| Of all the things that a pond owner has to deal with in | | | | some form of shade to the pond. This might include an |
| the care and management of their water garden, pond | | | | actual structure to block the sun or using something like |
| algae is the last thing one wants to see. Afterall, few | | | | pond dye to limit the exposure to the light. |
| things look worse, or diminish the tranquil, pleasing | | | | In addition to this step, it's usually a good idea to use |
| nature of the pond any more than algae. | | | | some form of beneficial bacteria to help with balancing |
| Algae comes in many forms and there are three | | | | the pond as well. Bacteria, like plants, can help reduce |
| types that most pond owners may have to deal with | | | | nutrient loads and in effect, it works to outcompete |
| in North America. Green water or planktonic algae, | | | | algae for this type of support. Along with this, bacteria |
| string algae, or mat algae which generally floats on the | | | | provides a secondary benefit by helping to break |
| surface of the pond. You might also see a pond scum | | | | down any type of organic material that might fall into |
| or bio-film on the surface but in any case, algae is | | | | the pond. This could include grass clippings, leaves, or |
| usually the culprit. | | | | uneaten fish food. |
| Algae presents itself in a pond as a way, nature's way, | | | | By combining these two supportive steps, a pond |
| of helping to balance the pond. When there are | | | | owner can provide a double duty treatment that hits |
| excess nutrients in the pond from fish waste, run off, | | | | algae where it's most susceptible. In doing this, a pond |
| or organic decomposition, nutrient levels rise and these | | | | owner can avoid using something like a chemical |
| must be dealt with in some fashion or the pond could | | | | algaecide that, when used inappropriately, can be |
| be in a very bad state. | | | | hazardous to fish and other wildlife in the pond. |
| Algae thrives when conditions support it. This includes | | | | In my opinion the best way to reduce algae is by |
| ample nutrients that are coupled with adequate sunlight. | | | | gradual steps and not all at once. Chemicals generally |
| For small pond owners, trying to target these two | | | | are intended to quickly kill the algae, but they do not |
| elements or influences makes a lot of sense and can | | | | address the problem of why algae is there in the first |
| often clear the pond of algae problems in a short time. | | | | place. Like all things they have their place and time for |
| By limiting sun exposure in some way, usually by | | | | use, but normally a pond owner can avoid them with a |
| adding ample surface plants, you effectively cut down | | | | bit of proper planning and education. |
| on the photosynthesis that takes place on the pond | | | | It should be noted as well that by working with the |
| bottom. Plants add another helpful dimension by | | | | protocol outlined above, or that of using plants and |
| reducing or consuming nutrients as well. | | | | bacteria in combination, you can effectively treat all |
| Some pond owners have had success by providing | | | | types of algae. |