Planktonic Algae
When your pond begins to look like pea soup or has a green layer of “scum,” then you may be suffering from an invasion of planktonic algae. Often, planktonic algae can overwhelm a pond environment, leading to green water and an undesirable odor.
In order to clean up a planktonic algal bloom, it is important to understand how it occurred. Planktonic algae are a symptom of a problem; namely, the pond is excessively rich in nutrients. Nutrients can come from many different sources. Fertilizers, manure, decaying pond weeds, leaf debris, etc. can release phosphorus and nitrogen into the water. These nutrients, in combination with sunlight, help the planktonic algae flourish and overwhelm your pond.
Treating a pond with planktonic algae is a multi-faceted solution. To begin with, using a chelated copper algaecide will be necessary in order to eliminate the active algae. Use the chelated copper in a solution and apply it throughout the pond. Use the product at the labeled rate and use it every 2 to 3 weeks. Starting earlier in the season is always the best choice. Sanco has a chelated form of copper called Crystal Plex. This is the strategy to help reduce the algae population.
Once you have the population of the algae reduced, it is time to begin the second phase in eliminating the problem. It is best to now begin to deal with the nutrient problem in the pond. Be sure to reduce any nutrient inputs that you can by using caution around your pond. For example, try to keep leaf debris from entering the pond, eliminate fertilizing near the pond, grow perimeter vegetation around the pond, etc. As you take care of these elements, add a concentrated mix of friendly pond bacteria to your pond. You should add the recommended dose every month, but adding it every 2 weeks will grow the bacterial colonies quicker and begin the reduction of nutrients in your pond faster. Sanco has a fine product called Natural Pond Cleaner that is available in both liquid and dry pack forms.
Also, be sure to use pond dye to help settle floating particulate and enhance to look of your pond.