Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Controlling unwanted plants algae

I live in the toledo ohio area and I need help in resolving my algae problem in a 1/2 ar pond. I have two aeration systems going into the pond, 14inch diffuser from a windmill and two 9inch diffuser from a pump,and treat with cutrine plus around the sides with the use of aquashade.It is only the middle of May and the fight is on already. Does anyone know of someone in this area that I can contact to consult me on what I can do to help me. I am willing to start from water testing to what ever it takes.

Thanks Bob

Bob:

What is the main purpose of the pond? Swimming, Koi, sportfishing, food fishing, aesthetics, (I think I'll throw in "wastewater treatment" just for the fun of it)? And how much FA do you get/how much are you willing to live with? These will naturally influence the manner that is acceptable for handling the problem (the whole gamut of treatments from "put up with it" through Dave Davidson's "nuke it from orbit - it's the only way to be sure").

Theo:

Thanks for your response, We mainly use the pond for fishing;nothing big time , swimming and for a big lab. I have cut back on fert. and weed feed from about 20 ft. away. For what is acceptable, I would like cut out as much as I can, knowing that a complete removal is not very likely. The pond is about 15 yrs olds and just in the last coupe years is when the algae has been big time.

Bob

My two cents is that after 15 years you are starting to have organic sediments, and excess nutrients. You have aeration, have you ever tried bacteria?
They'll consume the muck and excess nutrient; transform it into fish food, all naturally. It works for us!
Good luck!

Mario:


Can you explain in some detail what this bacteria is and what is the success rate is?

Thanks Bob

Here is a prior thread on the subject.

http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=20;t=002421;p=1

Bob Caro, our basic products have five strains of bacillus species. All authorized on the DSL list in Canada. I think a few more species are available within the US but I can't confirm that more species would be much more efficient though. If you want to read more on them, please go to our page here: http://www.canadianpond.ca/bacterius.html

Our success rate is very good. I gage that by the repeat business we get, the comments we get and the general happy faces we see once the scum is gone! Our clients are seeing major muck removal and algae control when they combine aeration and bacterial application.
100% success does not exist though as sometimes other factors are affecting bacteria survival like pH levels (6-8 is fine)or chemical composition of water. For example, if you add town water to your pond, the Chlorine could be killing your friendly bacteria...
Other factors are how fresh the bacteria are?
Did they freeze in transport?
What is their CFU content (colony forming unit)?

In a nut shell, I was hesitant to sell these a few years ago, now I see them as an important tool for nutrient management in pond.... in the end its all about controlling nutrients to obtain success.

Good luck!