Prevent Pond Algae Proliferation

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Facts about Pond Algae

How to prevent pond algae proliferation

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Pond owners have the privilege of having an aquatic sanctuary. A pond can be a beautiful centerpiece to your lawn if you take good care of it. This means you have to keep the water clean every day.

Clean, clear pond water means that everything is balanced in your pond. The oxygen and carbon dioxide levels are optimal, allowing aquatic plants and animals to thrive. Pond algae are a natural element of any pond.

They play an important role in maintaining the balance of oxygen in the pond. However, if the right elements come into play, pond algae can be a property owner's worst nightmare. To prevent pond algae proliferation, you have to understand the algae that are infesting your pond. It's your responsibility to correct the situation and make sure that your pond remains your pride.

Pond algae are organisms that grow abundantly in your pond because of increased nitrogen and phosphorous levels. Preventing the growth and proliferation of pond algae is more vital than actually getting rid of them.

Algae may be added to ponds intentionally because of fertilization and fish feeding. As you may know, algae are primary food sources for fish. If a pond is fertilized, it will be able to support many aquatic organisms especially fish. A coating of algae on the pond's surface can prevent aquatic weeds from overgrowing. Yet due to the additional pond nutrients, scums, algal mats, and algal blooms take over. Common causes of unintentional pond nutrient addition are animal wastes, rainfall runoff, and malfunctioning septic systems.

When a pond suffers from algae takeover, it usually takes a few years before it finally recovers. By the time the pond finally clears up, the aquatic weeds will then absorb their needed nutrients from the surrounding soil. Pond algae dominate a pond because of the right combination of nutrients, water, certain plants, and sunlight. The basic types of algae that may be present are the following:

1. 1
   Phytoplankton

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   These are algae in microscopic form. They can move by regulating gas in their cells or by moving their flagella or whip-like projections.

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2. 2
   Diatoms

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   These are green and golden-brown algae that appear during spring and winter.

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3. 3
   Blue-green algae

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   These algae live in nutrient-rich warm waters. They form scums or green coats of film on the surface of the pond. A certain variety of this algae can release toxins into the water.

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As a responsible pond owner, you should perform the following practices to prevent pond algae proliferation:

1. 1
   Use aeration

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   Pond algae dislike oxygen in the water. A fixture that continuously stirs the pond water will prevent algae from overgrowing. Waterfalls, aerators, and fountains are effective in making sure that oxygen is incorporated into the pond water.

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2. 2
   Use additives

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   Many pond additives these days can regulate the algal population. Before you add any additive, consult your pond expert and increase the amount of oxygen. Read the instructions carefully.

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3. 3
   Use filtration methods

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   Floating algae can be treated with the use of a UV sterilizer. This apparatus can get rid of harmful organisms and floating algae. You can choose from a variety of wattages to get the job done. You should not use additional bacteria while using a UV filtration unit. The unit will only be killed off.

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4. 4
   Regulate the amount of fish in the pond

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   If you reduce the amount of fish in the pond, you will decrease the amount of nutrients in the water.

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5. 5
   Put some shade over your pond

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   A shed, more aquatic plants, or more additional trees will be able to provide more shade to the pond. They will prevent sunlight from warming up the pond water. Pond algae love warm water so if sunlight is blocked, the water will remain cool.

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6. 6
   Use pond dyes and dark pond lining

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   The dark coloration will prevent the sun from entering the pond water.

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7. 7
   Install a net cover for your pond

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   This will prevent dead leaves and debris from falling into the pond water.

   

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Pond algae are part of your pond's environment. However, just like any other organism, they have to be regulated. Your pond is your property's centerpiece. Make the pond water clear and clean so that you, your household, and your guests can enjoy it.

• Invest in professional landscaping.
• Set a budget for maintaining your pond.
• Constantly clean your pond and remove excess fish and harmful snails.
• Do not over feed your fish.
• Do not divert your rain gutter drainage towards the pond.
• Always check your septic system and make sure it doesn't malfunction or fail.

What can be done to prevent the proliferation of aquatic plants?

What can be done to prevent the proliferation of aquatic plants in a problem lake and/or rivers?

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