FAQ - Algae Growth & Control
Do you have a pond, dug out or water feature plagued with algae?
For tips on how to control algae, please read this blog: Tips to Control Algae & Pond Scum.
Here are some frequently asked questions that we receive on algae growth and control.
What is filamentous algae?
Typically, filamentous algae grows on the bottom of shallow ponds and on rocks and aquatic plants. Sometimes, filamentous algae floats to the surface forming large mats. There are numerous species of filamentous algae and, in some ponds, several species can be present at the same time.
What stimulates algae growth?
Factors that directly affect algal growth include low oxygen levels in the water column, available forms of nitrogen and phosphorus, sunlight, and temperature.
What level of phosphorus does it take to stimulate algae growth?
Depending on geographical location, environmental conditions, water column characteristics, etc., surface water concentrations ranging from 4 - 20 ug/L can trigger an algae bloom.
How does algae affect DO (dissolved oxygen) levels in the water column?
Periodic Oxygen depletion, resulting from algae respiration and decomposition, can occur during algae blooms.
An Example:
During the day algae take up carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the water column through photosynthesis. This can cause DO levels to increase.
During the night, algae take up oxygen and release carbon dioxide into the water column.This can cause DO levels to decrease. Algae, suspended below the surface, cannot photosynthesize and, as a result, they decompose. The decomposition process consumes dissolved oxygen, and, as a result, DO levels in the water column can decrease.
What is Thermal Stratification?
Typically, when pond water is warm and in full sun, oxygen is consumed faster than is replenished. This can result in thermal stratification in the water column. What this means is that, the warmer, oxygen rich upper layers of water are suspended on top of the cooler oxygen deficient lower layers. When this occurs, conditions within the pond environment change.
An Example:
Beneficial aerobic bacteria become inactive and anaerobic bacteria take over.
The rate, at which the biodegradable components in the bottom sludge layer is degraded, is significantly reduced.
Sludge accumulation increases.
Nutrient levels, in the bottom sludge layer begin to climb resulting in algae bloom, excessive scum accumulations and plant growth and higher ammonia and hydrogen sulfide levels.
Biological oxygen demand increases and dissolved oxygen levels decrease.
Our Algae Control Products
Earth Smart Solutions offers 2 products for aquatic care:
Generally, the Natural Aquatics Cleaner and Conditioner acts as a shock treatment for aged ponds, while Pond Prevention is used in new ponds, or after ESAE, for preventative methods.
Use ESAA in combination with ESAE for your season long “clean pond” guarantee.
Please contact us at 1-866-444-7174 or via email at info@earth-smart-solutions.com if you have any questions and for more information on our products.
Leave a comment