The arrival of
spring & fall often presents a problem for owners as the
beautiful, clear water of their ponds disappears beneath a blanket
of green, slimy algae. String algae tends to bloom or grow
excessively in the early months of spring or fall, spreading over
the surface in an unsightly manor.
There
are thousands of species of pond algae, but for simplicity they can
be classified in three categories: microscopic, filamentous , and
attached-erect string algae.
Microscopic algae (Green Water), also called
phytoplankton, are tiny, free-floating cells that give the water
its characteristic green color. This type can undergo
excessive blooms during mid-summer months, rising to the surface as
a layer of yellow-green or reddish scum. A sudden die-off of
microscopic algael blooms, caused by a change in water temperature
or a stretch of several overcast days, can deplete dissolved oxygen
levels in ponds to a critical level for the survival of aquatic
organisms.
Green
filamentous algae (String Algae) gives owners the
most headaches. Many species of this type of algae are
tolerant of cold water temperatures and undergo blooms in early
spring. Ponds having recurring problems begin to exhibit
blooms as early as March, although some algae blooms in late
February have been reported.
Blooms begin
in clear water in shallow areas where sunlight can penetrate the
water to reach the soil of the bottom. The string cells join
together in long stands resembling green hairs, which grow in
fur-like clumps along the bottom and edges, breaking off and
floating to the surface to form dense mats. Sudden die-offs of
dense blooms can create serious water quality problems, not to
mention unattractive conditions as the dead algae decays.
There are a
variety of options for controlling this problem. Algae growth
is stimulated by light penetration in water and the availability of
nutrients needed for plant growth, such as carbon, nitrogen and
phosphorus. Light penetration to the bottom occurs in the
shallow areas. These shallow areas are where growth of algae and
weeds typically starts. Carbon and nitrogen are generally abundant
nutrients in ponds. The lack of available phosphorus is usually a
factor that keeps blooms at bay. Ponds that receive loads of
nutrients, especially phosphorus, tend to experience chronic
problems with algae blooms
EcoBlast™
is Aquascape’s #1 treatment for breaking down String Algae! Quickly
start using EcoBlast™ to spot treat the trouble areas in the pond
and follow up with S.A.B.™ Extreme on a monthly basis to
help keep it clear! Fast Acting! EcoBlast™ is not
temperature sensitive and can be used during colder temperatures.
100% safe for fish.
