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Pond Algae Control
Pond algae is a collection of microscopic plants containing chlorophyll that live floating on stagnant water. They look slimy and can ruin the look and feel of your pond eventually causing damage to aquatic wildlife. The most common types of algae that infect ponds are free-floating and suspended ones like string algae and the infamous plankton algae.
Why does algae arise in ponds?
Green algae or any other type of algae form in home ponds mainly because of the following reasons:
- Pond is exposed to lots of sunlight
- High levels of nitrate and phosphate in pond water
- Stagnant pond water with no filters
- Hot and humid weather
- Decaying leaves and other debris in the pond
- Lack of actively growing aquatic plants that can use up pond nutrients
- Higher PH level in the pond owing to the usage of concrete, marble or limestone
Algae cells develop very fast and can give your pond a pea-soup kind of appearance in no time at all. Manually removing them can be a real pain as they can develop as quickly as they are removed. This is why it becomes extremely important to take necessary precautions to prevent their occurrence in the first place using pond algae control methodologies.
How to control and Prevent Algae Formation in Ponds?
Given below are a few important tips that you can consider in order to effectively put an end to algae formation in ponds.
Constructing the Pond in the right manner
The manner in which your pond is constructed plays a major role in deciding whether your pond will be infected by algae or not. Ponds should be constructed considering easy removal of debris that can get settled at the bottom. Like for instance, giving a slight slope at the deepest water level will make the debris settle at one place which can be easily collected later. It is also important to prevent run-off water from rains to enter the pond as they can increase the PH level of water. This can be done by proper alteration of the area around the pond (like building a pond wall) and increasing pond depth.
Having different depth levels for your pond is also a good idea. Water gardens can have at least 35 to 40% of their total surface area for the deepest level, 25 to 30% for intermediate level and the remaining for the first level. The levels can be kept one and a half to two feet in depth.
Growing the Right Kind of Aquatic Plants
One major reason for algae formation in home ponds is the availability of nutrients in ample proportions. Actively growing aquatic plants like anacharis and others that grow under water will take up a large proportion of nutrients from the water for their own growth. This will cut the supply of nutrients to algae preventing its formation.
In addition to using up water nutrients, pond surface plants like water lilies, lettuce etc. grow to moderate heights preventing sunlight from penetrating the pond. This will starve the algae of sunlight reducing its growth.
Remove Dead/Decaying Leaves and Debris
Dead or decaying leaves increase the nutritional value of the water in the pond providing a rich source of nutrition to algae. So make sure you remove them manually or by using proper skimmers in pond filters. In order to reduce this work, avoid planting shedding trees or trees that create excess debris next to your pond.
Making use of Ultraviolet Sterilizers
Ultraviolet Sterilizers are used to damage the DNA structure of suspended algae cells which makes them clamp together aiding easy removal using mechanical filters. The UV sterilizers make use of ultraviolet light to damage algae DNA and also do the job of killing harmful pond bacteria and micro-organisms making the pond water crystal clear. This method of dealing with suspended algae is safe and highly effective as well. (Note: UV sterilizers are ineffective against string algae.)
Making use of Algaecides
Chemically treating your pond with algaecides can help you effectively put an end to algae growth. The downside is the negative effect that algaecides can have on aquatic life. If you are planning to make use of algaecides, then you should ensure that your pond has proper filtration systems in place that can remove dead algae. In addition make sure your pond does not have aquatic plants and wildlife, as they can be severely affected by algaecides. Make sure to read instructions properly and buy only those algaecides that are approved.
Making use of Beneficial Bacterial
Beneficial bacterial used on a regular basic can effectively help in natural algae control on all algae types. In addition to this, beneficial bacteria can also help you in reducing water order, improving health of fish and in controlling mud/sludge in ponds. Having many rocks and stones in your pond can aid in the growth of benefitial bacteria.
Making use of Barley Straw or Barley Straw extract
Barley straw or Barley Straw extract can be used to effectively control string or filamentous pond algae. Large ponds can make use of barley straw, whereas small and medium sized ponds can make use of Barley Straw extracts for algae control. The best part about this kind of treatment is the fact that they can also help keep water crystal clear and odor free. In addition they are safe to aquatic plants and animals. Algae control in farm ponds are achieved effectively using barley straw.
Fish Rearing and Feeding
Excessive fish feed can add to water debris that will increase the nutrient levels of pond water. Fish feeds generally contain nitrates and phosphates that are essential for the growth of algae. So make sure to feed your fish only in the right proportions. If possible try feeding the fish less at times; this encourages them to feed on algae resulting in natural algae control. In addition you can also go for specific types of algae eating fish for your pond that love to feed on green algae.
In addition to the methods mentioned above, there are many other techniques that can help you in control of algae in ponds. Like for instance the use of Magnetic systems, Pond Dyes, bottom drains, ozone treatment or using hydrogen peroxide or chlorine. You can consider using these techniques, but make sure you take expert advice before beginning.
Related Reads
Tips to Maintain a Healthy Backyard Pond
Tips for Fish Pond Management
Important Considerations for Building an Easy to Maintain Pond
Preparing your Fish Pond For Winter
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