String algae

[Cfcsteve]

After 4 years of a clear relatively algae free pond, this spring I have a lot of string algae. Playing havoc with pump. What is the best treatment for this. I have been using viresco treatment from mr fothergils that keep water really clear. It’s just the algae giving me a headache. Any advice would be gratefully received.

 

[j.w]

and welcome @Cfcsteve

 

[Cfcsteve]

View attachment 150612 and welcome @Cfcsteve

After 4 years of a clear relatively algae free pond, this spring I have a lot of string algae. Playing havoc with pump. What is the best treatment for this. I have been using viresco treatment from mr fothergils that keep water really clear. It’s just the algae giving me a headache. Any advice would be gratefully received.

 

[Cfcsteve]

View attachment 150612 and welcome @Cfcsteve

Thank you. It’s been a while.

 

[Jhn]

Welcome, what volume/size is your pond, filter system/circulation, and how many fish?

Algae of any type that lingers outside of spring start up in the pond or is in excess, is letting you know your pond is out of balance. It could be too many fish or too large of fish for your water volume, inadequate circulation/filter system, all lead to excess nutrients, which leads to algae.

Outcompeting the algae for nutrients with lots of plants is the simplest and most effective way to get rid of algae.

Trying to kill the algae with chemicals, while effective for the algae you currently see, will create a cycle of the dying algae providing more nutrients for the next wave of algae. Also, as the algae dies it can consume oxygen in the pond leading to fish deaths.

 

[Cfcsteve]

thanks for reply.it is only a smallish pond of about 6ft by 5ft and only around 1ft deep. i currently have about 10 fish in in the pond with a around 8 or 9 different types of plant. the filter is the correct one according to the experts at my local aquatics shop. the plants are starting to flourish now so hopefully that will help.
thanks agan

 

[Lisak1]

I'd guess you have a combination of growing fish and a pond that's staying the same size. Be grateful for the string algae - it's keeping your pond healthy until the plants get up to speed. Get a pre-filter on your pump or get it up off the bottom if it's there - and wait for nature to do her thing!

 

[Cfcsteve]

Thanks I’ll give it a try.