Algae Control
Pond algae are among the major worries of pond owners. It is usually more difficult to control pond algae in new ponds, as they don’t have the right balance of animal and plant life yet. One of the best things that a pond owner can do during the construction of a new pond is getting the right equipment installed. With the proper equipment, algae control will be much easier.
What Are Pond Algae?
Pond algae appear like a “beard of green plants”, and should not be permitted to develop in excessive quantities. Although they can make ponds look unsightly in huge amounts, there are pros and cons of their presence in ponds.
Among its advantages is that fish in the pond and other microorganisms can feed off pond algae. Fish can also spawn on “hair algae”. Algae also absorb phosphates and ammonia nitrates in the pond. Additionally, they provide shade, as well as provide oxygen during daytime.
On the other hand, excessive existence of algae in the pond has its disadvantages. For one, they suck oxygen during nighttime, and change the pH level of the pond. They also clog pond filters, and make ponds look “murky”. On top of that, they steal light from aquatic plants, as well as suffocate them.
How To Prevent Algae
Algae control in ponds starts with the proper construction, equipment, maintenance, plant balance, and added algae control methods.
Proper Construction
A pond that’s properly constructed will create good quality of pond water and help in algae control. It must have about forty-percent deep zone area, thirty-percent for intermediate depth, and remaining thirty-percent for 1 ½ feet deep pond water. Having slight slope in its deepest level will make it easier to remove debris from the pond. Pond skimmers are also excellent ways of removing nearly eighty-five percent of debris before sinking.
In addition, ponds must also be constructed in a way that rainwater will not flow into the pond from the yard. This becomes one of the usual causes for pond algae, as rain runoff often carries a lot of organic debris that contain nutrients that feed algae.
Ponds that constructed of marble, limestone, and concrete also tend to be high in pH, contributing to higher algae growth.
Proper Equipment
Installing the proper equipment that will keep the water moving and filtered will greatly help in algae control. A pond pump must move at least one-half of the pond’s total volume. Additionally, the pump must move pond water through filters that are rightfully sized for the pond. Filters need to run 24/7 to work effectively.
Proper Maintenance
Debris that buildup at the bottom of the pond is normal, and as long as they don’t sludge over ¼ inch or more physically removing them won’t be necessary. It is important that proper maintenance of the pond is done to control algae. Dead leaves must be removed, and other debris must be taken care of to avoid accumulation of such.
Using enzyme and bacteria products regularly, is not just good for the pond water’s overall quality, but also helps lessen odors, improve fish health, lessens sludge amount, and reduces algae.
Proper Plant Balance
The right numbers and types of plants present in the pond will help control algae. Some floating and underwater plants like Anacharis get rid of excess nutrients, thereby starving algae from its food source.
Added Methods
One thing that a pond owner can do while waiting for their pond to mature, is to add “beneficial “ enzymes and bacteria products to the pond on regular basis. As pointed out, they can help the total health of the pond and its water quality. Additionally, one can also use ultraviolet sterilizers to solve “green water” problem.
Algae control is important not only for the overall appearance of the pond, but also for the health of the fish and aquatic plants present in the pond.