Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations floating seaweed

I have a pond approximately 1/3 acre and averages 6-7 ft. deep. My problem is floating seaweed and alge which is dead, almost like a scum layer of seaweed. I try skimming it but it is a never ending process. I spoke to someone who sells products to eat or dissolve it away, it is called Microbe Lift HC. Before I purchace anything I would like to get some feedback or advice to try and solve my problem. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I live in northern Illinois if that makes a difference. Thankyou, Andy

"Seaweed in freshwater?" :p

Sorry couldn't resist. There is no such thing as "seaweed" in freshwater. One of my pet peeves.

Now that I've got your attention the product you refer to is a bacteria that is supposed to compete for nutrients with with your macrophytes (aquatic vegetation that is not algae) along with your algae species. It's also supposed to break down sludge and bottom material that feeds your macrophytes. Unfortunately the final judgement is still out as no one has really done any good scientific experiments with controls to actually verify their efficacy. At least none that I have seen.

That said I use a similar product and don't see where it could hurt. It did seem to eliminate my filamentous algae (the pond scumb)the first year I used it, but it may have just coincided with warmer temps and competition with Chara that seems to have an advantage in slightly warmer temps.

How large is your pond and what's its history? Any nutrients going in that you can eliminate? What's your watershed composed of?

Thankyou Cecil for the reply, how embarrassing, your right, there is no seaweed in freshwater.
however I do have weeds that have decayed and floated to the top creating a scum slick along with some new stuff that just came up, bright green and silky matter floating around. The pond is approx. 1/3 acre and as far as water shed it is isolated from any drainage. It is spring fed along with a sandpoint well and pump. I will try later to post a picture if that will help! My knowledge of ponds is very limited and any help is appreciated. Also, do you have any experience with betonite to help seal it a little better? Some one told me a freind got some stuff that works better then bentonite and comes in 55gal. drums, he's going to find out what its called. My pond is only 5yrs. old. Thanks again Cecil!