Algae in ponds

It’s Not Easy Being Green: Algae In Ponds

There is a limited amount of oxygen in even the best of ponds. That oxygen is needed to keep any plants and animals in the pond alive and happy. The ever constant green slime of algae is not welcomed in ponds, as it takes over all of the pond’s oxygen supply. If you have a pond, you will have to deal with algae, more likely sooner than later. Here are some tips on what you can do about too much algae in ponds.

 

Prevention

Algae are tiny little plants. They need light, food and water. If you can, you restrict the algae’s access to all of these needs so it can’t grow. Don’t overfeed your fish and clean out any debris like leaves in your pond periodically. Fish food, fish poo, litter and dropped leaves can make algae food. If your pond is man-made, it should have a filter or Ultra Violet sterilizer system in place. Keep the filters clean. This will help keep out algae in ponds.

Some people have found that planting native water plants in their ponds have helped kick out the algae in ponds. The native plants eat the food and light before the algae can grow. This can backfire, so be careful. Sometimes the algae already has too much of a hold. If you use floating plants like water lilies or lotus, they could cut down on the amount of light the algae in ponds needs to grow. Placing a shade or blind over the pond during part of the day can also cut down on light.

There are also fish known as bottom feeders or algae-eaters. They usually eat the food and nutrients that the algae eat, rather than the algae itself. You have to be sure that your pond can support another fish.

Perhaps you have an algae problem already. No need for despair. There are many safe algaecides on the markets, easily available in garden, hardware or pet stores. As the name implies, algaecides kill algae in ponds. Make sure it is for algae in ponds and not for fish tanks. Some people have found algaecide can kill off their other water plants. What to do? One traditional solution is growing barley straw or adding it to your pond. As the barley straw rots, it releases chemicals that can kill algae.

Some pond owners like to add beneficial plant bacteria to their ponds. Powdered or liquid bacteria mimics the bacteria found in healthy ponds. In the oxygen, light and food competition with algae, the algae often ends up the looser.

Another way is to add harmless, non-toxic coloring dye of dark blue to your pond. The new colored water will block the sunlight from the algae and kill it.