Algae Control Pond
 Pond Algae Control
Pond Algae Control remedies are numerous, there are mechanical, biological, and chemical control measures, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Barley straw has received considerable attention as an algaecide based on research done in England. Results showed that barley straw prohibits the growth of many types of algae, but not all. The decomposition of barley straw in water produces and releases many compounds, one of which may control algae populations. The chemical compound does not eliminate existing algae cells but interferes with and prevents the growth of new algae cells. As "old" algae cells naturally die off, few new algae cells are produced and the algae population is controlled as long as the compound is being produced.
There are a number of other types of straws available, including wheat, linseed, and oil seed. However, research in England has shown that barley straw is the most effective straw and provides control for a longer period of time.
Filamentous algae Filamentous algae is one of the most common aquatic weed problem in ponds. Its "sudden" appearance as it floats off the bottom causes consternation to pond owners as it degrades the aesthetic and recreational value of their ponds. Additionally, large amounts of filamentous algae can lead to a fish kill if specific climatic conditions occur. Filamentous algae are commonly known as pond scum, and moss. It is located in ponds, shorelines, and backwaters, and is a mass of long, stringy, hairlike strands; usually green in color but may become yellow grayish or brown. Individual filaments are a series of cells joined end to end, which give them a thread-like appearance. Filamentous algae can be identified by its greenish mats on the water surface. Slimy or cotton-like in appearance it may form hair-like growth on logs, rocks, and other vegetation at lake bottom and on the shoreline. Nuisance growth of filamentous algae may indicate that a lake has excessive nutrients. Adopting preventative measures such as limiting the flow of nutrients into the lake may help reduce the severity of nuisance conditions. Here is a PDF you can download about Filamentous algae. It is from the Ohio State University and even though it is talking about the ponds in Ohio it will still apply to you if you are having a problem with Filamentous algae.Controlling Filamentous Algae in Your Pond pdf. (Click here to read or right click to download.)
Plankton Algae
Plankton algae are commonly known as blue-green algae, scum, or a waterbloom. It is located lakewide and is generally free-floating, but concentrations occur along windward shores and backwater areas. Abundant growth results in "blooms" that color the water green or turquoise blue. Plankton algae can be identified by a change in water color; severe blooms often resemble pea soup. Blue-green algae form unsightly, jellylike masses or a blue, paint-like scum on beaches and shorelines. Plankton algae provides food for certain small aquatic animals and young fish. Abundant growth indicates that a lake has excessive nutrients, usually phosphorus. When some species of blue-green algae are decaying, their cells release toxic materials, which can poison animals that drink the water. These toxic blooms are uncommon, but it is wise to keep your pets and livestock away from the water when any algal bloom is breaking up. Preventive measures such as limiting the flow of nutrients into the lake may reduce future blue-green algae blooms. Planktonic Algae in Ponds pdf. (Click here to read or right click to download.)
 Duckweeds and Watermeal is commonly known as lesser duckweed, duck's meat, or
water lentil. It is located in ponds and quiet backwaters of lakes and streams. Some
duckweed is often found near creek inlets or in ditches. Rarely will duckweed become
overly abundant on lakes and large ponds exposed to wind and heavy wave action.
Watermeal is often found growing with duckweed. Duckweeds and Watermeal are tiny,
free-floating green plants. Watermeal resembles small grains floating on the water surface;
no roots are present. Duckweed typically consists of a leaf or cluster of leaves with small
roots that hang down into the water. Leaves and stem are not distinguishable from each
other. From a distance, duckweed is often mistaken for algae; it may form a
thick, green blanket on the water surface. Duckweed is not interconnected as is
filamentous algae. Watermeal resembles green cornmeal floating in the water.
Duckweeds and Watermeal provide food for waterfowl, marsh birds, and support
insects that fish eat. Duckweeds and Watermeal may shade out larger
submerged plants.
Spatterdock
Spatterdock is commonly known as yellow water lily, yellow cow lily, and pond lily. It is located in sheltered areas, such as
shallow waters with muck or silt bottoms. Spatterdock is a rooted plant with bright yellow flower that extends slightly above
the surface. The flower is surrounded by a heart-shaped leaf. The leaf is grass-green colored, 8 to 16 inches long, and may
float or extend above the water surface. The petiole (leaf stalk) is mostly below the surface. The spatterdock flower forms a
yellow sphere with petals that curve inward. The flower rises several inches above water. Spatterdock fruits are eaten by waterfowl
and muskrats. The underwater roots contain starch and are edible. Because spatterdock is a valuable and decorative plant, removing it may allow less
desirable plants to move in.
Benefits of Algae
Some Algae is benefical to natural lakes and streams. Algae differ from microscopic animal life in our water bodies in their mode of respiration: they release more oxygen during the day than they use, and absorb more carbon dioxide than they release, while animal and other non-photosynthetic organisms release carbon dioxide and absorb oxygen from their environment. Algae usually react in an opposite manner during the night, when they act as dead organic matter adding BOD load. It is important to carefully consider any action of removal of algae from a body of water: oxygen supplied by algae during photosynthesis is beneficial to most forms of life in streams or natural lakes, thus the removal would often be a detriment rather than a benefit.
Algae, the major food of fish (and thus indirectly of many other animals), are a keystone in the aquatic food chain of life; they are the primary producers of the food that provides the energy to power the whole system. They are also important to aquatic life in their capacity to supply oxygen through photosynthesis. Seaweeds, e.g., the kelps (kombu) and the red algae Porphyra (nori), have long been used as a source of food, especially in Asia. Both cultivated and naturally growing seaweeds have been harvested in the Pacific Basin for hundreds of years. Kelp are also used as fertilizer, and kelp ash is used industrially for its potassium and sodium salts.
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