Algae in the pondspoil the appearance of the reservoir and adversely affect aquatic plants and fish. They are a real nuisance, especially for owners of small garden ponds. See how to prevent the appearance of algae, as well ashow to fight algae in the pond , when they do appear. Here are 4 proven ways toget rid of algae in your pond!
How to fight algae in a pond
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The pond in which the algae have developedis unsightly, the water has a brown color, it is cloudy, the concentration of oxygen in the water and its pH fluctuate, an anaerobic zone at the bottom is created.Such conditions are very dangerous for fish! They kill the fish and limit their reproduction.Dangerous cyanobacteria that bloom and float on the surface of the waterrelease toxins that cause plants to die in the water reservoir, andthread algae take over the pond completelyYou can however, avoid this pessimistic scenario!
How to prevent the appearance of algae?
Already at the stage of setting up a pond and its care, we should take into account a few rules thanks to whichwill minimize the risk of algae appearing in the pond . So remember:
- Think about when designing the pond toplace it in the slightly shaded part of the garden . Algae in the pond appear in well-sunny reservoirs,
- Take into accountappropriate depth of the reservoir , the pond should be at least 0.5 m deep if only plants will grow in it, and 1 m - if you plan to grow in it fish,
- Invest infilter set with a UVC lamp , a fountain or build a cascade, every movement of the water favors its aeration and oxygenation, it will support water-purifying microorganisms, and the UVC lamp will help eliminate algae,
- Userational fertilizer doses for plants growing around the pond , and divide the doses of nitrogen fertilizers into several applications. As a result, excess nitrogen will not penetrate into the water.
How to deal with an algae infestation?
1. Lower the pH of the pond water
The water in the pond should have a pH of 6.5-7.5Algae do not tolerate low pH, thereforeif the water pH is too high, we can lower it by placing openwork bags at the bottom of the tank with acid peatwith a fibrous structure and a pH of 3.2 to 4.5. Such bags are placed for a period of 2 to 4 weeks to prevent the peat from decaying and rotting. Slowrelease of humic acids will acidify the water and eliminate algae There are also commercially available, packed in pouches for direct use, special briquetted minerals produced under the influence of low pressures on peat layers, whichreduce water hardness and maintain the appropriate pH
2. Regularly clean the pond
We will reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that is unfavorable in the pond by cleaning the tank regularly and removing organic parts rotting in it. Thanks to thiswe will reduce the content of nitrogen and phosphorus, which stimulate the growth of algaeThe pond can be cleaned with a pond vacuum cleaner or mechanically removing the silt accumulated during the season from its bottom. There are several models of pond vacuum cleaners on the market. Depending on the surface of the tank, for large tanks we can choose a model with a built-in pump, and for small meshes, models without a pump, supplied with water, e.g. from a tap.
3. Plant water-purifying plants
It is assumed thataquatic plants should constitute 1/3 of the water reservoir area The variety of species in the pond is very important, the more vascular plants, the less algae. Plants that purify the water take nutrients from the water andcompete with algae, thus cleaning the reservoir.It is worth planting such vascular plants as sieves, clubs, lake bald, Canadian marsh or popular water lilies (water lilies) .
4. Use biopreparations for water purification
Various preparations can help us fight algae in the pond. We are talking here aboutbiological preparations, which, unlike chemical agents, do not harm plants or fishAs an example of a preparation recommended by gardeners safe for the environment and fish, one can mention the biopreparation BLUKLAR for a pond. It contains natural strains of beneficial microorganisms that regulate the environmental balance in the pond. The preparation blocks the development and growth of algae, and after using it, the water becomes clear.
MSc Eng. Joanna Białowąs
