Believe it or not, algae can actually be a sign of a happy and healthy pond ecosystem. While yes, it is not the most appealing to look at, it is important to remember that small quantities in your pond or water feature are not harmful whatsoever. Algae only becomes a problem if its growth becomes excessive or difficult to manage. When this happens, it is time to consider treatment and prevention.
Why Does My Pond Have Algae?
Suspended and string algae are the two most common types of algae found in ponds. The growth of both suspended and string algae can increase in the presence of excessive sunlight. An excess of nutrients can also lead to blooms of suspended algae growing at disproportionately high rates. Overfeeding fish, overstocking fish, stormwater runoff, or a lack of proper filtration can create this excess of nutrients.
Treatment and Prevention
In most cases, there is a simple solution that can be implemented to fight excessive algae growth. Starr by reducing the nutrients that fuel the algae growth cycle. Keep organic debris like grass clippings, leaves, and fertilizer–which are loaded with these nutrients–far away from your pond water. You can build a buffer of beneficial vegetation around the edge of your pond to help block yard debris from reaching the water.
Another implementable option to combat the accumulation of nutrients is to install and continuously run a pond aeration system. These systems increase the amount of diffused oxygen in the water which in turn supports the growth of aerobic beneficial bacteria. Beneficial bacteria consume the organic debris and nutrients that attract algae in the first place. A continuously running pond aeration system will have these bacteria working harder to keep your pond clean and clear of algae.
Another simple yet effective solution to an algae problem is to reduce the amount of direct sunlight that a pond receives. Plants like water lilies and hyacinths that feature floating leaves and blossoms will rest on the surface of your pond, providing much needed shade. As a bonus, these aquatic plants will also compete for the nutrients in your water, leaving less for algae to thrive off of.
Getting rid of algae completely is not the main goal of treatment. Rather, these treatment options should be used to establish a balance between your pond and algae. If simple solutions do not help your algae problem, then it is time to consider water treatments. Algaecide by Aquascape is a liquid pond algae control product that quickly and efficiently combats and stops algae growth. This treatment is effective in fighting both suspended and string algae.
Things to Remember
Healthy pond ecosystems feature small and manageable quantities of algae. If pond water turns green or clumps of filamentous algae start clogging the stream, then it is time to apply treatments.
In the case of string algae, the quicker you remove the growth, the better. To completely remove the algae, you are going to have to get your hands dirty! Use scissors to expedite the removal process if needed.