Brian,
I know what you mean about removing that stuff by hand...it is not a fun task. The worst part is that it will probably be back in about the same amounts in another couple of weeks..at least it works that way around here.
If you search other threads you will find some folks have had success with Barley straw and also cornmeal and cottonseed meal. I have not personally used those.
I have used Cutrine plus in both liquid and granular form and it works very well, but only for a short time...in two weeks it usually will be back.
Tilapia work wonders on algae in my ponds. They completely control it...far more effectively than chemicals, but it does take them some time to get on top of the infestation. Once they get ahead of it, its no more algae, for me at least.
Look for a recent post by Ryan from Ohio that has some dramatic before and after pictures of algae treatment with Tilapia.
http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=000421;p=5 I can't advise you on how to get them or their legality in your area, but can say without hesitation, they ended my algae problems and have kept me algae free for 4 years now.
