Algae in ponds are normal, but the proliferation of these is not good for the ecosystem; that’s why it is detrimental. Growth of excessive algae makes pond water makes it green and gives off a bad smell, also has a destructive effect on the water animals as they use up a lot of oxygen. Causative factors and the various types of algae must be understood if good control is to be achieved.
The initial process of returning a pond to order requires the determination of what type of algae is present in a pond. There are many kinds of algae, including green water algae, string algae, and blue-green algae. In this article, efforts to point out algae issues and act on them before the health, appearance and balance of the pond is affected are outlined.
This guide is going to cover what causes algae overgrowth, how it may be treated, and how to avoid future issues with algae. In this guide, we will give you guidelines, no matter if you’re an experienced pond master, or just a beginner, all these tips will help you keep your pond clean and healthy.
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Understanding Algae and Their Role in Ponds
Algae are plant-like organisms that are autotrophic in nature and are widely spread in aquatic environments. They make oxygen through photosynthesis and act as the source of food for several underwater animals. But under some conditions, they may prove destructive to the other inhabitants of your pond because it competes with other organisms for oxygen and light.
Types of Algae Commonly Found in Ponds
The three most common categories of pond algae are:
1. Green Water Algae (Planktonic Algae)
They make the water look greenish and murky. These various microscopic organisms make the water have a green cloudy appearance. They are not toxic but they cause considerable nuisance through their fast rate of growth that results in oxygen depletion and water turbidity.
2. String Algae (Filamentous Algae)
String algae produce thin and elongated structures that may float freely in the water column or attach to substratum. Otherwise referred to as ‘pond scum,’ these could double up in a few days, during warm and moist watery conditions.
3. Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria)
Not strictly an algae, blue-green algae are in fact bacteria but contain chlorophyll, and discharge toxins. It builds slimy films on water surfaces and can be dangerous to the health of humans and animals, including pet animals, as well as fish.
Causes of Algae Overgrowth
Pond algal blooms can be associated with one or several environmental and management factors. It’s therefore important to understand these causes of conflict in order to be in a position to effect the necessary solutions and avoid other mishaps.
1. Nutrient Imbalances
High nutrient levels in water in the pond are known to cause algae blooms. These nutrients typically enter the pond through:
a. Fertilizers
Serving as a nutrient source for the algae, some of the lawn fertilizers, garden or agricultural field fertilizer, may flow into the pond—creating a perfect aphotic zone for the algae.
b. Fish Waste
Feeding your fish more than they require or having many fish in your pond will result in a buildup of debris which decomposes and provides nutrients for algae.
c. Organic Decay
Remains of leaves, plant residue and other organic materials that settle at the floor of the pond undergo a process of decay which in turn adds nutrients into the water.
2. Sunlight
Another obvious factor people take lightly is the effect of light on algae—as they require light to perform photosynthesis—in order to obtain nutrients that help them reproduce. Most algae thrive in ponds that are exposed to direct sunlight during most of the day. Shallow ponds are most affected, especially because sunlight can penetrate through the whole water column, giving a stimulus for algae production at each depth.
3. Stagnant Water
Inadequate water movement results in a stagnant water mass where conditions are well suitable for the occurrence of algae growth. It is bad for the ecosystem not only because it allows algae to develop but it also makes the water less oxygenated if it becomes stagnant. Stagnation is often caused by the lack of a pump or aerator or other forms of blockages in the pond.
4. High Temperatures
Algae are known to grow fast in warm water and therefore, the summer season is one of the hardest for managers of ponds. Algae thrives well in warm temperatures, rich sunlight, and stagnant water hence the high rate of algae growth during summer. Shallow ponds again tend to be at a disadvantage because the shallow ponds heat up more during the day than the deeper ponds.
How to Treat Algae in Ponds
Controlling algae is a task that needs mechanical, preventive, and if possible, chemical control. The following methods can help restore the health of your pond:
1. Manual Removal
Algae control can be a very effective short-term solution to lessen the general impact of algae and beautify the pond in a very short time. For string algae, use tools such as:
a. Rakes or Skimmers
These enable you to scoop bottom-growing algae on surfaces, or wall-following ones that grow on rocks or plants.
b. Vacuum Systems
Pond vacuums can be used from the bottom of the pond to suck algal bloom water and other debris.
Manual removal is most useful when used hand in hand with other measures to eliminate regrowth. Get rid of the cleared algae as much away from the pond as possible to avoid any chance of the nutrients leaching back into the body of water.
2. Balance Nutrient Levels
The growth of algae can be controlled, and the growth needs to be controlled by reducing nutrient availability. Consider these actions:
a. Minimize Fertilizer Runoff
Try not to apply natural slow-release fertilizer near the pond or use organic matter all around the pond, planting grass or any other plants whose function is to catch the runoff before it gets into the pond.
b. Manage Fish Population
Make sure that your pond is not over stocked and feed fish & aquatic life modestly—to minimize the production of waste. High-quality fish foods that create as much waste after digestion as possible should be used.
c. Introduce Beneficial Bacteria
The beneficial bacteria products will help to decompose organic matters such as sludge, which will minimise the nutrients to algae.
3. Control Sunlight Exposure
There is a general knowledge that algae grow in direct proportion to the amount of light, and since algae need light to grow, one way to manage their growth is by preventing penetration of light through water. Effective methods include:
a. Adding Floating Plants
Natural floating leaves from water lilies, lotus or duckweed offer shades on the water’s surface.
b. Installing Shade Structures
Areas can be covered with man-made canopies like nets or if you can, you may construct pergolas to minimize light intensity over the pond.
4. Improve Water Circulation
Aquatic plants, proper pond construction, and a functioning pump, waterfall or aeration all contribute to water circulation. They discourage the formation of dead zones where algae begin to grow. Benefits of improved circulation include:
a. Higher oxygen levels, which prevent any influx of algae.
b. Decreasing the number of nutrient dense regions, preventing nutrient concentration in one specific area.
c. Avoidance of thermal stratification that normally occurs when water mixtures become divided into layers where warm layers support the growth of algae.
5. Use Barley Straw or Extracts
It is important when identifying the technique of controlling algae to consider barley straw since it is a natural and eco friendly method. The barley straw, when submerged, degrades slowly and in the process, releases some compounds that are well known to have preventive effects on algae. To use barley effectively:
a. You can use barley straw bundles or pellets in your pond as soon as water temperatures begin to rise in early spring, before algae becomes a problem.
b. Barley should be replaced as frequently as possible to keep the pond with high coverage of the plant.
6. Apply Algaecides Carefully
There are chemicals which work to eradicate algae, and these chemicals are known as algaecides. Their use should be regulated because these chemicals are bad to fish, water plants and other microorganisms. When using algaecides:
a. Choose products that are marked ‘safe for pond and aquatic life’.
b. Use during cold seasons as some stress fish during this period.
When You Need Professional Help
If algae still remains a problem, especially if for example blue-green algae appear again, a specialist should be consulted. They can give particular approaches like pond dredging or specific treatment to the principal causes.
Conclusion
Algae is useful, but its growth needs to be properly regulated, and this paper aimed at explaining how algae can be handled to prevent the degradation of the pond. Daily pond maintenance, the recognition of the type of algae, control of the mains causes, and application of specific therapies will enable the pond to remain clear and healthy through all seasons. These guidelines will help to keep algae under check for as long as needed; hence your pond alive, fresh and beautiful.