An algae pond is a free term that describes different types of algae commonly found in fish ponds. Some forms of algae benefit the pond system, while others may be considered more unpleasant. It is important to prevent algae from blooming if you want to keep your koi and other fish from the pond alive.
Common types of algae pond
The most common species is suspended or floating green algae, such as Chlamydomonas, Chlorella and Euglena. These microscopic single-celled organisms grow to about 4 microns in diameter (4 ppm). They multiply rapidly through disputes, cell division or fragmentation. These varieties of green algae are sometimes called pea soup algae because they will transform your pond into extremely high amounts of something in extremely high quantities like a bowl of pea soup.
Threadlike string algae look like long green hair and have a thread similar in appearance due to a series of cells connected to each other. Especially common are salmon algae, also known as Pithophora, and varieties of varieties such as Cladophora, Oedogonium and Spirogyra.
What causes algae pond growth?
The three factors that allow pond algae to develop are clear water from the pond, which allows sunlight to penetrate through the sunlight, nutrient-rich water and heat. The increase in temperature accelerates both suspended green algae and weed growth.
How do different types of algae pond affect my pond?
Suspended plankton algae multiply rapidly and can be actually controlled by ultraviolet light from a UV sterilizer or a UV brightener. Ultraviolet light destroys the cell walls, causing the algae to thicken together. When they stick together, the mass becomes larger, which allows it to be filtered using a biofilter. Excessive suspended green algae form the so-called algae. They can be catastrophic for pond fish populations, as they will always be starving in a pond with oxygen, especially at high temperatures, where atmospheric oxygen cannot be absorbed in the pond as easily.
Tin weeds and varieties of string algae, multiply rapidly and form long mucous lumps that attach them to any available surface. They consume large amounts of nutrients and will tend to be the dominant species. When a weed forms in your pond, which is almost impossible to get rid of.
Why are excess pond algae harmful to garden ponds?
* This not only makes the pond look untidy and more adult, but maybe in the worst case the scenarios really cause the smell of the pond.
* When algae bloom and filamentary string algae die, they begin to decay to the floor of the pond, where they release carbon dioxide. The increase in carbon dioxide acts as a food source for the remaining algae, starting the process over and over.
* The decay process absorbs oxygen from the water of the pond. This is especially bad for nitrifying bacteria and pond fish species that need oxygen to survive. Remember that ammonia must be converted to nitrite, and then to nitrate nitrifying bacteria. The oxidation process requires a huge amount of oxygen.
* An increase in ammonia, which is also formed as a result of algae rotting, imposes an additional strain on the pond filter containing nitrifying bacteria.
Methods commonly used to control pond algae
* The most successful and, in my opinion, the only truly effective method of dealing with planetary planktonic algae is to use a UV sterilizer or a UV brightener. Ultraviolet light bombards single cellular algae, causing it to die and adhere to other dead algae cells.
* Try, wherever it is possible to remove as many nutrients from the pond as possible. Nutrients, mainly in the form of nitrates and phosphates, act as a food source for pond algae. A good habit is to remove excess fish food after feeding and to remove the remains of floating surfaces with a pond. When feeding pond fish, it is better to feed little and often to prevent waste.
* Try to cover at least one third of the surface area of the pond with pond plants as they compete with algae cells for available nutrients in the pond water.
* Perform routine cleaning by removing empty weeds and string algae with a rake.
* Using barley straw products will help inhibit algae growth. Barley straw bales are best placed in a pond in early spring, where natural decomposition releases chemicals in preparation for summer, when nutrients and sunlight are at their peak.
* The Aquatic Plant Management Center found that ultrasonic waves are one of the best solutions for controlling weed propagation. Ultrasound destroys the cell walls, causing death within 3 weeks. Currently, this is an expensive treatment and requires special installation.
* The use of pond algae is a common practice, but in my opinion, this is not a good idea. These chemicals can damage pond fish, nitrifying bacteria and pond plants if they exceed the dosage.
In conclusion, I would like to add that some pond algae are useful for the pond because it provides a food source for fish, provides shade from the hot sun and provides shelter from herons, goat fishermen and other birds of prey. It is natural to have some algae growth on pond surfaces, pond filters, pond pumps and other equipment for storing ponds. The secret is to keep it under control.
