Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Controlling unwanted plants How much planktonic algae is too much?

I understand the importance of planktonic algae in the food chain, especially when trying to create a good fishery. However, how much is too much, meaning what is a level of green water algae that becomes dangerous as far as the potential to cause a DO crash.

Do you base this level on a simple visual inspection like if you only have a few inches of visibility it could be a problem?

When vis. gets below 12" you need to start getting conserned.

You may find the Archive Secchi Disk Thread useful.

good info thanks.

now the 2nd part, how do control the bloom and keep it from getting out of control since as we all know algae can get out of control fast.

By experience with your pond. A good rule is to go slow if fertilization is a part of the plan. If not then you are talking about the mgt of natural fertility. Knowledge of what the variables are and how they all work and fit in the system is the best way to avoid problems. The three most common problem areas are excess fertility/nutrients (several sources including soil, fish feed and waste , runoff/fertilizer etc), timing/weather and water level/flow.

cokeisit - have you been fertilizing? If not, what do you think caused the plankonic algae to get so dense?. I assume the water is a rich green and not a grayish or local soil colored green. Is the pond old or new and does it get sourced with a nurtrient laden water shed?

Bill - these questions are more general as I am not referring to a specific pond at this time. However I have seen some ponds that were pretty green and am just trying to educate myself as to when do you need to me concerned that the bloom has gotten out of control and then some best practices to manage the bloom without completely killing it. It would seem that using an algaecide to control it may be tough as you would most likely wipe it completely out, although I suppose you could use rates less than what would be needed for complete control, right? Then the same thing with nutrient control. I would guess if you over manage the nutrients you would prevent the bloom.

Like I said, just trying to educate myself better on planktonic algae...thanks