Pond Algae Pond Scum
Lake Management | Pond Algae Pond Scum
These are the most common forms of algae found in East Texas ponds and lakes, that is where I am writing. There are, of course others, in this area, and I am sure there are other types in other parts of the country, but this should give a nice, simple, overview.
Muskgrass or skunkweed
When you see it, it looks more like a weed than a form of pond algae. When you smell it, you will know why it is called skunkweed! It is not necessarily a bad thing in small quantities. Like most aquatic plant life, it provides food for other biological entities.
Filamentous algae
This single cell algae, often called pond scum, forms long chains or filaments and display themselves as mats on the surfaces of ponds and lakes. It usually forms at the bottom of ponds and lakes in the shallow areas. It feeds off of the fertility of such things as decaying plant matter. Often a temporary increase in algae will result from the treatment of other plant life in the water. This pond algae provides food and cover for some other forms of aquatic life, but too much is never a good thing. It can deprive fish of oxygen, provide a habitat for mosquitoes, and interfere with recreational use of the water body.
Stonewort, or Nitella
Another multi branch pond algae that resembles a weed. It does not have an odor, and is more feather like than skungrass. It also provides food for the food chain.
Planktonic algae
This is what you need in your lake or pond to provide food for the lifeforms which provide food for fish. Single cell algae is relatively un connected, and when in proper balance throughout the water, will greatly increase the "fishability" of a pond or lake. More is not always better. As with all forms of aquatic plant life, it needs to be kept in balance.
Pond Algae Treatments
The best way to treat unwanted pond algae is with algae! All forms of algae start at the lakes bottom. If light is penetrating to the bottom of the lake or pond, there is a good chance that the water does not contain enough single cell algae in suspension. Single cell plankton algae colors the water, providing shading, which prevents the suns rays from reaching the bottom, thereby preventing the growth of the unwanted varieties of pond algae, and other lake weeds.
Algaecides
Copper
Most algaecides are a form of copper. usually copper sulfate. Some of the crystalline type copper products have been used for many years as a form of lake weed and pond scum control. Copper sulfate lake weed control products have worked pretty well, and some of the more refined products work very well, especially in conjunction with other herbicide products.
Herbicides
Diquat dibromide is a good choice as an algaecide for treating pond algae. It is almost immediately effective. Copper sulfate products, particullarly the liquids, can be used with diquat for added effect.
Treatment Cautions
Too much of any of these, can cause oxygen deprivation. Special care should be exercised when treating for these. If too much pond algae is killed at one time, the rotting plant material will deprive the fish of even more oxygen, and commonly results in fish kill.
There may also be water use restrictions and other warnings. Please check the label on any product you decide to use, and follow it completely. The label is the law! It is a violation of Federal law to use a product in a manner inconsistent with it's labeling. It would also be wise to check for any local ordinances that might have bearing on your treatment.
