There are lots of different types of filamentous algae - easily more than several thousand. The filamentous green algae genus Oedogonium has over 330 species and Spirogyra has over 400 species. Some algae prefer cold water, some cool water, some warm water. Some species will start in fall, span winter conditions, and then flourish in spring. There are algae that grow in the snow of the Arctic and hot springs or Colorado. Where there is water, species of algae will thrive.
Beneficial bacteria, both warm and cool thriving species, can help reduce algae problems ONLY if the nutrient concentration or 'load' is within the amount where the bacteria can lower the amount where the nutrient then becomes a limiting or reducing factor. If bacteria reduces the nutrients 20%, but the amount present is 30%-40% this still leaves ample nutrients for more algae to grow.
My philosophy has been in many low fish production goal cases to use "natures way" and establish native, non-rampant plants to help the in-pond activities to lower nutrients to achieve better nutrient, clearer water quality management. Various tools are available for managing pond nutrients.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 03/20/17 10:26 AM.
