Clearing Up Pond Water

To keep fish healthy in your pond, provide them with a healthy environment in where they can live and thrive. Vital Safo/Shutterstock

Q: The water in my goldfish pond has turned a very dark brown color. What can I do to filter it out?

A: Is the water tea-colored but clear, or is it cloudy and brown? The coloring comes from tannins. The breakdown of leaves in water colors the water brown, like tea leaves in a tea bag. There are tannins in tree leaves, acorns, and branches, especially oak and hickory leaves.