Pond Algae The Scourge Of Pond Keepers!

Pond Algae is a generalized term that is used to describe the many different types of common algae species found in fish ponds.

What Are Algae?

Algae are single celled primitive aquatic plants, closely related to fungi. Unlike their larger cousins algae do not have roots or stems. Algae grow in both fresh water and salt water. There are three classifications ...

1. Planktonic Algae, also known as green pond algae, suspended algae, floating algae and pea soup algae are single celled organisms that float freely throughout your pond. They are microscopic and measure up to 4 microns in diameter. They are a particular nuisance in summer where they form algae blooms. They multiply quickly in nitrate and phosphorous rich pond water.
2. Filamentous algae also known as string algae are common pond pests and are hard to get rid of once they establish themselves in your pond. The most infamous string algae is blanket weed. This green, slimy algae will readily attach itself to any available pond surface. Blanket weed can grow up to 6 feet in one day.
3. Macrophytic Algae Forms - This 3rd category of algae look like true plants. They appear to have stems and leaves. They also attach themselves to the bottom of the pond and items placed in the pond.

Why Does Pond Algae Appear?

Large colonies of algae grow when the pond water contains large quantities of nutrients, the temperatures are high and there is an abundance of sunlight. Nutrients enter into the system through metabolic activity such as the nitrogen cycle and decomposition of organic matter, as well as from other sources such as the use of plant fertilizers or regularly topping up tap water.

Too Much Algae Is Bad For Your Garden Pond!

• If pond algae is not controlled the pond will appear untidy, dirty and will often smell.
• As algae blooms and other algae die off they fall to the pond floor where they start to decay. The decaying process produces carbon dioxide and ammonia and uses up vast quantities of oxygen. These increases affect the pond water pH level, the nitrifying bacteria and starve pond fish of oxygen. In worst case scenarios, pond fish may die.

How Do I Control Pond Algae?

• The only real way to control green pond algae is to use a UV sterilizer or UV clarifier.
• Remove as many opportunities for nutrients (nitrates and phosphorous) from forming in the pond: Remove uneaten fish food, use a pond vacuum cleaner to remove sludge from the pond floor, use a pond skimmer to remove leaves and other debris from the pond surface. When feeding fish food only feed little and often. This saves you money and prevents waste.
• Fill approximately 1/3rd of your pond with pond plants. They compete with algae for the available nutrients.
• Perform routine cleaning by removing blanket weed and string algae with a rake. Duck weed is easily removed with a pond net.
• Pond algaecides are commonly used by pond keepers. They do however only act as a short term solution and may interfere with nitrifying bacteria.

To conclude I would like to add that some pond algae is beneficial to the pond, as it provides a source of food for fish, provides shade from the hot sun and provides a hiding place from predatory birds. It is natural to have some algae growth on pond surfaces. The key is to keep it under control.

The full article can be read at http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/garden-pond-algaearticle.htm where you will find money saving advice and information to help you choose the right pond keeping equipment the first time around.

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