How to control algae in a pond? The appearance of algae in a natural pond is common, but not always visually pleasing.

These algae can also suffocate your aquatic plants . It is also the most common problem encountered by a pond manager.

Through this guide, you will understand how to effectively control algae in a pond.

How do I control algae in my pond?

Among the essential steps in maintaining a pond, there is a recurring question relating to algae control. In fact, they can represent a nuisance and cause various problems, which requires the greatest vigilance on your part.

How to identify algae in your pond?

Unsurprisingly, there are different species of algae that can be classified into two large families:

• Unicellular algae called plankton correspond to microscopic algae. These cloud the water by giving a green color when present in large quantities.
• Next, filamentous algae grows in ponds suffering from a lack of water circulation.

Gradually, they will rise to the surface and quickly cover a large area in the form of a green carpet. Once again, this is a harmful development for other living species in the basin.

Small clarification regarding unicellular algae which are frequently found in the food chain. They will be consumed by zooplankton and then by fish fond of this food.

Therefore, microscopic single-celled algae promote the development of life in a pond. But when they are present in too large a quantity, the ecosystem finds itself disrupted and the beneficial aspect disappears in favor of its proliferation.

Understand why algae grows in your pond

The development of algae remains favored by two distinct phenomena: • Photosynthesis is made possible thanks to sunlight and this process remains particularly active during the summer period. • Finally, nutrients present in excessive quantities in the water such as phosphorus or nitrogen.

Their presence is explained by the decomposition of natural matter, whether animal waste, plant waste or fertilizers drained by rain onto fertilizing soils in the surrounding area. Very often, if you have an algae problem in your pond, the causes are often the same, that is to say nutrients present in too large quantities. The association with strong sunshine and high summer heat favors the development of algae in clumps.

Add to this the lack of water circulation in your pond and the result will be clear. When all the favorable conditions are met for algae development, you can lose control of your pond in just a few days. The damage is then massive and the oxygen level in your pond drops drastically, threatening the flora and fauna of the pond.

The most fragile organisms begin to be in danger, because they are no longer able to find the oxygen necessary to survive. If you do not take the necessary measures, algae will continue to proliferate by responding to the entire surface of your pond. This is called eutrophication of the aquatic environment.

The right solution to control algae in a pond

The first solution that you can put in place corresponds to a line of defense around your pool. The goal will be to protect it from surface nutrients. To do this, install 1 to 3 meters of riparian strip around the entire circumference.

This means that nutrients trapped by rainwater no longer enter your pond. An excellent practice for drastically reducing phosphorus, an element contributing to the proliferation of algae. As seen previously, sunlight can also be a favorable element for the development of algae in your pond. To reduce sunlight, you could get aquatic plants like floating islands or water lilies. These are harmonious plants that block part of the solar radiation.

Still with a view to reducing solar radiation, consider using a pond dye. This is an impressive transformation, as your pond water may have a blue or black color. But rest assured, these substances are not harmful to fish or swimming. On the other hand, don't neglect cleaning your pool regularly.

This action allows you to get rid of nutrients favorable to the proliferation of algae. In autumn, do not hesitate to set up a net to remove as many dead leaves and other decomposing plants as possible. Furthermore, you can also invest in motorized or manual aquatic tools to regularly clean your pond.

What are the benefits of using beneficial bacteria?

Beneficial bacteria have the ability to act on nutrients present in excessive quantities in the water. This may be leftover fish food as well as leaf decomposition. By introducing more beneficial bacteria, you limit the development of algae, because you help to kill them.

But this is not their only advantage, you benefit from better water quality. Among their benefits, you also find the elimination of excess nutrients, the elimination of odors and they contribute to the decomposition of sediments at the bottom of your pond.