String Algae Problem
#1
Posted 08 January 2011 - 02:03 PM
just wondering if anyone has solved the string algae/blanket weed problem or could give me any suggestions.
i have tried totally stripping and scrubbing everything in the pond and using aquapro solution to the point of over dosing the pond repeatedly and it just comes back within a couple of weeks. one pond is a black heavy duty hard plastic. the other is a brown coarse sand finish which i empty and scrub for an hour with a scrubbing brush to remove algae, i just can't be doing this every 2 weeks!!!
both get filtered light and have shade sails over them
i'm prepared to try just about anything.
thanks
Deb
#2
Posted 08 January 2011 - 03:45 PM
if you dont have these or similar fish, then you can use bacteria or chemicals to control it - but this is going to be a repetitive thing....
never scrub the pond out - this encourages the algae and you will always be stuck on first base.... given time, the algae growth will subside as the pond ages.
Feel free to PM me if you want some detailed info on what you can use in your situation.....
#3
Posted 09 January 2011 - 02:36 PM
ok i won't feed the fish for a bit and see if that helps. i am currently pulling the long string algae clumps out manually every couple of days but i think it's growing faster than i can remove it. should i be doing this or should i be leaving it???
also read on the net that putting barley straw in the pond will help but i can't find any in Perth tried 3 pond shops/bunnings/city farmers etc do you think that might help?
i was also told i need to put copper in the water? but that was also by someone who suggested placing magnets all long my filter hose to put a negative charge into the water?
for some reason i don't seem to be able to pm you?
thanks again
Deb
#4
Posted 09 January 2011 - 08:19 PM
Any straw will have the same effect - but it is better suited to green water than string algae.
magnets are a mild treatment... Im still sceptical on it - it depends on the water conditions.
Copper can work - but again it is dependant on water conditions - safer to use on harder water... there are expensive electronic units to ionise copper 24/7 - worth consideration for bigger ponds or for people that dont want to keep re-dosing the pond.
Ive sent you a PM that you can reply to.
#5
Posted 09 January 2011 - 10:16 PM
One of the reason why algae grow is because there is excess nutrients in the water, hence you need to have plants to take up the nutrients or feed the fishes less. I am into aquaponics and one of my system at the moment has 0 nitrates, and the barramundi in there are fed twice a day... That tank does not have too much algae growth at the bottom and on the sides and it is exposed to full sun daily...
If your pond is an ornamental fish pond, feeding the fishes less would help but you still need plants to use the nitrates up...
Another fish that I can think off that feed on algae is silver perch...
#6
Posted 10 January 2011 - 10:44 AM
it's like a big fishnets everywhere and blocking my pump i have also lost fish that have been tangled in it. have had ponds for a few years and this problem appears to have come in with some new water lillies i bought 18 months ago. i have about 6 different plants in there ('water lillies etc) and they are looking great. i was only feeding fish a small amount once a day but have cut that now too.
thanks for the advice it's certainly worth a try.
thanks
Deb
#7
Posted 10 January 2011 - 03:47 PM
#8
Posted 10 January 2011 - 04:48 PM
#9
Posted 10 January 2011 - 07:13 PM
any lfs's selling it at the moment
interested in some for my pond
pm me so this thread doesnt go too off topic
#10
Posted 10 January 2011 - 07:36 PM
#11
Posted 10 January 2011 - 08:42 PM
#12
Posted 11 January 2011 - 10:59 AM
really appreciate you sharing your ideas
cheers
Deb
#13
Posted 19 January 2011 - 11:56 PM
#14
Posted 24 March 2011 - 09:53 AM
#15
Posted 03 September 2011 - 06:27 AM
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