When you step into a true Japanese-inspired garden, you expect tranquility—carefully placed boulders with moss clinging to their surfaces, winding walkways, pea gravel accents, and the soft sound of flowing water. That’s exactly what we found at this property. Unfortunately, the peaceful vision was being disrupted by a major issue: string algae.
A Beautiful Setting, With a Big Problem
The homeowner had been fighting a losing battle with string algae for over a year. He told us he had pulled out nearly three pounds of the stuff recently—only to have it come right back. The culprit? A lack of proper biological filtration.
While the pond itself was beautifully constructed, it was missing key Aquascape components like a BioFalls. Without biological filtration and with only a weak pump, the water quality suffered, allowing string algae to thrive.
The Summer Game Plan
Because this project also includes plans for a new six-foot stream and a redesigned waterfall, we decided to tackle it in stages. With the heat of summer already pushing into the 90s, disturbing prized plantings like a Japanese maple wasn’t an option. So, Part One of this transformation focused on cleaning and stabilizing the pond.
Here’s what we set out to do during the cleanout:
- Install an Aquascape IonGen System – This device releases microscopic copper ions into the water, preventing string algae from growing without harming fish or wildlife.
- Upgrade the Pump – Swapping the underpowered pump for a stronger one ensures better water flow and circulation.
- Replant and Repot Water Lilies – Giving the lilies more space and fresh soil helps them thrive and produce more blooms.
- Address Maintenance Issues – Adding smaller rocks around the pond to reduce mulch runoff and overall upkeep.
Why String Algae Is Tricky
Pulling string algae out by hand feels like the right move, but it often makes things worse. That’s because the algae spread through rhizomes—tiny plant-like stems that carry excess nutrients. When torn apart, those rhizomes scatter and fuel the next bloom.
That’s why we rely on proven Aquascape solutions like the IonGen system and biological filtration. In cases where IonGen isn’t used, Aquascape products like EcoBlast can be applied to streams and waterfalls for spot treatment.
Step One Complete: A Cleaner, Healthier Pond
By the end of the day, we had a dramatically cleaner pond, a stronger pump pushing more flow, healthier water lilies, and most importantly, the IonGen system working to stop string algae in its tracks.
The transformation doesn’t end here—this is just Part One. Later this fall, we’ll return to add the missing BioFalls system and build out a brand-new stream and waterfall. With the right filtration and flow, this Japanese-inspired garden will finally achieve the pristine, low-maintenance water feature it deserves.
👉 Stay tuned for Part Two, where we’ll reveal how we transform this waterfall into a natural six-foot stream with cascading drops, bringing the entire landscape to life.
