Self Replenishing Rain Water System - Keeping it Clean

[OnnieMae]

My husband and I created a self replenishing watering system using gutters, down spouts, and giant plastic barrels. Everything was fine in the fall. Things froze up in the winter until we set up a pipe heater. Still worked fine this spring but now that the heat has set in I am starting to see an algae ring around the top of the barrel. I cannot use chemicals to clean it because it drains directly into the water feeder for my girls. I read about keeping fish in your barrel but I'm not sure about that since the algae is mainly above the waterline. How do I keep this clean?

Thanks!

 

[KaseySnow]

Can we see pictures?

 

[OnnieMae]

Sure! I will post photos tomorrow.

 

[speedy2020]

Try the 97-100% copper penny. I believe prior 1968, but search the internet to get accurate year.