Oscillatoria Pond Algae

Algae is a common problem on ponds in the summer.  However, there are many varieties of pond algae.  Some are much worse than others. Many can easily be treated with copper sulfate products, but others are more difficult and can be harmful.  For example, many southern Indiana bodies of water have been plagued with the toxic blue-green algae.

While Oscillatoria isn’t toxic, it is rather unsightly, can have an extremely foul odor, and is very difficult to treat once you have it.  Many of our ponds in northern Indiana have had trouble with oscillatoria this year because of some very specific conditions that have allowed it to thrive.

 

Oscillatoria thrives in extreme heat and in ponds that have had all other algae and weeds eradicated instead of controlled.  This is one reason we always advise our customers to manage their growth, don’t eradicate it.  Many pond weeds and algae are beneficial to a pond’s ecosystem when managed.  For example, chara is a pond algae that is a natural filter and ponds with chara have extremely clear water.

 

Once you have oscillatoria the only thing that will make a dent in the growth is extremely high doses of copper sulfate, however, this can be a fine line to walk.  Our aquatic manager says dosing up to 10lbs of granular copper per acre is sometimes required to get control of this pesky algae.  If you have oscillatoria we advise you get specific dosing instructions for your size pond from a professional.  We encourage pond owners continue to use pond dye and beneficial pond bacteria to help create an environment unconducive for the algae to thrive in.   We also encourage pond owners to allow a section of the pond that they don’t use for recreational activities to have growth to help prevent the onset of oscillatoria.  For more information or tips on how to deal with oscillatoria contact Sanco.