How to get rid of thread algae?

The appearance of thread algae is an unpleasant surprise for all pond owners, and their eradication is a difficult task. These are rather long and thin filaments, bright or dark green in color. They grow in clusters on different surfaces and hide the fish in the pond and give it a neglected appearance. They also compete with all other plants growing in the pond.

What are these filamentous algae?

They are called filamentous green algae. It is an aquatic plant for which any environment is favorable. It develops before all other aquatic plants, at the beginning of spring, at very low temperatures. Filiform green algae are harmful plants, they reproduce very quickly and can fill the entire surface of a shallow water area in a short time. These algae do not grow in deep water! They root on pond walls, stones, plant pots (mainly in the upper water layer) and at depths of up to 30 cm. They are generally seen as a form of contamination, pond infestation, etc.

Are these algae really harmful to my pond?

How to get rid of green thread algae and are they useful in a pond? Let us first examine its peculiarities before taking all the measures to combat it entirely. String algae are found in shallow water where the water is most overheated. At the same time, they consume the total oxygen level, which affects all living organisms in the pond.

String algae act as a temperature regulating system, they refract sunlight, enrich the bottom layer with oxygen and make the aquatic environment neutral. Fish can lay their eggs in the green thread algae, which cannot be destroyed later due to the density of the plant, and the newly hatched fry will always be safe. In addition, thread algae are very active microorganisms, which serve as live food for fish and are very useful for the rapid growth of fry. When it's hot, the fish hide in the seaweed to escape the scorching sun. You should consider these algae as common aquatic plants and they are an important part of the aquatic world. Just watch them and remove them mechanically (with your hands, with a net, with a stick) in part of the pool.

Main causes of the appearance of filamentous algae

The growth of thread algae in particular is often a sign of excess resources in the pond. The high concentrations of nitrates and nitrites in the water lead to the rapid growth of thread algae, because the existing vegetation cannot cope with such a proliferation, which means that there are enough resources for unwanted plants.

The lack of nitrites and phosphates can also trigger the formation of thread algae. Unbalanced environmental conditions can also contribute to the problem. You should know that variations in the level of carbon dioxide in the water multiply by ten the growth of filamentous algae.

The risk of thread algae also increases if the water is exposed to direct sunlight, and especially if there is a carbon dioxide deficiency. This leads to the accumulation of certain ammonium compounds which are favorable to the growth of thread algae.

How to avoid the appearance of filamentous algae?

To prevent the appearance of thread algae in the pond, it is therefore necessary to carefully monitor the properties of the water and maintain certain conditions. First of all, it is important to install a pond filter that does not allow suspended solids to accumulate in the water and biologically filters unwanted impurities and organic particles that can cause thread algae.

Then, a UV sterilizer must be used to prevent efflorescence on the surface of the pond and the spread of spores of filamentous green algae. It is equally important to keep the level of carbon dioxide in the water stable. At the same time, preventive measures should be taken from time to time to avoid the spread of green algae.

How do I get rid of thread algae in my pond?

They will remove unwanted vegetation over time, although there is always a risk of new growth. It may therefore be more effective to use solutions and preparations to chemically remove unwanted green algae, followed by mechanical cleaning.

The concentration of the product must be calculated according to the size of the pond, following the instructions, without harming the fish and eliminating not only the filamentous algae but also their spores, thus preventing their regrowth.

The fastest and most effective solution is to use a special device to kill green algae. Its principle is to mineralize the water column with copper ions. It does its job successfully without having any negative effect on other underwater creatures, except string algae. Contraindications to the use of this device are salt water and the presence of snails.

Regardless of the type of string algae destruction, you must test the water quality and modify its properties so that string algae spores are not reintroduced and given favorable growing conditions. Special preparations can be used to alter nitrate and phosphate levels.

It is important to remember that the use of good quality equipment, timely cleaning and water changes will prevent the appearance of string algae.

Is it possible to permanently eliminate thread algae from my pond?

It is not possible to completely get rid of thread algae, but it is possible to reduce their presence in the pond. Here are some things you should pay attention to:

• Be sure to introduce as many floating plants as possible into the pond, eg azola, sundew, pistilla, eichhornia. These plants multiply very quickly, covering the water surface of the shallow water area and preventing thread algae from growing.

• Chemicals should only be used as a last resort as an overdose can kill all the plants in the pond.