Wondering what to do about that slimy pond algae keeping your friendly fish hidden and the frogs struggling to find space? In this article, we will be looking at what causes algae, how you can deal with it, and how Clearwater Creations can help you. Let’s first review what algae is, and then we’ll look at some possible solutions.
Algae is a type of non-flowering plant organism, like seaweed, also known as “pond scum”
What is pond algae and what causes it?
Algae are simple plant organisms without proper root and stem systems. Algae are actually beneficial to your pond’s ecosystem because, if you have fish in your pond, it actually provides them with food. When pond algae grows too rapidly and you have an overabundance of it, it is at this point that algae can become a problem. While algae ruins the aesthetic of your pond, it also becomes harmful to the living organisms living there because the ecosystem becomes unbalanced and the oxygen in your pond depletes.
There are various types of algae, but the 3 most common you will see in your pond are:
Green Water Algae
It looks like green water and it is hard to scoop out of your pond with a net.
Blue-Green Algae or Cyanobacteria
This is the bacteria which forms the layer of scum you see on top of your pond.
String Algae or Filamentous Algae
This is the “stringy” kind that is sometimes referred to as hair algae
The rapid growth of pond algae is caused by sunlight, warm temperatures, stagnated water, and too much nitrogen and phosphorous. These last two nutrients in your pond can come from run-off water, animal waste left in your pond, fertilizers used in the area, soil erosion, or even your septic system.
Wondering how to clear up your pond algae?
How can you deal with pond algae?
While you can treat your water with algaecides, there are also other ways to help clear your pond of algae.
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As mentioned above, sunlight helps increase the production of pond algae because it encourages photosynthesis. One way to reduce the amount of sunlight entering your pond is to add aquatic plants like water lilies or lotus flowers to your pond. Plants also encourage the production of oxygen which will help rebalance your pond’s ecosystem.
Reduce the amount of sunlight and encourage oxygenation with pretty water lilies
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Make sure that you prevent unwanted nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from getting into your pond. Be careful where you spread fertilizer and maintain your septic system. Also, simple landscaping tricks may prevent run-off water from getting into your pond.
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Add a filtration system to filter waste in your pond, run-off water, and forms of nitrogen.
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Consider using an aerator to increase the amount of oxygen in your pond to help reduce algae growth. The addition of a waterfall works to help aerate your pond.
Waterfalls look beautiful and aerate surface water
How Clearwater Creations can help you with pond algae:
Clearwater Creations can help you assess the algae in your pond by determining possible causes and helping you find solutions. You can contact Clearwater Creations and take advantage of their Pond Profile Service. With this service, expert advisors will make an appointment with you to evaluate the quality of your pond and to direct you towards action steps you can take. Whether it is to simply add some aquatic plants for increased oxygen or to add a filtration system to make your pond water clear again, Clearwater Creations can help.
Testimonials
We highly recommend Clearwater creations… we love our pond. – Judy C.
…This was a big idea for us (20×40 pond, plus intake bay, plus wetland filtration area) and a big investment for us. The idea and research started over a year before the project did and we were nervous because of the lack of information or companies that did a large scale recreational ponds. Tim and Joey gave us the time and information we needed to comfortably move forward. We never felt rushed and they always clearly and thoughtfully answered our questions and explained options or scenarios. They listened to our thoughts and ideas and brought them to life in a way that was beyond our expectations. Their dedication and love for what they do shines through in the work that they do… – Suzy F.