ALGAE CONTROL
POND STRING ALGAE INFORMATION & SERVICE
WHY DO I HAVE STRING ALGAE IN MY POND?
Macomb & Oakland, Michigan (MI)
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Understanding String Algae in Ponds & Water Features
Understanding pond algae seems like an ugly task to most of our Macomb & Oakland, Michigan (MI) area pond owners. Finding a balanced growth of healthy pond algae is really quite easy once you have a general understanding of a few basic principles and water treatments. As long as you remember, “There is no such thing as an algae-free pond”, you will have a better grasp on the subject. You might ask yourself, “when was the last time I’ve had my pond cleaned out?”
Three Main Things To Consider
IF YOU ALGAE IN YOUR POND
On balanced ponds these undesirable pond algae blooms are usually short lived. Pond algae that is truly out of control can be a symptom of an underlying problem, that is occurring in your pond. 80% of the time, out of the ordinary problem ponds fall into 1, or all of these three very basic categories.
WATER TREATMENTS
The improper usage or complete lack of natural water treatments promotes pond algae. A pond is only as healthy as the water in it. Our Online Pond Store carries a full selection of pond water treatments necessary to create a balanced, healthy, and happy pond. Treating pond algae with pond chemicals is not a long-term solution to this pond problem. It’s a quick fix that puts additional stress and loads on your pond. So take care and read all directions before just dumping it into your pond.
TOO MANY FISH
Ponds that are overstocked with too many fish certainly promote pond algae. It is so tempting to buy and buy not forgetting that the koi we buy are babies. As it grows we have even more acute lack of space and process ever growing waste. Imagine a 4 inch baby has grown to 1 foot, 3 times in few months! The end result is increasing nitrogen levels, which in turn becomes nutrients for algae blooms.
TOO MANY FISH
Ponds that are overstocked with too many fish certainly promote pond algae. It is so tempting to buy and buy not forgetting that the koi we buy are babies. As it grows we have even more acute lack of space and process ever growing waste. Imagine a 4 inch baby has grown to 1 foot, 3 times in few months! The end result is increasing nitrogen levels, which in turn becomes nutrients for algae blooms.
OVER FEEDING YOUR FISH
The frequency, quantity, and quality of food offered to your fish can promote pond algae. in the Macomb & Oakland Michigan (MI) area, we recommend you feed your fish less than you would like. Undigested fish food is the primary pollutant in many ponds. Your fish consume many things in the pond including algae. Excessive food increases waste and nutrients that feed the algae. Ponds overloaded with too many fish also become harder to keep in balance. During algae blooms reduce or eliminate feeding until it is under control.
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
& METHODS FOR CONTROLLING STRING ALGAE
POND & STREAM LEAKS
Troubleshooting Leaks
If you notice you have to add water on a daily basis, or hear the “hissing” of your water fill valve constantly running, (after properly setting the water level) you may have a leak, most of which occur along the perimeter of the waterfall and stream. These leaks are generally due to the ground settling which causes the water to trickle over the edge of the liner. These leaks can be easily fixed.
- Check the perimeter of the pond, waterfall, and stream for any areas that are wet. This is usually a good indicator that water is leaking over the liner.
- Check to make sure any slow-moving sections of the stream/waterfall have not become obstructed by leaves, plants, or other debris. This can cause the water to back up and leak over the edge of the liner.
- Once you have found the leak, pack additional soil under the liner to raise the edge above the water level. Hide the exposed liner by replacing the gravel and adding mulch.
- If you have plants growing in your BIOFALLS® filter, it is common for their growth to displace the water, causing it to flow over the backside of the filter. Simply remove enough of the plants to lower the water level.
POOR OR NO POND FILTRATION
Proper filtration is essential for a healthy pond. Over-filtration will not harm the pond, but inadequate filtration can kill fish and plants and leave water murky rather than clear, and produce algae blooms. Your filter setup is the most important in the whole system, generally the more complicated systems take more time and maintenance to work. But there are low-maintenance pond filters that arguably work just as well.
RUNOFF WATER
Control Run-Off: Never use lawn fertilizer or insecticides on trees around your pond or on areas of your property that will drain toward your pond. Lawn fertilizer and insecticides will cause large algae blooms, as well as severely threaten the aquatic life inside your pond.
POOR POND DESIGN
There are several factors to consider when selecting the correct filter size for your pond. Pond shape, volume, location, and number of fish and plants all affect how well the filter will perform. The minimum requirement for an unstocked pond would be a filter that runs the entire volume of the pond each hour.
POND, FOUNTAIN & WATER GARDEN
AUTOMATIC WATER TREATMENT DOSING SYSTEM
Eliminate the guesswork and routine of adding water treatments to your pond, Pondless® Waterfall, fountain, or water feature. In order for water treatments to work correctly, or to maintain optimum water quality, water treatments should be added consistently and on a regular basis. The Aquascape Automatic Dosing System accurately and consistently applies your choice of water treatment.
Intravenous medication has long been used in the medical field for one of many reasons, consistent application of medication applied directly into your bloodstream. Now imagine applying this age-old practice to your pond & water feature maintenance.
OUR SERVICE AREAS INCLUDE MACOMB & OAKLAND COUNTY MICHIGAN AND SURROUNDING AREAS.
Macomb County Service Areas
Armada, Center Line, Clinton Township,Eastpointe,Fraser, Harrison Township, Macomb,Macomb County, Mount Clemens, New Baltimore, New Haven, Ray,Richmond, Romeo, Roseville, Saint Clair,Shores, Sterling Heights, Utica, Warren, Washington,Chesterfield
St Clair County Service Areas
Algonac, Capac, Marine City, Memphis, St Clair County,Port Huron, Saint Clair
Wayne County Service Areas
Grosse Pointe, Grosse Pointe Shores, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Woods, Grosse Pointe,Bellview,Harper Woods, Wayne County, Northville Plymouth
Oakland County Service Areas
Auburn, Hills, Berkley, Birmingham,
Bloofield Hills, Clarkston, Clawson, Commerce Township, Davisburg, Drayton Plains, Farmington,Ferndale, Frankin, Hazel Park, Highland, Holly,Huntington Woods, Keego Harbor, Lake Orion, Lakeville,Leonard, Madison Heights, Milford, New Hudson, Novi,Oak Park, Oakland, Oakland County, Orionville, Oxford,Pleasant Ridge, Pontiac, Rochester, Royal Oak, South Lyon, Southfield, Troy, Union Lake, Walled Lake,Waterford, West Bloomfield, White Lake, Wixom
