Algae are plants that grow in water gardens and ponds. Although they are natural component of the pond's system, large algae bloom can affect or damage the environment of the body of water.
Since algae are mostly found at the bottom and side of the pond, algal bloom can be hardly monitored from the surface. Dead algae will deposit and build-up at the bottom and the process of decomposition can use up most of the oxygen in the water needed by the fish.
Pond algae control can be done with the use of chemicals which are hazardous to the beneficial bacteria or through natural means which will not damage the ecosystem.
Algal bloom occurs when there is an abundance of the algae. These plants grow well in wet and warm places full of nutrients. When your pond is directly exposed to sunlight, there is a likelihood of an algal bloom.
Types of Algae
Before you start with any pond algae control or treatment, you should learn about the types of algae that you must eliminate.
Filamentous Algae - these are the algae that usually hang from plants. They are also known as blanket weed, string algae, pond scum or hair algae
Plankton Algae - they are the suspended algae that grow in the water that makes the pond water look muddy and green. They are also called pea soup, green water or single cell algae.
Natural Ways of Pond Algae Control
Spring Clean the Pond
During autumn and winter, leaves and branches from trees fall into the water, and ponds gets less cleaning during these season. Organic materials that fall into the water can overload the pond with nutrients.
When you observed that the pond is already filled with stringy algae, you may consider cleaning it up during spring time. Remove the fish and drain the pond with at least half of the water. Scrub it well prior to putting back the fish.
Breed Beneficial Bacteria by Adding Pond Filter
If your pond has an adequate number of beneficial bacteria, the sludge which is full of nutrients, is able to break down controlling its build-up. When there aren't sufficient nutrients in the pond, algae bloom can be controlled.
You can add plants and rocks in the pond that can provide a healthy environment for the beneficial bacteria. It is also ideal to add filter to the pond that can clean the entire pond water every two to three hours.
Control the Levels of Nutrients
The organic materials deposited at the bottom of the pond and the food provided for the fish can add up to the nutrients in the water which are good for the algae.
Try to experiment on how much food your fish really need. Excess food made available for the fish usually end up at the bottommost of the pond enhancing nutrients that the algae need.
Pond Aeration
Aside from nutrients in the pond, another factor causing algae bloom is quiet water. When there is a movement, algae can be pushed through the water.
You can place a pond fountain, waterfalls, aerator or any other features that can make the water move and aerate the pond.
Algae, in small amount, are typical component of the pond, but when they are in large number can be damaging to the ecosystem of the body of water, aside from the fact that they can make the pond's appearance unattractive.
They can also contribute to the depletion of oxygen levels in the water. Although algae control can be done by means of chemicals, using the natural methods can be more beneficial as well as safer to the other living creatures in the pond.
For more information about pond chemicals and pond treatment visit our website pond-algae-control.net.
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