Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Green Alge

Can anyone advise? I asked in fertilization to. My pond is really getting loaded with green slimy alge. I added lots of lime in the fall, I also fertilized about 3 weeks ago and again about a week ago. The water is still pretty clear, I dont believe I got a bloom. Except for this green alge everyplace. I could see the bottom in 3 1/2 feet of water. The almost entire bottom of the pond is green slimy alge. Should I continue fertilization or stop? How about getting the areators going? Please point me in a direction if you can, thanks.

My gut feeling is stop fertilizing and figure this out; I think the nutrients you wanted going into an algal bloom went into FA instead.

I also think it's time for you to start aerating for '07.

What did you use to fertiize?

You definately did not get a bloom if you still have 40+ inches of visibility; and yes. Aerate! I could write pages on how a properly sized aeration system has improved my pond/fishery.

For what it's worth I was going to fertilize a pond this spring back when I was going to attempt to produce my own perch. (I was afraid with the VHS scare I wouldn't be able to buy any interstate). Anyway, my past perch producer was kind enough to tell me what to do. He told me to drain the pond for the winter and after filling fertilize immediately. Here's the important thing he told me: Fertilize right away before an filamentous algae forms. He said if you fertilize too late you will never get rid of the filamentous algae and you will just be feeding the filamentous algae. Sounds like that's what you're doing.

I knew it... I messed with to much. I was happy without fertilizing. I added a lot of lime which in itself would have done good for the pond. I like to feed the fish, I should have never put this fertilizer in... I put it in at just below 60 degrees just like the jug said, I put a half gallon then a quart more. It was the trophy grower from dunns. Oh man... I got a mess. Was gonna wait till after the spawn to get the aerator going looks like I better get it going now. Cant believe it, I feel like the pond is ruined.

I don't think it's ruined. Could be once you get the aeration going your filamentous will subside.

I've heard Ray Scott talk about fertilizing ponds and could not relate. Here in the Midwest, we have so many nutrients we have to avoid them to keep the FA under control. That would be the last thing you would do is to put fertilizer directly into the pond.

As I said, I'm trying to understand and relate. My assumption is that the soil is lacking totally in nutrients and that no vegetation will grow without some help. The fertilizer is necessary to get some plant life in the pond. If this is truly the case, and there is not a continuous source of nutrients, stop adding fertilizer, and with time things should come back into balance. The algae will consume available nutrients through what is called uptake. You can remove the algae by mechanical means thus removing the nutrients, or allow it do die and settle to the bottom where it becomes part of the bottom sludge. Aeration is also great to help with sludge decomposition and needed to avoid a DO sage and fish kill.

Restoration back to your expectations may take some time. If it is totally out of whack, you could try Cutrine or Copper Sulfate. I would recommend being patient, however.

Bad Boy,

Fish farmers still fertilize up north to get a phytoplankon bloom going ASAP to give zooplankton something to feed on, which in turn is food for fish fry in a production pond. Once I drain my main pond next fall, and it dry out over the winter, I plan o fertilizing it to get a phytoplankton bloom going. I will put Alfalfa meal on the bottom just before filling. If one can get the bloom going before the macrophtes get going, and you can sustain the bloom you will have a natural way without chemicals to keep the macrophytes at bay. No light penetration deep enough for the macrophytes and the nutrients are being taken up by the phytoplankton.

Joey, I'm no expert by any means, but if I were you I would add some Tilapia. Those boys can really clean up algae. Good luck.

I guess I need to worry about a DO crash now when this stuff dies. I will not add anymore fertilizer, and get on the areator system tomarrow and look to see if I can find tilpia in my area NC Charolett area. Was gonna put threadfin shad but if i put tilpia I will skip the threadfin. Thanks everyone.

I found a guy fairly close who has blue Talapia, there 4 bucks each. I may need a permit I have to find out tomarrow. How are the blue talapia for the pond and how many should I put. He said there over 5 inches to 10 inches.

Joey, I don't know anything about blue Tilapia, but it was recommended to me to put 10lbs per acre of the Mozambique Tilapia. I paid $10 bucks per pound for mine here in Texas.

Makes sence. Thanks Cecil... Light penetration is the key. Great for filter feeders, but not necessarly good for sight feeders...