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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,424 Likes: 19
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,424 Likes: 19 |
Per my jar test, alum does not clear the water of the bloom.
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,794 Likes: 68
Chairman, Pond Boss Legacy award; Moderator; field correspondent Lunker
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Chairman, Pond Boss Legacy award; Moderator; field correspondent Lunker
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,794 Likes: 68 |
Alum binds with phosphorous dropping it to the pond bottom. This robs planktonic algae of an essential nutrient required for it to grow. Without nutrients necessary for growth, it will abate. I'd google alum treatment for algae blooms and I'm sure it will be covered in greater detail.
"Recreational and aesthetic uses of ponds are often impaired by excessive algal growth. This condition is generally manifested by low transparencies and scum conditions leading to odor problems and, upon decomposition, anoxic conditions in deep waters. Historically, nuisance algae has been controlled with algicides, most commonly copper-based chemicals (i.e. copper sulfate). The mechanism of action involves disruption of photosynthesis. While the effect of this treatment may be immediate, it is also temporary and may, in fact, compound the problem. Algal densities are usually limited by either nutrient (phosphorus or nitrogen) concentrations or by grazing by zooplankton. Upon their death, algal cells release nutrients, allowing for subsequent blooms. Since copper compounds also kill zooplankton, which rebound more slowly than algae, decreased grazing may benefit the rebounding algae. A sudden, widespread algal die off often results in massive reductions in dissolved oxygen, leading to fish mortality. Many species of blue-green algae develop a tolerance to algicides, leading to a situation where these undesirable organisms are favored unless treatment rates and frequencies are increased. Also, copper compounds are non-selective, killing vascular plants (through interruption of photosynthesis) and certain animals (through direct toxicity) (Anon., 1990). An alternative method for managing algal populations (as well as non-algal controlled water clarity) involves the use of buffered alum (aluminum sulfate buffered with sodium bicaronate). Buffering is necessary to maintain pH between 6-8; aluminum may become toxic when pH drops below 4.5-5.5. When dissolved, aluminum sulfate dissociates, releasing aluminum ions. In the appropriate pH range, these ions immediately undergo a series of hydrolysis reactions resulting in the formation of aluminum hydroxide (AI(OH))). This compound forms a visible floc which, over several hours, settles through the water column. As it falls, inorganic phosphorus adsorbs to the floc; also, the water is clarified as particulate matter (algae cells, particulate organic and inorganic material) becomes entrapped in the coagulated aluminum hydroxide. The potential for long-term control exists because after phosphorus is removed from the water column it remains adsorbed to the aluminum hydroxide in the sediments, preventing intemalloading which is often a significant phosphorus source in shallow waterbodies (Cooke et at., 1993). "[b][/b]
Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,424 Likes: 19
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OP
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,424 Likes: 19 |
Thanks TJ. I understand it now. The planktonic algae bloom cannot be directly precipitated. It should be killed off by removing nutrients. I suspect nitrogen in addition to phosphorus.
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,668 Likes: 57
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,668 Likes: 57 |
John F, not to hijack here but since it is a small forage pond that is blooming, can I ask the ones who know, can't pond dye be added, reducing the sunlight and that would reduce the bloom?
Do not judge me by the politicians in my City, State or Federal Government.
Tracy
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,424 Likes: 19
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,424 Likes: 19 |
Cutting off light would likely work, since my sample jar is now starting to clear after four days in relative darkness in my basement/garage. But, I don't want to kill it off too fast and have a D.O. crash, since I don't have any means of aeration there.
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,794 Likes: 68
Chairman, Pond Boss Legacy award; Moderator; field correspondent Lunker
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Chairman, Pond Boss Legacy award; Moderator; field correspondent Lunker
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,794 Likes: 68 |
John I'm not a fan of cutting off light either via shades...I fear DO crashes and fish kill events just like you. I prefer addressing the phosphorous issue directly and stripping it from the water column as that's a more long term approach. Also, a siphon to remove bottom water a few times a year is helpful also...easy to build and they run for free. Removing 2-3 feet of that high nutrient anoxic water is a great insurance policy. Lastly, consider beneficial bacteria...Scott is using it now with clients and reporting some pretty impressive initial results removing muck/nutrients from ponds. I always considered it snake oil...looking like I was misinformed. These are all potential solutions for your planktonic algae blooms.
Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau
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