Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Alum for Algae Control mainly Chara

First..
Love the site. Wish I had found it years ago. Telling other local pond owners about it. Ordering the magazine as well.

I have a HUGE problem with Chara at the moment. My aerator pump died last summer and I have not gotten it replaced yet. ($407 for a new one). Statification has ensued and my problem is the worst ever.

To combat the Chara I have made my first applicaton of Cutrine granular. Past experience shows this has a limited effect on the demon. I would hope to kill off the existing crop of Chara with Cutrine, then I was planning on applying the buffered alum, either via the suggestions of powdered form mixed into a slurry, or with Baraclear, for longer term prevention of reinfestation

I have researched the use of buffered alum and what makes this appealing, is by reducing the phosphorous, you reduce the nutrients needed to feed the chara. (At least that is how I read it). Could I use Aluminum Sulfate obtained from a chemical supplier, (making sure I had Hydrated Lime and monitor the PH) or would DePhos or Baraclear be worth the extra money?

I would like to hear from anyone with thoughts on this.

Jerry, Im sure the pros will give you their thoughts on the aluminum sulfate.Your comment about your pump that died has me curious as to what kind of pump you have.Ted

Welcome to Pond Boss. Glad you subscribed to the magazine. It's worth every penny.

Here's a starting point. View the following thread.

http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=20;t=001127

Do you know your starting pH?

Are you sure your pond has stratified already? I wouldn't think this would be the case in PA this soon.

Sorry Ted,

I am in need of a 1/3 HP Rotary Vane pump, with max of 10psi. New cost $400 or more. I checked cleanponds.com. The Gast they have is 1/4 HP. Not sure that would put out enough air. I will send them a note and inquire about what I need. Thanks for the reply.

Cecil,

Yes I do think that without the aeration, the pond is layered/statified. In past years, my Chara growth has not been this bad when the pumps was working. In my reading, I understand that without the circulation, the nitrates and phosphorous lay at the bottom and provide a perfect environment for Chara. Do I have this incorrect? Please let me know.

Jerry,

I say it's too early to have any stratification. I haven't even started up my compressor for the warmwater pond yet. And the water is still too cold to provide much plant growth or nutrients.