Pond Algae: Causes and ControlA well-kept garden pond hugely improves the landscaping of a garden by adding to its aesthetics appeal and providing waterfront for the introduction of wildlife habitat. Pond lovers may choose to add fish and snails in their ponds apart from the ornamental aquatic plants. Ponds, just like plants and pets, require attention and care to keep them healthy and clean. Ponds with fish and plants call for special care, as such water bodies are susceptible to algae growth because of nutrient overload. Causes of algal bloomsAlgae are difficult to avoid in the water bodies that receive generous sunlight and more so if they are stagnant. A proactive step to minimize algae problem in a new pond would be to avoid creating the pond in the sunny part of the garden. If your pond already exists in a place where it receives ample sunlight, begin with planting medium height trees or shrubs to provide some relief from the sun rays. Since any new plantation would take time to grow and reach the optimum height when it could actually shade the water body, colouring your pond using water dyes could be a better option. Algae are autotropsh, which means they require sunlight to make food. Limiting the sun rays from reaching deep inside the pond, where algae thrive, checks the uncontrolled algae growth to a major extent. Excessive nutrients leaching into the pond also create favourable conditions for the algae to thrive. These nutrients may enter the pond in various ways:
An effective and fast method of getting rid of green water or planktons in your pond is to use a biological cure instead of harmful chemicals. Hydra Crystal, specially formulated for the ponds with external filters, is one such mineral-based product that does not harm your fish and plants. This completely biodegradable powder flocculates the algae particles, which sink to the bottom where it can be picked by the filter system. |