Types of Algae
Suspended Algae
This type consists of millions of microscopic algae floating throughout the water. This causes the water to turn green or a “pea soup” color.
Filamentous or String Algae
This will form long and short hair like strands. It attaches itself to rocks, gravel, plants or any surface area it can find in the pond. Both forms can be reduced by properly balancing your pond.
Understanding Algae
Understanding Pond Algae seems like a daunting task to most pond owners, so first let me tell you; you’re not alone! Finding a balanced growth of healthy pond algae is really quite easy once you have a general understanding of a few basic principals and water treatments. Before we get into the meat and potatoes of helping you understand pond algae, let me begin by saying, “There is no such thing as an algae free pond!”
Pond Algae is not the enemy, and in all fairness, algae is a sign of a healthy eco-system. Typically a new pond, say twelve months or younger, may experience a couple of stages where algae is much heavier than on that of a mature pond even with a good water treatment routine. Be patient as your pond matures. Brace yourself because even on mature ponds, it is not uncommon to experience algae blooms during the change of seasons from winter to spring or during the dog days of summer when we get extreme triple digit heat waves. Have no fear because on balanced ponds these undesirable pond algae blooms are usually short lived. Now on the other hand, pond algae that is truly out of control can be a symptom of an underlying problem, that is occurring in your pond. We will certainly take the time to review the symptoms in detail. 80% of the time, out of whack problem ponds fall into these three very basic categories.
The improper usage or complete lack of natural water treatments promotes pond algae.
Whether you have a large lake, a small pond with zero filtration, a water garden or a traditional Koi pond with all the bells and whistles that technology has to offer, a consistent routine of water treatments is the foundation to balancing pristine water quality. When you get into a good water treatment routine it is important to use the pond water treatments even when your pond is in perfect condition! A common mistake pond owners make is they stop adding the water treatmets because their pond looks so perfect. The pond is perfect because you are adding the water treatments regularly and as soon as you stop adding the natural treatments, your water conditions begin to decline. Staying on track is the best thing you can do for your pond and your fish. We take a natural approach to balancing ponds with organic professional strength water treatments like powdered beneficial bacteria & enzymes, concentrated liquid bacteria, oxygen based rock, waterfall & pond Debris Scrubbers, and super strength Barley Straw Extract, rather than harsh chemicals and algaecides like copper sulfate!
Ponds that are overstocked with too many fish certainly promote pond algae.
Almost everyone, and that means everyone, overstocks their pond! When ponds are overstocked, by default these ponds are overfed, putting strain on pond filtration systems and ultimately, promoting pond algae. Buying fish for your pond is down right fun and borderline addictive, you don’t need to tell us! When stocking a pond for the first time, it is typical for pond owners to start off with smaller fish. Before you know it you have a fair quantity of fish and everything seems fine. The serious pond algae problem may not arrive for a couple of years. If you want to stock your pond conservatively, imagine each of those small fish, full grown at the time of purchasing them.
The frequency, quantity and quality of food offered to your fish can promote pond algae.
The specific nutritional needs of your Koi & Goldfish change seasonally, so don’t leave their nutrition up to chance. Choose a fish food that will boost the immune system of your fish, enhance brilliant colors naturally, deliver stabilized vitamins & minerals and even help balance your pond. Much too often, pond owners fall into a routine of feeding too frequently, in large quantities, and use the same fish food for their pond year round. Let’s just pause for a second in case you’re wondering what in the heck does this have to do with Understanding Pond Algae? If you feed your pond and not your fish you could stimulate undesirable pond algae! Take that literally; Feed Your Pond and Not Your Fish. If you feed your fish more than they can eat in just a few minutes you are actually feeding your pond, or should we say pond algae? Make sure you are feeding your fish and not your pond algae. If you are leaving for a long weekend, DON’T feed your fish, extra portions before you leave and then extra servings when you get home. It’s simply not necessary. Take a proactive role in balancing your pond; feed your fish, not your pond algae. If you feed a low quality fish food it can actually lead to out of control pond algae. Let us help you understand. You like cheese puffs, right? Seriously, they just melt in your mouth. Who doesn’t like cheese puffs?! Well, there is a fish food similar in texture and design of the cheese puff, available at the popular large pet store chains and it’s even orange! These Koi & Goldfish food sticks melt in the mouths of the fish and then squirt right out their gills and sink to the bottom of the pond. You see the obvious problem with this now, right? Pond Algae loves this fish food! Your fish actually get very little nutritional value from this food. First because it is baked so long in the cooking process that most of the vitamins and minerials have been cooked right out of the food and secondly when the fish crush the food in their mouth it mostly squirts out their gills and instead of feeding your fish you are feeding your pond algae! Choose a higher quality fish food that will actually benefit your fish instead of benefit your pond algae. Let’s be conservative and say that your pond is moderately stocked with beautifully graceful koi that are always hungry. Feed a quality fish food designed for your season, once in the morning and once in the evening as much as they can eat in just a few minutes and you will promote happy, healthy koi and NOT POND ALGAE!
The other 20% of unbalanced pond issues fall into pond design and construction related problems like; poor circulation, troublesome leaks, low pump turnover rates, improper installation & maintenance of skimmers, property drainage running into the pond, ultra-violet sterelization maintenance, and improperly sized filters.
