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uv filter and hair algae control

25 10:01:40

Question
Hi, George, and thanks for your time. We've got a pretty bad problem with hair algae in our 500+ gal pond that is almost 1 year old here in SW Florida. Never had "green water". I've read and read about uv filters and still can't be sure if they control the hair algae and other stuff that is attached now to rocks and waterfall.
We have a Little Ditty system with a skimmer and waterfall and installed all according to directions. But the best flow we can get over the waterfall is just barely satisfactory. Will this added piece of equipment slow the flow even more? Can you recommend a size or type of filter?
Have many marginals and submerged plants and only 2 comets so far. Plants and fish very happy. Planninng to drain and clean all rocks when/if install uv.
How long will the fish live in the shade in a 5 gal pail with oxygenating plants and stabilized water?
Hope this isn't too long - thanks again!

Answer
hi,
hair algae or as we call it in the UK blanketweed is a complete menace I get rid of mine by vacuming it out but it is a full time job to keep the pond clear of it.
UV filters don't control the hair algae they only affect the water that passes through them and the hair algae dosn't pass through them as it is stuck to the sides of the pond but it shouldn't slow the water flow down, your fish will not survive for long in a 5 gall pail even with an air stone  pushing oxygen into the water.
you can visit my pond at http://koi-z-are-us.20m.com
hope this has been of some help.
George.