Algae Controls (Green Water & String Algae)

Algae Controls           The arrival of spring & fall often presents a problem for owners as the beautiful, clear water of their ponds disappears beneath a blanket of green, slimy algae.  String algae tends to bloom or grow excessively in the early months of spring or fall, spreading over the surface in an unsightly manor.  There are thousands of species of pond algae, but for simplicity they can be classified in three categories: microscopic, filamentous , and attached-erect string algae. Microscopic algae (Green Water), also called phytoplankton, are tiny, free-floating cells that give the water its characteristic green color.   This type can undergo excessive blooms during mid-summer months, rising to the surface as a layer of yellow-green or reddish scum. A sudden die-off of microscopic algael blooms, caused by a change in water temperature or a stretch of several overcast days, can deplete dissolved oxygen levels in ponds to a critical level for the survival of aquatic organisms. Green filamentous algae (String Algae) gives owners the most headaches. Many species of this type of algae are tolerant of cold water temperatures and undergo blooms in early spring. Ponds having recurring problems begin to exhibit blooms as early as March, although some algae blooms in late February have been reported. Blooms begin in clear water in shallow areas where sunlight can penetrate the water to reach the soil of the bottom. The string cells join together in long stands resembling green hairs, which grow in fur-like clumps along the bottom and edges, breaking off and floating to the surface to form dense mats. Sudden die-offs of dense blooms can create serious water quality problems, not to mention unattractive conditions as the dead algae decays. There are a variety of options for controlling this problem. Algae growth is stimulated by light penetration in water and the availability of nutrients needed for plant growth, such as carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. Light penetration to the bottom occurs in the shallow areas. These shallow areas are where growth of algae and weeds typically starts. Carbon and nitrogen are generally abundant nutrients in ponds. The lack of available phosphorus is usually a factor that keeps blooms at bay. Ponds that receive loads of nutrients, especially phosphorus, tend to experience chronic problems with algae blooms  EcoBlast™ is Aquascape’s #1 treatment for breaking down String Algae! Quickly start using EcoBlast™ to spot treat the trouble areas in the pond and follow up with S.A.B.™ Extreme on a monthly basis to help keep it clear! Fast Acting! EcoBlast™ is not temperature sensitive and can be used during colder temperatures. 100% safe for fish.   S.A.B.™ Extreme is formulated to help reduce pond maintenance and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and enzymes. S.A.B.™ will assist in the breakdown and reduction of debris in the stream, waterfalls, and pond. S.A.B.™ works by adjusting the micro-nutrients in the water of the pond resulting in conditions that are beneficial for good water quality and clarity. It will not harm fish and plants or disrupt the balance of the pond’s ecosystem. Monthly maintenance to use as a follow up to EcoBlast™. Not a chemical 100% safe for fish Fortified with bacteria & Chopped Barley Straw   EcoShade is very effective at killing off algae & submerged pond weeds by coloring the pond water blue.  This blue color restricts the UV light from the sun from penetrating the water to the algae or submerged weeds.  By lowering the amount of available UV light, the unwanted growth will be starved of the needed UV rays required for continued growth.  Effectively, the unwanted plants "starve" to death.  Just remember to remove the dead growth so you do not have excess nutrients disolving into the water column creating a inbalance in your pond's ecosystem.  Green CleanA non-copper, organic based algaecide that works on contact to eliminate string algae and green water. Can be used in water containing live fish and plants, including Koi and other sensitive fish.  Available in powdered or tablet form.