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We are really having a problem with algae this year on our pond

Posted on December 29, 2001

Question:
Hi Chuck. We have a one and a half acre pond with 3 to 9 foot depth. We are really having a problem with algae this year. We do not use fertilizer on lawn surrounding the pond. We have a well that we use to keep the water level up and we have successfully choked off some of the other weeds. We also have fewer ducks and geese this year then in the past. ( no geese for a few weeks, and ducks visit only early and late in day to eat.) No excessive organic matter getting into the pond. This was an existing farm pond that was 2 feet deep and which we dug deeper 3 years ago. This is the first time we've had algae this bad. It is returning faster than we can rake it. Any thoughts on why or what can be done would be appreciated. ( we're in Michigan City and several other nearby ponds seem to be having the same problem) Thanks Barb

Answer:
The weather this year has been very good for algae growth. Aeration could help if you are not already doing so. Either a fountain (which is easier) or a bottom aerator. A liquid copper sulphate product such as Formula F-30 works well to control algae but doesn't address why it is there in the first place. Bio-clean is a bacteria that competes with algae to out compete it
for the nutrients in the water and also breaks down wastes and sludge in the pond where many algae problems start. Good Luck, Chuck

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