Algae and Blanket Weed

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Algae, Blanket Weed and Green Water explained.

Green water is caused by microscopic single celled algae that float free in the water column.
Blanketweed is a filamentous algae and comprises long chains of algae cells that are string like and attach to solid surfaces, such as rocks, plants, walls etc.
Blue-Green algae (cyanobacteria) can range from single cell species to filamentous species which when they become excessive are referred to as blooms. They can form a surface scum that may look like paint, jelly or floc. Blue-green algae can be toxic!
 

Aquaclean is designed to kill blanket weed and blue green algae but not single cell algae! For single cell algae use PondBrite

Green water is often associated with new ponds and filtration systems, where the addition of fish alters the balance of nutrients in the pond, which encourages these nuisance algae to thrive!
Green water can be controlled by UV light or harsh chemicals. However, once the single cell algae is removed, you then have an environment ideal for blanketweed! In fact the green water excludes sunlight from the water column and therefore prevents blanketweed from growing!




The nutrients that all algae feed on are: Phosphates, Nitrites and Nitrates.

Phosphates are often found in fish foods so do not overfeed your fish (everyone does), especially in the summer as there is enough insects etc. for the fish to feed on and you should cut down the feed amount. Food that is not eaten turns into ammonia, along with fish faeces, and ammonia breaks down into Nitrates and Nitrites all of which are a food source for algae. Phosphates, Nitrates and Nitrites are also found in fertilisers, which can leach into ponds from surrounding land that has been fertilised.

There is some good news! Single cell algae, as opposed to filamentous algae are actually good for fish, even though it is unsightly (see Koi Carp magazine April 2008).

Tips on how to create a clean pond:

• Start the season by harvesting any old algae, leaves etc from your pond.
• Remove as much sludge from the bottom as possible.
• Do not completely change your water as this will upset the biological balance and may result in green water.
•  If you have Green coloured water, either treat with PondBrite or use a UV light for 7-10 days to kill it off.
• Ensure that you have plenty of aeration in your pond either through waterfalls, fountains of air pump diffusers. Ideally, you should have at least 5mg/litre of oxygen in your water column. The dissolved oxygen (DO) level in good fishing waters generally averages about 9.0mg/litre. A good aquatic shop can measure this for you.
• Do not use Aquaclean with the UV filter on as this will kill the beneficial bacteria.
• Once you have rid your pond of green water, start using Aquaclean immediately. Remember to turn off your UV light. Calculate the maintenance dose and dose 3 times this amount in the first week, 2 times this amount in the second week and thereafter continue throughout the season with the maintenance dose.
• When the ambient outside temperature goes above 28 degrees Centigrade, double the maintenance dose to prevent algae growth.
• Do not over feed your fish. Koi in particular are very good at persuading you to continually feed them. The food simply gathers on the bottom of the pond and turns into ammonia.
• Do not overstock your pond as this reduces the available oxygen to fish and the additional fish faeces adds additional nutrients for the algae to feed on.
• Avoid using fertilisers around your pond as the nitrogen in the fertiliser will leach into the pond and promote algae.
• Keep your pond free from rotting vegetation throughout the season.