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what pond plants promote clean water?

what are the best plants for my water garden?

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1. will this site help you www.treasureislandaquatics.com/PondWaterClarity.html
2. All plants will consume nutrients from the water, and thus leave less available for Algae/blanket weed etc. Some of them are really good at oxygenating the water too, which will keep it fresher. If you get plants with large surface leaves, this will also restrict the light that will make Algae grow, when they have nutrients, such as Water Lilies. I've assumed that you've mostly asked this due to green water conditions. All water stagnates, so a healthy level of bacteria to process waste is also important, and this builds up over time, though can be supplemented with supplies from pond supply companies. I regularly add a dose, to keep things actively being processed. There's a pond plant, commonly called Pondweed, which is Lagarosiphon major. This is an underwater plant, that is good and commonly available. http://www.aquastar.com.sg/images/plant/p03.jpg Possibly the most widely used is Anacharis or Egeria densa. http://www.guida-acquisti.com/images/egeria-densa.jpg Parrot feather is a feathery plant, that will root into the water, as well as bottom soil, if there is any. http://www.british-wild-flowers.co.uk/00%20David%20Fenwick/Parrot's-Feather.jpg Many of these plants can become a little invasive, so keep them in check, if they get out of hand. There are also some plants that have invaded into natural water ways, so aim to avoid any known local problem plants, to keep other water systems clear. Hope this helps. Good luck! Rob
3. Certainly anacharis is the top contributor. Water hyacinths are great as well. If you pond is eco-balanced with pond plants, your water will always be clear. The secret is the underwater vegetation.
4. Pond lady is not always correct with her information unfortunately. For example water hyacinths are expensive and you would need quite a few to cover a pond! They also have to be over wintered in the UK. Do you really want that chore? 2/3rds of the pond surface should be covered in order to avoid too much sunlight getting to the pond, and to the algae/blanket weed which loves it! . One advantage of water lilies (apart from the flowers) are their large leaves which soon appear and float on the surface. There are numerous floating plants suitable for ponds, and one of the cheapest sites is EBay, where you can also view the pictures and details! Oxygenating plants should also be purchased, these are usually sold in bunches with a lead weight on, which assists them in growing deep in the pond. Parrot feather is now banned in may aquatic suppliers as it has got into our waterways and caused untold damage! I have a small waterfall running into one of my ponds and I plant up watercress on one of the shelves, holding in place with pea gravel. Not only do I get fresh watercress but it also helps clear the pond!
5. My personal favorites in my pond? My 20-year-old water lilies http://www.flickr.com/photos/21211516@N07/2664355083/in/set-72157603287729814/ and water hyacinth. A warning about water hyacinth: It is invasive and illegal in some southern states as it spreads rapidly. In Oklahoma, it dies every winter in my pond and I replace it every spring. One or two plants will rapidly cover several feet of water. Clean water can also be promoted by beneficial enzymes. I use a powder form and add it to my pond every week. It doesn't smell, and it doesn't hurt the fish or plants. I get mine from Lowe's. I also have lots of plants outside my water garden too! http://www.flickr.com/photos/21211516@N07/2717461877/in/set-72157603287729814/
6. I would look for plants that are filter plants. http://watergardenworld.open24x7.biz/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1931_1932&products_id=1302&osCsid=2801a0622a44c09037f4998e886bc921 The above link shows the type of plant.. But also a filter plant... this is really import for ponds.