Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Controlling unwanted plants My First Bloom?

I've got what I think is the first bloom since we've owned the pond. I never saw this last year, but since we've been warm down here in GA, I've noticed what looks like an algae bloom.


The water is pretty clear and the algae seems to be suspended just below the surface. It doesn't appear to be too thick of a layer, but wondering if it is advisable to do anything or just let it go.

The pond is down about 2' and we haven't had any worthwhile rain in weeks, so whatever is in the pond will stay at least for now.

Comments? Advice?

-RFL

What is the water temp ? Not a lot you can or want to do at this time of year.

The picture was taken last weekend (10/21) when temps were 67 to 69.

It didn't look as green yesterday.

Is this the standard way a bloom looks? I always thought I would be seeing mats on the surface, not suspended.

-RFL

That is what a plankton bloom looks like - suspended in the water - no mats. If its mats it is probably FA.

Plankton, that sounds great. I was fearing an algae bloom.

Thanks,

-RFL

Plankton is "the collection of small or microscopic organisms, including algae and protozoans". The green color tells me you have planktonic algae, there is probably some protozoans or zoo plankton present also.

Here are some micro-pics of various planktons via Bill Cody. Blue part by Bill. All pictures were of plankters found in ewest's ponds in MS. Plankton in your pond will probably have different shapes (species). Some are common species in many ponds/lakes and some are unique to a specific type of water quality. Plankton is dymanic and constantly changing in density and composition. Species compositon and density will vary based on water quality, temperature, day length, and available nutrients. Plankton composition is usually different in all ponds during each season. Different or changing water color definately indicates a dramatic change in species composition.

In our region our ponds will mix naturally this time of year, usually in October. The official term is monomictic. Surface temps cool and mix within the water column. This often causes a plankton bloom due to mixing of nutrients, primarily phosphorous, that's been tied up in the pond bottom. In nutrient rich ponds this can cause filamentous algae blooms as well, but yours is a good ol' phytoplankton bloom.

I agree with Wade about the events. We see that also. Sometimes I try to help it along with a small amount of fert (after about 2 mths off fert) to aid the newly hatched TShad.

Wow! Some good news. I like this.

We had Matt from AES come out and do a survey for us earlier in the year and found out our water is too clear with low alkalinity; something that's pretty normal here in GA. When I saw the suspended green I immediately thought it had to be something bad. Hearing that it's a good bloom is quite a relief.

We've got thousands of 1" fry and hopefully they'll appreciate the food.

Thanks,

-RFL

Did you add ag lime ? If so when?

No lime. I want to start removing the 39 yrs of muck that has accumulated before liming. I plan on liming the areas as they are cleaned. The muck removal will be a DIY suction dredge project that will hopefully start next Spring. No telling when it will be completed.

With no electricity at the property I can't aerate so pellets would be limited in effect.

-RFL

I don't think pellets are effected by electricity..

If A = B and B = C then A = C.

Aeration requires electricity. Pellets are more effective with aeration. Therefore, electricity improves performance of pellets.

-RFL

Ag lime is not dependant on aeration. But putting out a bunch of lime which settles in the muck which is then removed would not give the best results. But it would still help as some would dissolve into the water quickly.

There seems to be some confusion about the "pellets". The pellets I'm referring to are enzyme pellets to dissolve the muck, not pelletized lime.

Sorry for the confusion.

-RFL

I was talking Pellets as in feed lol sorry

No sweat. Being a new pond owner, I don't have all of the vernacular down pat yet.

Sunny and 75 in GA tomorrow; great day for playing at the lake.

-RFL