You may hate the sight of algae, but it is important to remember that it plays a part in the organic pond ecosystem. There is no harm in having small quantities of algae in your pond or water feature. If the growth becomes excessive or difficult to manage, then it is time to consider treatment and prevention.

Why is there Algae?

Before implementing treatment, it is important to know and understand the causes of excessive algae growth. You may be able to tackle your problem with simple solutions. The two most common types of algae found in ponds are suspended and string algae. The growth of both suspended and string algae can increase in the presence of excessive sunlight. Blooms of suspended algae typically align with an excess of nutrients caused by overfeeding fish, overstocking fish, stormwater runoff, or a lack of proper filtration.

Treatment and Prevention

Algae control starts with the reduction of nutrients in your pond water that attracts algae growth in the first place. Keep organic debris like grass clippings, leaves, and fertilizer–which are loaded with these nutrients–far away from your pond water. To help combat this, you can build a buffer of beneficial vegetation around the edge of your pond. This buffer will block yard debris from reaching your pond.

Installing and continuously running a pond aeration system can also help prevent the accumulation of nutrients. These systems increase the amount of diffused oxygen in the water which in turn supports the growth of aerobic beneficial bacteria. Beneficial bacteria consume the organic debris and nutrients that attract algae. Consistent aeration, 24/7, will have these bacteria working harder to keep your pond clean and clear of algae.

Reducing the amount of direct sunlight that your pond receives is a simple yet effective solution. Introduce plants to your pond surface such as water lilies and hyacinths that feature floating leaves and blossoms. Aquatic plants will also compete for the nutrients in your water, leaving less for algae to thrive off of.

The main goal of treatment is to re-balance the relationship between your pond and algae, not to get rid of algae completely.

Things to Remember

Some algae is good and reflective of a healthy pond ecosystem. You’ll know when your algae growth has become excessive and uncontrollable. If your pond water is turning green or clumps of filamentous algae are clogging your streams, then it is time to apply treatments.

AquaLife Ponds offers maintenance services and would be happy to help with any of your maintenance requests. Just call our office at 949-244-8164 and we will take care of everything.