Controlling Algae In Farm Ponds

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Controlling algae in farm ponds. Tilapia are a safe and cost effective alternative to expensive chemicals for pond weed control. In particular lakes and ponds manmade or located near farmland or urban areas where there is substantial nutrient pollution runoff and human impact are likely to at some point or another have algae growth. Rake out as many leaves fallen down cattails dead aquatic plants that are on the bottom of the pond. They eat algae chara duckweed watermeal milfoil and many more undesirable pond weeds and do not.

Plant aquatic plants in your pond to absorb algae forming nutrients. The beneficial bacteria connection. Why should pond owners stock tilapia. Shoot have a party or a bbq buy several lake rakes and have all of your buddies come over and help you rake the stuff out.

If algae can be brought under control the pond may stay clear for some time or applying the algaecide may become a matter of routine maintenance. There are three dif ferent types of algae commonly found in farm ponds and small lakes. Planktonic algae filamentous algae and macroalgae. The most common algae control method is to add a copper based algaecide to kill visible algae.

The more you remove the better. The first step to effective algae management is to understand what type of algae resides in the pond. Get a lake rake. One of the most useful things found in a natural farm pond is the existence of beneficial bacteria.

Ponds and lakes face significant challenges in sustaining a healthy ecosystem. Safer controls for algae include supplemental aeration beneficial microbe enhancement and application of nutrient deprivation products. The main goal of a successful algae control plan is to limit and reduce the nutrients in the water that can cause unwanted algae growth. As a living organism algae draws nutrients from the water in order to live.

Another method however could also be a jute sack which is lowered in the pond. The only exception to this rule is when the bloom is isolated to a relatively small area of the lake or pond. Avoid excess pond nutrients. Avoid grass clippings leaves fertilizer and other nutrient loaded organic debris from getting into your water body.

Add some more appealing plants such as lily pads cattails or watercress to your pond that will suck up all of those nutrients and stop algae from being able to grow. Though an algaecide may be useful from time to time you need to apply with care. The presence of some algae is natural and even necessary for proper ecosystem functioning. This must be filled with peat.