Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Identifying plants Bill Cody - need an algae IDed

Bill - wondered if you could take a stab at IDing this algae, or maybe confirm if it is Lyngbya.

This is some nasty stuff; shrugging off all attempted applications of conventional algaecides.

Any input or suggestions would be appreciated.
KD

Specimen Pics

Kelley,
This is what I have called lyngbya for years. It is extremely hard to control. It has been controlled early in the year by applying max rate of CuSo4 to areas known to have previously have this type of algae. It is not a for sure but has seen to give some relief. It is very tough to control this time of year. Have you tried moderate rates of Hydrothol with Cutrine Ultra?

I've received varying responses (from PhDs to commercial lake mgmt pros) regarding this algae's identity. Most (not all) have said that it ISN'T Lyngbya. One (besides you) has said that it might be Lyngbya (actually, it was the PhD). One of the "not-Lyngbya" responders said it was a form of diatomaceous algae - which also happens to be very difficult to control. So, I'm a puzzled what it is - and why it is so tenacious.

Treatments with Cutrine Ultra (1.2ppm), tank-mixed with Hydrothol 191 (.2 ppm), have yielded only temporary results on surface mats, and offered no impact on bottom growths. It definitely isn't the typical type of filamentous algae!

The pond is under fairly intense "management": colorant, microbes, periodic algaecide treatments, etc. The gunnite bottom around the pond's perimeter is scrubbed & swept (manually) every 7 - 10 days, yet this algae builds up very rapidly between cleanings.

The infested pond isn't your typical hole in the ground ( Pond Pic ). Needless to say, the owner (and property mgr) is very interested in having the problem "fixed" on a more long-term or permanent basis.

I will be testing some of the new GREENCLEAN PRO Algaecide (Sodium Percarbonate) on it, and may try tank-mixing it with a polymer/ammonium salt adjuvant (ARRAY) to see if there's a response benefit.

Kelly - From your info presented so far it sounds like no one has looked at it microscopically? Will you send me some for verification of the genera and/or species that compose the mat?.

We see what superficially looks like this fairly often here in northern ponds. It is most prevalent in ponds where the owner has eliminated all other forms of vegetation and is trying to maintain the pond as pristine or like a swimming pool. Blue dye seems to partner with the growth of this alga. This type is quite tolerant, seems to be immune to Aquashade, and utilizes the available nutrients leaching from the sediments. Almost always, but not always, we see it grow best durig mid-summer (warmest waters) on sediments that are anoxic. Anoxic sediments are rich in soluable phosphorus.

Sweeping and scrubbing the sediments/shoreline usually corrects the anoxic problem and the growth decreases. Does the regrowth occur on scrubbed surfaces and does the scrubbing disrupt the bottom a couple inches deep?.

The form we see is built like a thick pile carpet. Each carpet fiber (0.5 -1um dia) contains a gelatinous sheath or sleeve similar to Lyngbya. The carpet or mat contains lots of intermixed algae species and detritus. The very thin gelatinous sleeves give it the jelly-like consistancy.

The taxomomy of the filamentous Cyanobacteria (blugreens) is under revision and the authorative work will be out next year. My guess is that it is Leptolyngbya, but I will not know for sure until I can examine it microscopically at 1000X.

Whatever it is called our experience is similar to yours and PondsRx; it is very hard to eradicate chemically.

"Does the regrowth occur on scrubbed surfaces and does the scrubbing disrupt the bottom a couple inches deep?."

1) Yes- the regrowth seems to grow only on the scrubbed surface of the gunnite, about 8'/10' out from the bulkhead and up to 3' deep.

2) No- the scrubbing doesn't penetrate the concrete-like gunnite (basically a swimming pool bottom around the perimeter, but with exposed hydrosoils beyond the interior edge of the gunnite).

I have a "specialist" coming to Houston early next week with his scope in hand. I'll certainly collect a vial for you if his findings are inconclusive.

Your described scenario for typical host-ponds definitely fits this place.

Thanks for the reply. KD

I always say, "There are no dumb questions" but here is one. What is gunnite? I could not find it in my dictionary.

Could the gunnite be leaching some macro or micro nutrient to favor the mats?

From your photo, the golf course is probably suppling the food source for "your" algae problem.

Gunnite (sometimes spelled "gunite") refers to a specific type of concrete that is pneumatically blown out of the end of a pump hose onto the substrate, producing a rough, "natural" surface. This type of concrete is often used to create realistic boulders and rock formations in theme parks, etc.

Bill - I somewhat doubt that the golf course is fueling the pond with nutrients. That was actually my first thought as well. The sandy substrate (of the golf course) lies above a tile drainage system which diverts excess water to storm-water drainage systems - and away from the pond (which has an elevated stone bulkhead). They even take great care so as not to introduce any grass clippings into the pond.

Kelly - Okay now I am geting better informed. Cement contains varying concentrations of calcium carbonate and phosphorus compounds. We have found that various factors affect the solubility of these compounds in cement. I think leachates containing carbonates, bicarbonates, and phosphates from the gunnite are nutrient sources for the alga. Carbonates are utilized as carbon sources in photosynthesis by many algae. We have dissolved limestone and measured the PO4 levels, they vary based on the type of limestone.

Limestone esp the softer types always grows more algae on it than igneous rock.

Kelly Duffie - What was the "verdict" about the bottom scum, blanket algae (epipelic algae) from your "specialist from Houston??

Bill - Dr. Masser came by last Thurs, microscope in hand. We scoped some samples from the pond and observed a "society" of cyanobacteria species. It was really amazing to see so many different structures within a pinhead of biomass - including plenty of aquatic microinvertebrates. I'm sure such sights are no revelation to you. However, for those of us who dwell in the macro-world, it was really enlightening.

That pond's manager decided to conduct a treatment with GREENCLEAN (a newly registered non-copper algaecide). We used approx. 50 lbs./ac-ft in a "shock treatment". No fish mortality observed (even in the absence of aeration). Also, the algal growths on the bottom quickly detached and floated to the surface - presenting a dead appearance (which may be misleading in this case). Plus, a very strong odor was emitted immediately after the treatment. Unknown if it was the GREENCLEAN or the "dead" algae or a combination of the two. The manager rigged up a high-volume trash pump and vacuumed the floating debris off of the surface, flushing it into the golf course drains that flank the pond. At this point, the gunnite bottom around the perimeter is absolutely clean - and the owner is very happy with the results. BUT, again, this isn't the typical "pond environment" that this board focuses upon.

I was in the field today with a lake management company, applying several "test treatments" to similar algal growths in multiple ponds. These particular ponds are urban lakes, where aesthetics are EVERYTHING and fish are an accidental encumberance (especially since fishing is not allowed). Here's a aerial picture to illustrate the setting described above. Lake Aerial Obviously, these ponds are also NOT the typical "Pond Boss" ecosystems.

I'll keep you posted with any further findings.

KD Thanks for the algae update. When looking at the algal mat were you able to see the thinnest filaments of bluegreen algae; those that were about 1um diameter? Those thinnest strands comprise the basis for the entire mat. Did he have a micrometer measuring device on the scope?

Neat stuff in the microscopical world of ponds. Hopefully we can show some of it in futrue issues of PBoss mag.

Bill,
I would be very intrested in seeing that in PB!

Ric - If Lusk gives me space we'll make it happen this winter. He might want me to first write a fish or water quality article. I'll have to negotiate priorities.

Bill - yes, I did see several types of filament structures. I didn't make note of their scale/size. But, the structures resembled Anabaena and/or Oscillatoria spp. Also observed were LOTS of Anacystis, and possibly some Euglena.

I'm curious if a digital scope that I've seen advertised is decent for imaging these structures. It hooks up to a PC to record a digital image. I'm sure it doesn't have the resolution of a good old-fashion scope. But, I'd sure like to have the ability to capture images of these critters. Any comments or suggestions?

Kelly - Do you have a brand name or promo that I could look at? Who is the seller?

Depending on the seller you could maybe get a demonstration or "test drive" of the unit to check its quality / resolution. Beware of buying something like that with out seeing some sort of results. Also check for compatibility with your other hardware/ software.

Better yet, I have located a nice microscope at a community college across the road from our location. I can purchase an adapter for my Sony 707 camera, which will allow its use on the scope - and should suffice for my desire for occasional photos.

Other than that, I may just keep my eyes on Ebay for a decent scope for IDing future algal cultures.

Nice photo, and I imagine this must be a good place to live, but I am not sure what the point is of having these ponds. Each of us has our own concept of beauty, but sterile ponds surrounded only by flat land covered with closely packed dwellings??? Are they really just run-off basins?
Lou

Lou, I had the same thoughts. A place that is good only for raising mosquitos. I kinda shuddered when I saw it. Essentially a community swimming pool that you can't use.

Kelly - Both plans will work. There are some decent scopes occassionally on eBay.

A biology professor at Bowling Green Univeristy has a microscope adaptor for his Sony digital camera. Seems to work pretty good for general use. What type & and Brand scope does the community college have?

Lou and Dave: Agreed - everyone has their own concept of a beautiful pond. Your perception of fluid-beauty (and mine) is probably more along the line of Walden Pond (Thoreau's).

Unfortunately, Houston's topography consists only of flat land; formerly coastal prairies. A five foot knoll is considered a "hill". However, considering that this property lies deep within the boundaries of a major city with several million inhabitants, I can make an exception to my typical concept of pond-beauty.

Also, this pond is ANYTHING but sterile. The LMB range up to 9+ lbs., and several of the catfish are in excess of 10 lbs. The 'gills and flathead minnows are extremely abundant - primarily due to frequent stocking and feeding. A few semi-wild ducks visit the pond on a regular basis.

The owner (note the singular tense) stocks the pond each winter with rainbows (14"ers, which grow quite rapidly with the intensive feeding program). He lets his guests (who stay in the guest house on the left, next to the tennis courts) fish them on a C&R basis until Feb.; after which the trout may be retained. The sandy beach extends well into the water-volleyball court - which is flanked by the rope-swing platform. Family water sports are a frequent activity here (once the algal mats are removed). Mosquitoes? Very rare!

As mentioned earlier, this is definitely not the normal Pond Boss pond. It isn't necessarily "better" or more desirable than the typical pond. But, it definitely has some very unique management needs due to its multifunction uses.

Bill - I believe they were B&L scopes, but can't remember for certain.

Kelly, Now I understand. He has an intensely managed aquarium. My Grandson and I often watch the whoppers at the Bass Pro Shop aquarium in Grapevine. Not a lot different from those of us that name our catfish. Looks like a great place for budding grad students to study and analyze.

Dave - I think the fish are too numerous to have designated names. But, your comparison has merit. Also, to add even further management requirements, the pond is surrounded by a professionally maintained 9-hole golf course; presumably in case the fish aren't biting.