Algae are one of the biggest threats feared by pond enthusiasts. Pond algae can wreak havoc and transform a peaceful and healthy pond into an undesirable wasteland.
These pond scums threaten the existence of life in the pond. Their growth in the pond reduces the oxygen levels below what fishes and other microorganisms need to thrive.
Algae also emit a repulsive odor and give your pond an unattractive greenish look. Intrusive algae growth on your ponds is not without a solution. There are effective remedies that can prevent and break their formation.
Before you pick an algae remover for ponds, you need to know the various algae types, identify which one is plaguing your pond, which remover works best, and how best to use the algae remover.
Let’s get started.
Best Algae Remover for Ponds
Beneath are the top algae remover that effectively removes all signs of algae in ponds. They are proven solutions that work and are readily available in the market.
1) API POND ALGAEFIX Algae Control
This algae remover for ponds eliminates the algae and stops its growth. The algaecide treatment covers different types of algae such as string or hair algae, blanket weed, and the widespread green water algae.
ALGAEFIX Algae Control does a terrific job of killing the algae while keeping plants, fish, and other living organisms safe from harm. You can use it to take care of algae growth in ponds, water gardens, and fountains.
The treatment has the backing of experts and has gone through tests that authenticate its safety. The EPA registered ALGAEFIX pond treatment is one of the best in the market.
Before you use the product, ensure enough ventilation is available to preserve fishes in the pond. If there is no proper aeration when you use the product, fishes in the pond will suffer from a lack of oxygen, possibly leading to their deaths.
The active ingredient in the API POND ALGAEFIX Algae Control is polyethylene dichloride. This ingredient effectively removes all kinds of algae from the pond, such as green water algae, blanketweed algae, string, and hair algae.
Keep your pond clean and healthy for your plants and fishes to thrive with the ALGAEFIX pond treatment. The algae control goes beyond clearing algae outbreaks in the pond; it also prevents further breakouts.
It is available in several bottle sizes, such as the 8- and 16-ounce bottles and the 2.5-gallon bottle.
Pros:
- It is a high-quality product.
- It is an effective and rapid solution for small ponds.
- It is cost-effective.
- It removes various algae types such as string and hair algae, green water algae, and blanketweed algae.
- It cleanses the water and makes it safe for aquatic plants and animals.
- It is suitable for fountains, aquariums, waterfalls and warder gardens, and ornamental ponds.
- It eliminates algae problems and keeps the pond safe against future outbreaks.
Cons:
- It is slow at dealing with large algae problems.
- It would be best if you aerated the pond or risk killing plants and fishes.
- Aeration requirement can take up to 24-hour in some temperatures.
2) GreenClean Granular Algaecide
This algae solution is perfect for dealing with algae infestations on large ponds. It is the ideal algae control to use for a full-blown algae takeover.
The algaecide is 100% chlorine, copper, and phosphate-free. It is useful in different environments, including water gardens and ornamental ponds.
Once you apply the algaecide to the water body, it starts dealing with the algae growth immediately. It adds vital oxygen into the water body needed by plants and fishes as it works.
The algae solution eliminates algae cells in the pond through oxidation. With approval from EPA and USDA, you can be double assured that it is an organic product that does not harm fishes and plants.
GreenClean Granular Algaecide is super-effective at killing algae cells. After usage, you need to dispose of the dead algae cells immediately. This move will prevent them from posing a hazard to the lives of plants and aquatic animals present in the pond.
Pros:
- You can use it in water bodies that have fishes and plants.
- It is super-effective and kills algae cells on contact.
- It is biodegradable, making it safe for the environment.
- It is EPA and USDA registered.
- It eliminates organic debris from the pond.
Cons:
- The high cost can be a problem for most budgets.
3) Cutrine Plus Algaecide
This algaecide contains copper (about 9%). The small quantity of copper present is harmless for aquatic plants and fishes. Copper, when it builds up in the pond, can cause damage to living organisms present. However, the Cutrine Plus Algaecide has too little copper to gather or cause damage in your pond.
Pond enthusiasts use the Cutrine Plus algaecide to eradicate all forms of algae breakouts in their ponds. It is safe and effective in combating algae, spirogyra, and planktonic.
The algaecide is useful for both small and large ponds. You can also use it for different forms of algae growing in lakes, canals, reservoirs, and ditches.
Cutrine Plus Algaecide is EPA registered, which validates its quality and effectiveness. It works in hard water and can combine with other liquids such as the Harvester Liquid for more effect.
The control measure for this algaecide can take a few weeks to several methods to effectively deal with the stubborn algae problem. You may need to combine the algaecide with other treatment types for stubborn breakouts, even physical processes.
Its application on ponds is most effective if done in the early hours of the morning when the temperature is warmer. It also serves as an herbicide and effectively controls the outgrown of underwater weeds such as the Hydrilla.
Pros:
- It is a fast-acting and effective algae solution.
- It works for both small and large ponds.
- It is fantastic at controlling underwater weeds and algae growth.
- It is registered under EPA.
Cons:
- Instructions relating to its application are not easily understandable by everyone.
Buyer’s Guide: Type of Algae In The Pond
Algae are available in different types. They are harmful to ponds and their ecosystem, including aquatic plants and animals. Here are the two major types of algae: planktonic algae and filamentous algae.
1) Planktonic Algae
Planktonic alga is a term that covers different types of algae. These algae have different colors such as green, brown, blood red, pea soup, and blue. They are microscopic floating plants that are prevalent in ponds.
It is difficult to stop algae growth entirely in ponds. When they grow in moderation, they offer immense benefits to the pond’s ecosystem. They serve as food for smaller aquatic creatures and are vital in maintaining the food chain.
Planktonic algae feed smaller fishes and also bigger fish, which are then can harvest for human consumption. They are also useful in preventing unwanted plants from growing in the pond.
When these algae grow in large amounts, they consume a lot of oxygen and negatively affect the pond’s ecosystem. Out-of-control planktonic algae deplete the pond’s oxygen content, leaving little room for plants and fishes to thrive or survive.
2) Filamentous Algae
This type of algae is a real headache for modern pond enthusiasts. Filamentous algae, also called string algae, are colonies that form thread-like patterns. They grow on hard surfaces and often break into unattractive mats.
In an aquatic setting, these algae are repulsive and start their growth from the bottom of the pond, slowly rising to the top.
Filamentous algae, if left to grow unattended to can cause harm to the pond’s ecosystem. They form a block against sunlight, stopping it from penetrating properly into the pond. These pond scums also contribute massively to the depletion of oxygen levels in the water.
These algae have three color forms: green which is the most prevalent; yellow, and brown, which are not that prevalent. Filamentous algae are a broad category for algae that form filaments in the water body. Other types of filamentous algae are horsehair algae and water silk.
Although filamentous algae have their benefits, such as providing nutrients for aquatic creatures and helping the pond’s food chain, leaving it to grow unattended is a recipe for disaster.
Chemical and Natural Algae Remover
1) Chemical Algae Remover (Algaecide)
Chemical algae remover or algaecide refers to any substance that performs the task of eliminating algae. These algaecides do this by using specially formulated chelated copper or copper sulfate.
The reason copper is so effective at eliminating algae is its ability to attack the algae and block any photosynthesis attempts. Without photosynthesis, the algae will fade away after some time and die.
Copper algaecide is one of the best algae removal solutions for ponds and lakes. It is an effective treatment for aggressive algae outbreaks.
Failure to properly apply the algaecide can cause enormous problems for your ponds. Stick within the recommended dosage to avoid severally affecting the pond’s ecosystem. These algaecides do not negatively affect aquatic plants and fishes when using in the right dosage, even when there is direct contact.
Although companies making algaecide take all precautions to ensure that it is generally safe for aquatic plants and fishes, its chemical ingredients and how it operates leave large loopholes for danger.
The leading cause of fish death from algaecide is carelessness or the pond’s owner’s failure to understand the process.
When you apply your algaecide into the water body, it combats and kills the algae. That same algae now starts to decompose with bacteria acting on it.
Oxygen is expending during the process of decomposition. With low oxygen levels in the pond, fishes and plants will struggle and possibly ultimately die.
Aerating your pond water before and after using a Chemical Alga Remover will prevent such a risk. Some algaecides do not require as many aerations as others. However, it is best to aerate and shut the door on plants and fishes’ possible death from low oxygen levels.
If you do not have the equipment or know-how to aerate your pond effectively, try the natural algae remover instead.
2) Natural Algae Remover
Natural algae remover does not have the speed and quick firepower of chemical algae remover at dealing with algae breakouts. However, they compensate as being a natural solution with no side effects when used.
The focus of natural algae remover is to cut off the algae’s nutrient sources, causing them to die. Generally, natural algae remover is safer for aquatic plants and animals than chemical algae remover.
While its focus on using nature to deal with algae is healthy for the pond ecosystem, it is not effective for big algae outbreaks. Natural algae removal struggles against removing blanket weeds and string algae.
When you use this algae remover type, you also need proper aeration to protect plants and fishes from low oxygen levels.
Final Conclusion
Algae in small amounts are a meal for fishes in your pond. When they grow beyond control, they quickly become a huge problem that needs quick eradication, or else they kill off the living habitats in it.
Use the appropriate algae removal for the different types of algae, and you will save your pond. Luckily, this article has covered the basics you need to successfully remove and stop algae from growing in your pond.
