Algae Problems

For the most part, algae are of little value to your pond or lake. The filamentous and planktonic forms can reproduce at phenomenal rates and sudden die-offs can cause oxygen depletion. The necessary oxygen required in fish ponds or lakes can be supplied by other aquatic plant life in the water basin and these aquatic plants typically flourish without algae competition.

Algae problems are usually caused by an overabundance of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous) in the pond.

From the moment a pond is built, it becomes a settling basin for nutrients washing in from the land or watershed that drains into it. As a pond ages, more nutrients accumulate in it making it more susceptible to algae problems. Runoff from fertilized fields, lawns and pastures, feedlots, septic tanks and leach fields accelerate nutrient loading and algae growth in the pond.

Excessive algae growth will starve or strangle other forms of aquatic plant life, as well as block out sunlight necessary for their proper growth. Taste and odor problems in drinking water and sometimes even fish kills are associated with excessive blooms of planktonic algae. Filamentous algae and macrophytic algae often form dense growths that make fishing, swimming, and other recreational uses nearly impossible. Total coverage can restrict sunlight penetration and limit the production of oxygen and food items necessary for good fish growth. When algae abundance interferes with the intended use of the pond, a control method should be considered.

Algae Control

Algae control methods do not always give the desired results. For example, mats of filamentous algae may be removed with a rake, screen wire, or similar devices; however this control method is very labor intensive and provides only temporary control. In some instances, the algae may seem to grow as fast as they are removed. Before using chemicals, you should consider potential contamination of domestic water supplies and the waiting periods for watering livestock, eating fish, swimming and irrigation. In general, you must have a license to dispense many of the chemicals used as algaecides.

A "biological control" typically uses one form of life to control another or the balance of life is manipulated in some way to adversely affect an undesirable pest. It is wise to be very cautious when deciding on the use of a biological control. It can backfire when the introduced species becomes more of a problem than the original pest. One such agent is barley straw that has been used with mixed success. It is generally classed as an algistat or growth inhibitor, rather than an algaecide or algae killer. It appears to have more effect on planktonic algae and has in some tests caused the filamentous algae growth to accelerate. At any rate, it may help but will not totally eliminate the problem.

Solution

Now there is a better way to control algae. It is environmentally friendly, cost effective and chemical free. The method is not revolutionary technology. It was discovered decades ago that ultrasound would destroy algae cells. However, at the time of the discovery, ultrasonic wave generators were too costly to make it a marketable product. But today, underwater ultrasonic sound wave generation that is inaudible to and no threat to people, animals, fish or plants is now available and affordable for those who want to get rid of algae and other harmful micro-organisms such as destructive root parasitic fungi, Fusarium and Pythium.

The LG Sonic XXL, XL, TANK, POOL, and the SSS, destroy nearly all forms of algae without chemicals.