Does Algae Treatment Hurt Pond Plants?

Algae can be considered weeds in your pond.

Your choice of algae treatment plays a big part in whether or not your pond's plants will be harmed by it. Interestingly, a pond stocked with the correct number of plants for its size prevents algae growth through nutrient competition and by blocking sunlight.

True Algicides

Algicide is a fancy word that means that the product contain chemicals that will kill algae. However, these chemicals are also harmful to fish, plants, pets and wildlife. Do not use algicide if you have fish in your pond, and keep pets and children away from treated ponds.

Circulation and Filtration

Ponds equipped with adequate filtration, including plant life, and that don't have stagnate water won't develop an overgrowth of algae. To reduce algae without plant damage and eliminate stagnate areas in your pond, increase the pond's circulation so that the water remains an even temperature throughout.

Algae Eaters

If you have fish in your pond, consider adding algae eaters. There are a number of different species that do not eat the plants or harm the fish in your pond.

References

• Bestfish.com; Battling Pond Scum; James M. Kostich