Pond Algae Control

30 Nov 2010

Controlling pond algae late in the growing season in the southern U.S. can be done successfully with a few well targeted treatments.

Late season pond algae can be an unsightly problem on ponds and tanks in the southern U.S. What can be done to control it and cause it to disappear? Fortunately, as long as the water temperature is above 40 degrees F, you can effectively treat your pond or tank for algae growth.

Pond algae grows just as long as it gets enough light to do so – and that does not take much! Pond algae will grow in warm water, in cool water, in cold water, or even in ice! Pond algae will continue to grow under a thick layer of ice, so long as it receives enough light to grow. It can even survive without light for a time.

The one thing that temperature does to determine pond algae growth is speed of growth. Warm water causes pond algae to flourish; cool water slows it down and cold water brings it to a crawl. So, how does this affect our treatment of algae? Well, we know that pond algae will use nutrients and minerals much more quickly when it is growing fast. As the temperature drops, the pond algae cells reduce their uptake of these products. This reduction in uptake will also reduce the amounts of algaecide that the algae will utilize. So, in effect, the cooler the water, the less likely the pond algae is to take up the algaecide and die. That is the reason algaecides are ineffective below 40 degrees F, and is minimally effective from 40 to 50 degrees F.

Now that you know the reason why it is so difficult to use algaecides on late season pond algal blooms, I will give you a few tips to aid in making your late season applications more effective.

1. Use chelated copper algaecides. These are liquids that can be sprayed directly over the pond algae mats. Be sure to read the label and apply as instructed. Sanco produces a product called Crystal Plex that is chelated.

2. Apply on a sunny day when the air temperature is at least 50 degrees F. A sunny day will cause the pond algae to be as active as they can be, considering the cool water temperatures.

3. Use pond dyes regularly to keep the pond as dark as possible. Sanco produces several pond dyes, such as Crystal Blue, Ocean Blue, and Blackout.

4. Use nutrient reducing bacteria at least once a month, even in the winter. Sanco produces a product called Natural Pond Cleaner.

Follow these guidelines and late season pond algae control in the southern U.S. can be achieved successfully!

For more information on pond algae control Contact Sanco.