Thread algae control and prevention in the pond

Thread algae begin innocently as gossamer strands that attach to the pond edge, plants or rocks. Causes are:

1. Insufficient oxygen plants: Thread algae and oxygen plants are food competitors. If there are not enough oxygen plants to absorb nutrients from the water, filamentous algae have a growth advantage.
2. Low water hardness: Thread algae grow well in soft pond water, while oxygen plants do not.
3. Leaf fall: Falling leaves that decay on the pond floor release nutrients that promote filamentous algae growth.
4. Abundance of fish: Fish produce waste, which makes pond water more nutrient-rich and encourages the growth of filamentous algae.

To a limited extent, filamentous algae can contribute to the pond ecosystem by consuming nutrients that might otherwise lead to an explosion of more harmful algae species. However, when they get the upper hand, they can interfere with other plants and disrupt the pond's biological balance.

The best weapon against thread algae is not a temporary solution, but is to set up the pond correctly from the beginning, below are some essential points that a correctly set up pond should meet:

1. pond substrate: A healthy pond bottom is crucial. A thick layer pond substrate attracts beneficial bacteria that help purify the water and provides a stable base for plants.
2. Oxygen plants: They purify the water, provide hiding places for fish and marine life, and help regulate temperature and algae growth.
3. water lilies: These beautiful plants provide shade, help regulate water temperature and provide hiding places for fish.
4. Marsh and aquatic plants: These plants play a crucial role in water purification and algae control.
5. pond bacteria: These microorganisms are the unseen heroes of your pond, contributing to a clear and healthy ecosystem.

Tip: freshwater mussels are a great addition to a correctly designed pond, as they naturally purify pond water. One mussel purifies an average of 10 liters of water per hour.

Our step-by-step plan for a correctly set-up pond shows you step-by-step how to set up your pond correctly to prevent problems such as algae: Read our step-by-step plan.

Is your pond already constructed and you are suffering from a filamentous algae infestation? Then try to restore the balance with good bacteria. These single-celled organisms ensure that string algae have less chance to grow. To combat filamentous algae with pond bacteria, use our in-house developed product: Bacta Clear. A product with a unique formula, consisting of two different strains of bacteria. When administering Bacta Clear, the bacteria attach themselves to the pond substrate. The enzymes secreted by the bacteria filter the water. In this way, the water in the pond returns to balance and the filamentous algae no longer have a chance to grow. By the way, most ponds are filled with tap water. Unfortunately, this does not succeed in controlling and removing string algae, because tap water contains a lot of lime and lacks the right bacteria.

Likewise, filamentous algae can occur in a koi pond. This is a deep pond built specifically for koi carp, in which they can overwinter well. One solution may be to feed the pond fish less, which prevents uneaten or undigested food from becoming a food source for the algae. In addition, you are more likely to have the koi carp eat the filamentous algae. A second good solution is to plant additional aquatic plants. This would specifically involve plants that filter well and add oxygen to the water. Simons best choice of plants are the Lis, great reedmace, pickerel weed and horsetail plant. Thread algae control in the koi pond is not done with one plant. Feel free to place several aquatic plants in the pond. They will grow back on their own when the koi carp have eaten from them.