Find here the essentials and best sellers for our pond owners.
Find here the essentials and best sellers for our pond owners.
How to remove filamentous algae in a pond or a pond at the beginning of the season? If you have a pond, you may be faced with the problem of these fairly invasive algae. These algae always tend to appear during the month of February , when temperatures rise and there is more sunshine.
Are these algae in your pond bothering you and you are looking for a solution to eliminate them? How can I eliminate (and limit) the development of algae in my pond at the start of the season?!
In this micro-guide, there are 4 essential steps before spring:
Rest assured, there are several solutions to limit or even eliminate the presence of filamentous algae in your pond . It is important to act as quickly as possible, using the right method. If you delay in doing what is necessary, it will be more difficult to get rid of it. On a sunny day, algae can double in volume per day.
Algae tend to grow especially early in the season, when aquatic plants are dormant . During the season, aquatic plants will compete with algae, and reduce the amount of nutrients available to the algae.
The first thing to do in the spring to limit algae is to restart your filtration system and vacuum the vases if necessary.
Then, the second thing to do is to carry out a water analysis with the appropriate equipment . It will be necessary to check several parameters:
It is important to check GH+ & KH+ to balance the pH. Good water hardness (GH & KH) is also a protective barrier for the fish in your pond. You must "mineralize" your pond at the end of winter, because rainwater significantly reduces water hardness. A natural pond is generally constantly fed by springs, which allows water hardness to be kept high.
⭐ Important: Before performing an algae treatment (which you can find here), it is essential to check the hardness (GH and KH) of your pool water . This treatment should not be carried out if the hardness levels are not corrected.
⭐ You may also be interested in: Our guide to analyzing pond water
If necessary, also check the phosphate and nitrate levels . You can purchase a test kit (see photo below), which will allow you to analyze these different parameters in a few minutes.
Algae can occur in a body of water for several reasons. In most situations we encounter when visiting our clients' ponds:
We will have to distinguish between several things: internal and external factors.
First of all, know that filamentous algae ensure the balance of your pool or pond. But their presence has significant consequences, both negative and positive. If these algae are present, it is often for several reasons:
When water temperatures are too cold, it is sometimes unavoidable to treat algae. If the water is below 12°C, avoid anti-algae like Algisin. If the water is cold, opt for a treatment like Greenstab (found right here) .
The development of filamentous algae occurs naturally, even in a difficult environment. Their appearance is explained by the presence of three factors:
Even if you have poor water quality, the development of filamentous algae is still possible. This is also sometimes the case in good water quality.
To combat the proliferation of filamentous algae, you can opt for different types of solution ( to be found right here ):
⭐ You may also be interested in: the presentation of Biobooster+ , a miracle product for aquatic ponds
Please note that for most anti-algae treatments, you will need to wait at least 12°C in the water. If the temperature is too low, use suitable treatments which can be found here.
If you do not want to use chemicals, it is perfectly possible to choose natural solutions in order to eliminate filamentous algae. For example, you can use Aquipond Eco Alg Control (based on barley straw).
First of all, a partial (or complete if necessary) cleaning of the pond is necessary, consisting of removing the plants using a specific vacuum cleaner. A particularly effective solution, because not only will you get rid of the filamentous algae , but also of all the nutrients used for their nutrition.
Beyond the use of the excavator, it is recommended to use beneficial bacteria . Use living organisms that will aim to eliminate filamentous algae from the pond. Indeed, it is important to know that beneficial bacteria are able to feed on excess nutrients present in the water.
Thanks to their action, the algae will gradually die. Beneficial bacteria do not aim to contribute to the death of these algae, but rather to regulate them. For them to be effective, it is necessary to follow the instructions. For example, by avoiding combining them with herbicides, otherwise the beneficial bacteria will die very quickly.
⭐ You may also be interested in: the list of oxygenating plants for a balanced pond
Some fish like grass carp will help you regulate algae in your pond. However, carp will be of no use to you if you specifically want to combat string algae.
If you have unwanted plants, you can also use barley straw . This is a particularly interesting alternative to herbicides. Indeed, thanks to its presence, the pH level will then drop as well as the carbonate hardness of the pond. When the pH is below 8, algae are less likely to grow there.
In these conditions, you have water with a better balance and you control much better the growth and proliferation of filamentous algae. As soon as the barley straw comes into contact with water, it produces peroxide. A substance known for the elimination of unwanted plants.
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