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String Algae Control

Pond String Algae Control Solutions

Serving Lexington & Central Kentucky

Understanding String Algae

Understanding pond algae seems like a ugly task to most Lexington Kentucky (KY) 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. Pond algae is a sign of a healthy ecosystem. Typically a new pond, a year old, or less, may experience a couple of stages where algae is more prevalent than on that of a mature pond even if you have a regimented water treatment routine.

Even on mature ponds, it is not uncommon to experience algae blooms during the change of seasons from winter to spring or during the hottest days of summer when we get extreme heat waves. 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.

Things To Consider In Fighting Algae

1.) 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 Pond Store in Nicholasville KY 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 into your pond.

2.) 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.

3.) The frequency, quantity and quality of food offered to your fish can promote pond algae. 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 to many fish also become harder to keep in balance. During algae blooms reduce or eliminate feeding until it is under control.

Other Considerations When Battling Algae

The other 20% of unbalanced pond issues fall into pond design and construction related problems like; poor circulation, troublesome leaks, low pump turnover rates, improper installation & maintenance of skimmers, property drainage running into the pond, ultra-violet sterilization maintenance, and improperly sized filters.

Leaking Ponds & Streams

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 add 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 back side of the filter. Simply remove enough of the plants to lower the water level.

Inadequate/improperly sized 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.

Controlling Rainwater runoff into your Pond

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.

Undersized pump/poor pond construction

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.