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Natural Algae Prevention
We recently had a question sent to us from a pond owner who is looking to prevent algae from growing and to combine “all natural” products with aeration. John Redd, Owner of Outdoor Water Solutions offered the following suggestions: Step 1: Keep colorant in your pond year around. It should have a consistent blue/dark blue appearance that is pleasing in color, but more importantly, filters the sunlight and keeps it off of the bottom. The amount of dye is dependent on pond size, pond depth, rainfall and sunlight. On a 1 acre pond that is 4’ deep on average, we would typically recommend 1 quart of concentrate to start. If 8’ -12’ deep, it would probably take 2 quarts to start assuming there is no residual colorant left from last year. Then you would add a ½ quart each month or two to keep the color year around depending on how much rain and/or dilution you might get. You can always add some, give it a day or two, then add more until you get the color you want. You should not be able to see the bottom at 2’-3’ of depth. Algae can grow anytime, even over winter, so having a colorant in your pond all year is critical to preventing algae growth. Step 2: Add supplemental aerobic bacteria every 2 weeks once the water temperature hits 50 degrees. For a one acre pond, you would add 8 packets (4 pounds) every 2 weeks. Toss it in around the edges of the pond and out in the middle. These are water soluble packets that dissolve and increase the # of aerobic bacteria in your pond with the objective of breaking down excess nutrients and organic matter. Step 3: Selectively control algae that appears. Some people use an algaecide. Others use a lake rake and pull it into shore and dispose of it. Keeping it from sinking to the bottom and adding to your existing muck is typically a good idea. Have a question? Contact us today or Call Us 1.866.471.1614!
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Pond Algae Control
Pond Algae Control Once you have a problem with pond algae, there are a couple of options for controlling the situation. The most common is to add a copper based algaecide, either in dry or liquid form, to kill the visible algae. You want to avoid not killing too much algae at one time because it will take most of the available oxygen out of the water and you may end up with a fish kill. Most companies recommend treating one-third of your pond at a time. Algaecides can be effective at controlling what you can see, but this does not address the bigger problem. As a result the algae problem will come back time and again. Killing the algae can also contribute to more and more excess organic matter as when it dies. It will sink to the bottom, adding yet another layer of rich, black organic matter that feeds more algae. Grass carp sometimes eat algae, but it is not common. They have been seen eating plants coated with algae, but their mouth and gills are not positioned to eat algae effectively. Although grass carp can be used to control some aquatic weeds, they should not be stocked to control algae. In fact, grass carp can add to a nutrient problem and cause algae to multiply if they are no longer eating aquatic weeds efficiently. The existence of algae in you pond may be a fact of life, but it is good to know that there are ways to prevent excessive growth of it and there are ways to control it with some patience and the right tools.