Perhaps you struggle with it every year; the unsightly green growth that often appears in your backyard pond. This growth can also become smelly and can choke out the plant and animal life that you have worked so hard to attain and maintain. The name of this certain growth is often known by the name of algae.

What Exactly Is Algae?

The term algae is used to describe a large and diverse group of aquatic plants. Algae can range in size from a microscopic organism to the giant kelp; a large plant that is capable of reaching more than 100 feet long. The most common type of algae that is a culprit to the green scum that is found in a typical backyard pond is the size of a microscopic organism. Even though they are often a valuable nutrient among koi and other fish, algae can also hinder your visibility of the fish; which might result in unrecognized injury or illness that may require your attention. Once it grows out of control, it can also choke out valuable plant and animal life in your pond.

What Are Ways To Control The Algae In My Pond?

Just like any other plants that you grow in your garden, algae often grow and thrive on nutrients to feed on, water and an available light source. Therefore you need to control one or all of the elements in order to control the growth of algae. Since water is not an option when it comes to controlling algae in your pond, you need to control the light and nutrient elements. Levels of oxygen, pH, carbon dioxide, nutrient levels and other pond factors are often influenced by this organism. Here are some tips on how to control algae in your backyard pond:

• Install a biological filter and give it time to work. Be sure to keep in mind that they must be maintained in order for them to work properly.
• Do not overpopulate your pond or overfeed your fish.
• For your pond, it helps to use surface plants for shade and floaters, and underwater plants to remove excess nutrients in your water. It also helps to make sure your pond is in a shady area if possible.
• Include certain scavenger creatures, such as snails, to clean up the wastes at the bottom of the pond.
• The use of chemicals can also be helpful in controlling algae; however, they can be toxic to other plant and animal life in your pond and may require that you use the chemicals with caution.
• Ultraviolet sterilizers are an excellent way of controlling single cell algae and should be placed after your biological or mechanical filtration.
• Keep the runoff out of the pond and the sludge to a minimum (less than 1/4 of an inch on the bottom) by vacuuming the sludge that has accumulated periodically.

Pond algae is a very common thing that many pond owners have to deal with from time to time. By keeping algae under control, you will create a harmonious environment for all your desired plants and animals that reside in it.