String Algae and clay

[Maral]

I all of a sudden have string algae. Doing some research and I found that a couple of things were recommended.
1. Koi clay.
2. Benneficial bacteria.

I looked up Koi Clay and found that it is Bentonite clay. I have some 100% pure bentonite clay. Does anyone know if I just put some of this in the pond if it would be harmful to the Koi? what would be a safe amount?

I have a 2800 gallon pond, with 10 small koi, and I just discovered a small baby yesterday.

 

[DutchMuch]

plants are the key to all algae outbreaks.
Simple as that.

 

[Meyer Jordan]

I all of a sudden have string algae. Doing some research and I found that a couple of things were recommended.
1. Koi clay.
2. Benneficial bacteria.

I looked up Koi Clay and found that it is Bentonite clay. I have some 100% pure bentonite clay. Does anyone know if I just put some of this in the pond if it would be harmful to the Koi? what would be a safe amount?

I have a 2800 gallon pond, with 10 small koi, and I just discovered a small baby yesterday.

There is no scientific data that supports the claims that Koi clay (Bentonite) provides a direct reduction in any algae.
Algae growth is supported primarily by two (2) nutrients...Nitrate and Phosphorus.
Bentonite will adsorb Ammonia but not Nitrate. Bentonite will only adsorb Phosphorus if it is combined with either Aluminum or Lanthanum.

Beneficial bacteria (I hate using that term) will have absolutely no effect on algae growth, string (filamentous) of carpet (sessile).

Nitrate reduction can only be accomplished proactively by the reduction of fish load or feeding levels and reactively by plant utilization or anaerobic reduction.

I would first isolate the cause. Typically string algae is an indication of an elevated Phosphorus level. I would test for Phophorus (and Nitrate). There are several
Phosphorus binders currently available. They are completely harmless to any and all aquatic life.

 

[Lisak1]

Bentonite clay is supposedly beneficial to koi and is said to act as a flocculant to remove suspended debris from the water. Our fish love when we add it to the water, but maybe it's just the novelty! As for algae control - I've never heard that.

 

[sissy]

My koi love it also will swim over to the cloud of it and just hover in it .

 

[Maral]

There is no scientific data that supports the claims that Koi clay (Bentonite) provides a direct reduction in any algae.
Algae growth is supported primarily by two (2) nutrients...Nitrate and Phosphorus.
Bentonite will adsorb Ammonia but not Nitrate. Bentonite will only adsorb Phosphorus if it is combined with either Aluminum or Lanthanum.

Beneficial bacteria (I hate using that term) will have absolutely no effect on algae growth, string (filamentous) of carpet (sessile).

Nitrate reduction can only be accomplished proactively by the reduction of fish load or feeding levels and reactively by plant utilization or anaerobic reduction.

I would first isolate the cause. Typically string algae is an indication of an elevated Phosphorus level. I would test for Phophorus (and Nitrate). There are several
Phosphorus binders currently available. They are completely harmless to any and all aquatic life.

The Phosphate and nitrate are zero, and so is the amonia. PH is 7.5

 

[MitchM]

The Phosphate and nitrate are zero, and so is the amonia. PH is 7.5

Those numbers are deceiving because the algae is taking up the nutrients in the water column as they become available.
The algae would not be growing if there were no excess nutrients available.

 

[sissy]

algae is saving you fish .How often are you feeding them at what is the temp. of your pond water I only feed mine 3 or 4 times a week there is plenty to eat in the pond .They love to eat algae

 

[Usman]

how much u feed fish ? feed them less , can b over feeding and may b if u feed less the fishes will eat algae themself