Excessive algae growth contributes to increased sedimentation and will accelerate the time table for dredging. Should I try to eliminate all algae? How much is too much? Homeowners and HOAs should tolerate some algae during the warmer months June - September of the year because it is a natural part of the aquatic ecosystem and the annual cycle of plant growth.
During droughts when water levels are very low and temperatures are very high, it is not advised to treat ponds for excessive algae because of the increased threat of water quality impairment and a fish kill. How do I control filamentous algae? Use Integrated Pest Management Menu Audiences Clemson. Academics Research Extension About Giving. Filamentous Algae Conditions and Control Options Filamentous algae are colonies of microscopic plants that link together to form threads or mesh-like filaments.
Prevention: The only way to prevent chronic regrowth of algal mats is to reduce the nutrients washing into the pond see section below. Applying aquatic dyes prevents sunlight from penetrating to the plants and slows the rate of growth.
Aquatic dyes must be applied early in the season and reapplied regularly throughout the growing season to be effective. Biological controls: Blue Tilapia Oreochromis aureus is a fish that eats filamentous algae and provides good control through the growing season. Tilapia are tropical fish, which need to be restocked each year due to winter die-back. Triploid Grass Carp do not provide very good control of filamentous algae. Chemical control: Several herbicides are labeled for control of algae in ponds.
State law requires that these compounds only be applied to stormwater ponds by licensed applicators. Surprisingly, algae has many benefits to a pond's ecosystem. The tiny plants feed fish and make great homes for micro- and macro-invertebrates like bugs and worms. But algae has its definite drawbacks. Besides being unsightly and odorous, uncontrolled blooms can cause oxygen depletion, affect fish, and in extreme circumstances, cause fish kills.
The key to successfully treating algae — whether planktonic, filamentous or chara — is to make the most contact between actively growing algae and an algaecide. If the algae is cut or broken into smaller pieces, it's harder for the chemicals to make contact.
Because algae do not have a defined root system, it will just keep growing. So it is better to leave the algae as-is before treating it. Prior to selecting an algaecide, check the water temperature, pH and carbonate hardness.
Many algaecides are copper based and should not use with koi, trout, or goldfish unless carbonate hardness KH is above 50 ppm. Also, remember to take a look at the product label for any other use restrictions for swimming, fishing, pets and irrigation. Most algaecides do not have water use restrictions though we recommend waiting at least a few hours to be sure there is no contact with the concentrated chemical that was just applied.
Use Liquid Algaecides. Floating mats of filamentous algae and suspended planktonic algae are best treated with liquid mixtures, such as Algae Defense and Propeller , that are sprayed directly over the area with a pond sprayer. To treat extra thick mats, stick the nozzle into the mat itself to get the chemical to the deeper portion of the problem. Use Granular Algaecides. For bottom-growing algae, use a granular algaecide, like Cutrine-Plus and Hydrothol , and distribute it with a granular spreader.
It is the preferred choice because the granules will sink over the algae bed and make maximum contact with it. A green or brownish tinge to water may be the only evidence that algae are present, but under a microscope an amazing and diverse world is revealed. In moving water, microscopic algae are generally found attached to rocks or other substrate. Microscopic algae are the primary food for microscopic lake animals zooplankton and are an important food for many aquatic macroinvertebrates in rivers and streams.
When the algae die, they sink to the bottom and decompose.
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