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Aquatic algae, (thought of by many as pond scum)
are microscopic plants that grow in sunlit water that
contains phosphates, nitrates, and other nutrients.
Algae, like all aquatic plants, add oxygen to the water
and are important in the fish food chain. They share
many characteristics with plants, although they lack
true stems, roots, and do not flower. Common algae
that forms in ponds include planktonic algae (green
water algae) and filamentous algae ( string algae).
Algae is actually important and beneficial to a pond
or water garden. It is part of the eco-system we want
to establish in the ponds because it helps in maintaining
good water quality. If the pond filtration and circulation
system is properly designed, the nutrients and toxins
can be controlled, there by controlling algae growth.
The perceived algae problem begins when algae grow
in abundance, but this condition is really a symptom
or an indicator of excessive nutrients and
or toxins in the pond water.
Excess nutrients are typically caused from feeding
the fish too much, too often, or both. In addition,
leaves, grass, or other organic material find their
way into the pond, settle to the bottom and begin decaying
and releasing nutrients into the water.
Excess toxins are typically generated directly from
fish and decomposing matter. When fish breath they
release ammonia into the water form their gills. If
the pond is overstocked, either by too many fish or
too large of fish, you may find the water looks like
pea soup. In addition, decomposing organic material
such as fish waste, leaves, sticks, grass, etc., can
generate toxins.
As a general rule, if you are experiencing an algae
problem, adding more of the 'right kind' of filtration
will help you reduce and manage the amount of algae
in your pond. This includes:
1. Plants, such as lilies, shade
the pond and reduce the amount of sunlight available
for algae growth.
2. Fish, especially koi, will eat
a tremendous amount of algae.
3. Rocks and gravel provide surface
areas for bacteria to colonize in and between the rocks,
which is like having an additional biological filter
in the pond.
4. Skimmers act as a mechanical
filter by removing leaves and other debris from the
surface of the pond before they can sink to the bottom
and decompose and then turn into either nutrients or
toxins.
5. Biological Filters provide an
area for bacteria and enzymes to colonize which consume
nutrients and help break down organic debris and fish
waste that would otherwise contribute to water quality
problems.
Algae is a part of nature just like the other parts
of the eco-system. The main goal in keeping clean water
is not to attempt to completely rid your pond of algae,
but to keep it in balance with nature.
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