Algae | What types of algae are there and what is algae anyway?

No one wants string algae or any kind of algae in the pond because they can overgrow the pond. A little algae formation in the pond is normal, but it becomes a problem when algae starts to completely cover the surface of the water, preventing aquatic plants from getting sunlight, from growing and from performing their function in the pond. When this happens, it is important to know how to control, or better yet, prevent the algae. Read on for tips and advice.

All about algae in the pond

• What is algae?
• Why does algae overgrow?
• The best-known pond algae species and their occurrence
• Controlling algae in the pond
• Preventing pond problems hinges on a properly designed pond

Why does algae overgrow?

Algae occur in ponds because they are an important part of the pond ecosystem and serve as a food source for many aquatic animals. However, they are sensitive to changes in the water environment and can multiply explosively when there are too many nutrients in the water, such as phosphates and nitrates. This can lead to excessive algae growth and cloud the water, reducing the oxygen available to other organisms in the pond. Several factors can contribute to algae growth in ponds, including too many nutrients, too high a pH, too low an oxygen concentration, too much sunlight and lack of water circulation. It is important to monitor and control these factors to prevent excessive algae blooms in the pond.

The best-known pond algae species and their occurrence

Thread algae

Thread algae are a common type of algae in ponds. They can be recognized by their long, green strands that begin to grow at the edges of the pond and can then spread across the entire surface of the pond. When filamentous algae receive too much nutrition, light and oxygen, they can grow and multiply rapidly, creating a problem for the pond. They also affect the water quality and water values of the pond water, and they suffocate other aquatic organisms by reducing the oxygen concentration in the water.

Preventing carrier algae

Reducing the amount of sunlight in the pond helps prevent the growth of filamentous algae. Floating aquatic plants are the ideal way to protect pond water from sunlight, water lilies are perfect for this because of their large leaves and flower.

Float algae

Floating algae are microscopic algae that float in the water. They are responsible for creating green water in the pond and can affect water quality. Floating algae are often the result of excess nutrients in the water, such as nitrate and phosphate, and a lack of natural filters such as plants and bacteria.

Preventing floating algae

To prevent floating algae from returning, it is important to limit the amount of nutrients in the water and provide adequate natural filters such as aquatic plants. Regular water changes and removal of organic waste and dead plants can also help limit the amount of nutrients in the water.

Diatoms

Diatoms are a type of algae found in freshwater and saltwater environments, including ponds. They are often seen as a positive presence because they serve as an important food source for small aquatic organisms and produce oxygen through photosynthesis. Diatoms are recognizable by their glass shells, which consist of silica and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In the pond, diatoms are often present in small numbers and have little effect on water quality. In some cases, however, diatoms can multiply in large numbers and cause what is known as a "bloom." This can negatively affect water quality and lead to murky water and oxygen depletion in the pond.

Diatoms occur

To prevent a diatom bloom, it is important to limit the amount of nutrients in the water and have a good balance of aquatic plants and bacteria in the pond, these factors are essential to keep diatoms in check.

Blue-green algae

Blue-green algae, also called cyanobacteria, are bacteria commonly found in freshwater, such as in ponds. They can be recognized by their blue-green color and usually float in large groups on the surface of the water. However, blue-green algae can produce toxins that can be dangerous to humans and animals. Excessive growth of blue-green algae can occur when there are too many nutrients in the water, such as phosphates and nitrates, as well as high temperatures and low water circulation. A bloom of blue-green algae can lead to oxygen depletion in the water, fish deaths and health problems in people and animals who come in contact with the water.

Preventing blue-green algae

To prevent a blue-green algae bloom, it is important to limit the amount of nutrients in the water by planting enough aquatic plants in the pond. It is important to choose aquatic plants with different functions. For example, oxygen plants add oxygen to the pond water, marsh plants filter the pond water with their roots and water lilies, with their large leaves, provide shade in the pond, reducing water heating.

Controlling algae in the pond

 But have you been unable to prevent the algae and want to know how you can quickly solve this problem without harming the pond and the pond fish and other pond animals in and around the pond? First, it is important to "fish" the excess algae out of the water with a scoop net or even change the water completely using a dirty water pump. After this, it is essential to fill the pond with oxygen plants, these plants can fight the algae to some extent, but also prevent it down the road. Now add pond bacteria to the pond water, although invisible to the naked eye, play an important role in maintaining a healthy pond. These tiny organisms contribute to the biological balance of the pond and keep the water clean and clear throughout the year.

Do you really want to fight algae in the pond quickly and easily? Then add 1 Pond Block to the pond water, this block ensures that the algae in the pond die and you get a clear pond again. Use 1 block per 1,000 liters of water.

Preventing pond problems hinges on a properly designed pond

 Algae are an important part of the aquatic ecosystem and some species are even desirable in the pond. But when algae formation increases too quickly and the algae take over the pond and the water surface begins to turn green, it is already too late and you have to start fighting it. Of course you'd rather not do this because it takes time, money and effort. So rather avoid this problem by setting up your pond correctly! Here are some essential components for any kind of pond:

Pond substrate

Pond substrate is the foundation for every pond. Substrate consists of coarse, porous granules made from stone. These grains are placed on the bottom in a layer of 8 to 10 inches when the pond is set up. The layer of substrate serves as an attachment site for beneficial pond bacteria. The permeability of the grains of substrate provides a water purifying effect and the substrate provides a substrate for aquatic plants to take root in. So indispensable!

Water Lilies

Water lilies are the perfect addition to any pond, large or small, as a natural remedy for algae. Water lilies are crucial to a healthy pond; their leaves block out the sun, reducing water heating and algae growth. In addition, the leaves provide natural shelter for pond fish and other pond animals

Oxygen Plants

Oxygen plants play an important role in preventing algae formation in the pond. This is because these plants absorb nutrients from the water, such as nitrates and phosphates, that would otherwise be available for algae to grow. By limiting the amount of available nutrients, oxygen plants can help prevent algae blooms.

Marsh Plants

Marsh plants are planted on the bank of the pond. With their roots they filter the pond water. This keeps the water in your pond clear and clean and algae formation has no chance!

Pond Bacteria 

Adding pond bacteria to the pond water ensures that the development of algae is prevented and your pond so the whole year clear and healthy. This of course in combination with pond substrate and sufficient water plants, so follow when setting up the pond always a good pond planting plan for unpleasant problems such as algae to do away with.