If you own a garden pond then I am willing to bet that you have struggled with pond algae from time to time!
Pond algae is the scourge of pond keepers throughout the world. There are several treatments available to pond keepers, but the best way to control pond algae is to use a UV sterilizer or UV Clarifier...
There are several types of algae, found in a garden pond, including suspended algae and string algae, of which blanket weed is a common variety. This article is concerned with suspended algae and its effect on pond water.
In warm weather and in particularly heavily populated ponds you will often see algae blooms, that turn the once clear pond water into what resembles a bowl of pea green soup, hence the name pea soup algae.
What Is An Algae Bloom?
An algae bloom is caused by the rapid reproduction of plank tonic algae when there is a lot of sunshine and nutrients in the pond water.
The disadvantage of an algae bloom is that the algae die off and start to decompose on the pond floor. This significant increase in the level of rotting organic matter is bad for your pond as it increases the level of ammonia and reduces the level of oxygen.
Oxygen is used up as part of the decaying process. The end result is an increase in carbon dioxide. The decrease of oxygen levels and the increase in carbon dioxide is detrimental to the health of your pond in the following ways ...
Remember that oxygen is critical for the nitrifying bacteria that breakdown ammonia. It is also essential for pond fish and other aquatic life.
How Does A UV Sterilizer Prevent Algae?
The most effective way to control pond algae is to use a UV sterilizer or UV clarifier. The power of blue ultraviolet light that is generated at a particular wavelength is a miracle for pond keepers. UV light occurs naturally in nature and is one of the reasons we get sunburned on holiday.
The effectiveness of a UV sterilizer is affected by temperature to a large extent. At 40 C (104 F) it works at maximum efficiency. A drop in temperature to 20 C (68 F) results in a drop in efficiency to only 50%.
Manufacturers of UV sterilizers get around this rapid drop in efficiency by insulating the UV lamp with a quartz sleeve. UV light transmits through the quartz, so the maximum efficiency is maintained.
How Does A Pond UV Work In A Fish Pond?
As pond water containing the floating algae passes through the quartz tube it is bombarded with ultra violet rays, either directly or via highly reflective metal surfaces. The UV rays destroy the cell walls of the algae, causing what is known as flocculation to occur (the dead algae clump together forming a much large mass).
This makes removal by a pond filter or pond skimmer possible. Prior to clumping a single suspended algae cell measures about 4 microns across (4 millionths of a meter).
Other Methods Used To Control Floating Pond Algae
1) Pond Algaecides are not in my opinion a good idea for the following reasons: they need to be administered in precise doses; too much can harm nitrifying bacteria colonies and the health of pond fish. They only work for a short period of time.
2) A Veggie Filter, also known as a bog filter consists of pond plants that are deliberately starved of nutrients. The aquatic plants get their food source from the nitrates in the pond water. They compete with algae for these nutrients and as a result help to keep the pond algae under control. They do not guarantee algae free ponds however.
The full article can be read at http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/garden-pond-uvarticle.htm
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