made material used for countertops !!

Oh, never mind….. that’s Corian !! :1rotfl:

I've used chlorine tabs for years and all the birds and animals drink out of it. No casualties yet.

You have encountered the eternal Florida Question. Shall the State Flower be Green Slime or Black Mold? Try dumping a gallon of vinegar in the fountain after you clean it out.