Algae!!
Although naturally ocuring in most bodies of water on our planet, we don't seem too comfortable with it in our back yard pools.
So begins the saga of how to keep it out of your pool, or pond, or water garden, or fountain, or...
That's right, there are as many solutions as there are ponds!
We can only begin to describe the basics to you and then suggest a remedy.
So, here goes...
Water treatments
Algae Off:
This product is sprinkled directly onto the algae to kill it
causing it to release itself and float to the water surface where it is
accessible to be removed to avoid adding an overload of organic matter to the
bottom of your pond. Just like weeds are
in our vegetable garden one weeding does not usually remedy the situation. it requires some diligence on the pond owners
part. Once you get ahead of the algae, which
in many cases can take several cycles of removal due to heavy nutrient and
organic load, a minimal maintenance dose and attention will be required. Fortunately, the time that this requires is
greatly reduced due to the installation of the bio filter system.
Beneficial Bacteria:
This is a combination of many types of bacteria that together
aggressively digest sludge, decayed organic matter and nutrients that are the
life supply of algae. While some of these
bacteria naturally occur in your pond, they are very slow to act. By adding regular doses of bacteria decomposition
is accelerated, eventually leaving very little for algae to feed on.
Your bacteria comes in a pre-measured biodegradable bag ready to distribute into
your pond following simple treatment guidelines designed for your waters
coverage area. Once treated bacterial
colonies quickly multiply and get to work digesting the nutrients and build up
of sludge settled on the bottom of your pond.
Any solids within your pond are broken down and digested into harmless
water and CO2 while nutrients that feed the algae are eliminated and water
quality is restored to pristine condition creating a balanced eco system.
Testing your
pond:
In order to
try to keep your pond healthy, it is important that the PH, Alkalinity and
hardness are at optimal levels:
PH 6.5 – 8
Alkalinity 120 – 180
Hardness 120 -
180
There are 3
basic products that we use to correct any readings that do not fall in the parameters
of optimal.
Salt – Helps to increase
Hardness
Sodium Bicarbonate –
Used to raise PH and Alkalinity
Calcium Chloride –
Lowers the PH
Using these
products should be infrequent. 3 Times a
year would be reasonable. Heavy rains
inflict the most change to the balance of a pond, usually driving the PH out of
its optimal parameter with a tendency to the low side of the scale. Paying attention to these qualities of your
water is very helpful in reducing potential algae blooms by keeping the water in
balance making it difficult for the algae to thrive.
A few final thoughts for your pond…
Consider planting the edge of your pond with
plants that you find appealing to the eye or adding lilies further out to add
some much needed shade for your water.
Lawn
fertilizers should never be used around ponds as it runs down into the pond
during the rains and treats the ever growing algae to what it considers a delicacy.
Your pond is
not static, it is dynamic. It is a
living system that can take care of itself as long as you are willing to accept
how it presents itself. Otherwise, you
must instill your time, patience and input through a relationship with your pond
to achieve your desired result.