Pond algae
Pond Algae Control: The Pond algae are primitive plants having no true roots, stems or leaves. They are found either floating on the pond surface or attached to other plants, bottom sediments or hard surfaces. Even though there are thousands of species, they are classified under three categories.
- Microscopic algae: They are tiny, free-floating algae giving the pond water, a green color. They produce dissolved oxygen and its presence to a healthy level is important for maintaining good water quality and health of the aquatic organisms in the pond. The sudden die-offs of these algae result in the depletion of dissolved oxygen level in the ponds.
· Green filamentous algae: Also referred as string algae, they are long and thick bushy algae which give headaches to pond owners. The algal cells join together in long strands resembling green hairs, with growing fur-like clumps along the pond bottom and edges, breaking off and floating to the surface to form dense mats. The sudden die-offs of these algae create serious water quality problems, apart from leaving unattractive and odorous conditions of the pond with the dead algae decays.
· Attached-erect algae: They pose less common problem for pond owners, but excessive blooms of submerged attached-erect algae cause difficulties for anglers or swimmers. A positive identification of attached-erect algae is important for chemical treatment.
Apart from these species, there are also killer algae called Caulerpa taxifolia which belongs to the species of seaweed which are used as ornamentation in ponds. It is possible to control pond algae once they are identified. Normally, the algal growth is stimulated by light penetration in water and the availability of nutrients needed for plant growth, such as carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. The most common method of controlling the pond algae is by deepening the pond with as many shallow areas as possible so that light cannot penetrate. The depth of three feet or more is ideal for the control. The amount of nutrients carried into the pond during heavy rains must be avoided. Even the use of phosphorous-rich fertilizers close to the pond must be reduced. The use of triploid grass carp, also called white amur helps in the biological control of pond algae and weeds. Using algicides to treat blooms of aquatic algae is also an effective and quick method. But the treatment should be given in sections to prevent the sudden removal of all the algae in the pond.
Pond Algae in Ponds: Algae can be either beneficial or detrimental to a pond. They provide nutrients for newly hatched fry, and indirectly act as a color enhancer. As algae grow in a pond, a population of zooplankton will also develop, on which the fish will feed. The deep parts in ponds give temperature stability and a place for sediment to collect. A surface area of plenty of rocks gives animals and plants a place to grow. Even the edge of the pond must be concealed with rocks if possible. Recirculation of water is required depending on the season. If the water has lots of chlorine and no oxygen, the fishes will be killed. Some people use salt in ponds to prevent bacterial diseases.
Pond Algae Farm: Closed ponds require filtration to purify and re-oxygenate their water. Such ponds tend to have seasonal algae blooms and attached filamentous algae growth due to nutrient and carbon dioxide buildup. Algae influence the water quality of the pond mainly by affecting the balance among dissolved oxygen, pH, carbon dioxide, and nutrients. During photosynthesis, algae produce oxygen, remove nutrients, and take up respired carbon dioxide from both the fish and the algae itself. The algae can quickly strip the carbon dioxide out of the water, and pH levels can rise above nine in a matter of hours.
Pond Algae Fish: Most pond fish will breed with regularity in a pond containing plant life. In a balanced pond, fish should never be fed, but there are some special fish foods available in the market. Gold fish varieties are best suited for ponds. The Comets with straight, darting bodies of red-gold, and Fantails with flowing triple tails and graceful movements are also good for ponds. The fish called the Chinese algae eater or the Indian algae eater or the Algae eater or the Sucking loach is also used in ponds to eat algae.