How to Identify Pond Algae

Pond algae is the green slime that covers the water of a pond. It turns clear, crystal water to a smelly mess. Algae are actually small plants that have no roots. They can float at the surface of a pond or attach to the sides, bottom, or other plants. Microscopic algae are actually good for a pond---they maintain oxygen levels, and give fish something to eat. However, the larger forms of algae, and blooming microscopic algae, detract from the look and cleanliness of a pond. When that happens, most pond owners are eager to get rid of the algae in their pond.

Things You'll Need

• Aluminum pie pan
• Yardstick
• Grass carp
• Algae chemicals
• Microbial product

Instructions

Instructions for Identifying and Treating Pond Algae

1. Check your pond. A color change from clear greenish water to a thick soupy green means algae are blooming.

2. Confirm the bloom. Attach a pie pan to a yardstick and submerge it in the pond water. Dip the yardstick to a depth of 24 inches. If the pie pan is no longer visible, you have a microscopic algae bloom.

3. Identify another form of algae. Look for long strands of algae growing up from the bottom of your pond in finger-like arrangements. These indicate a bloom of green filamentous algae.

4. Deepen your pond. Algae blooms are caused by sunlight reaching the bottom; preventing that will discourage algae.

5. Introduce herbivorous fish like grass carp into your pond; they will eat and control algae to a certain extent.

6. Introduce a microbial product that disrupts the growth pattern of algae for long-term prevention.

7. Treat your pond with algae-specific chemical treatments. Treat the pond in sections to prevent damage to the pond's environment.

Tips & Warnings

• Pond algae usually appear in spring, when they "bloom."

• Suddenly killing all the algae in a pond will disturb the availability of oxygen in the pond. Algae chemicals may harm fish and livestock.

References

• Control Pond Algae
• Pond Scum Wipe-Out!