Did you know that you can actually increase the number of annoying filamentous algae in your garden pond using chemical killers instead of reducing it? So save yourself the money, because you can soon get the unpleasant green pest on the water under control again using simple means.
How can you combat thread algae in your garden pond?
To effectively combat filamentous algae in your garden pond, you should avoid chemical killers, cut back aquatic plants regularly, remove sludge, shade the water surface and protect your pond from leaf infestation. Also use nutrient-poor rainwater instead of tap water to top up.
They annoy garden pond owners, especially in summer temperatures, because when the water heats up significantly, the filamentous algae create a visible green carpet on the pond surface just a few days later. And it should be regularlyfished out with a rake, otherwise too high a proportion of sludge will form on the bottom of the pond. After drying, the algae can be used as mulch to be placed around bushes and trees or you can dispose of the remains appropriately in your compost.
Do algae killers help the microcosm in the pond?
Algae remove important nutrients from the pond flora, especially the phosphates, which are urgently needed by higher aquatic plants. If you use chemical algae killers now, the algae will die, but the excess dissolved phosphorus remains on the pond bottom, so there is an oversupply there that will soon cause the next algae bloom. In addition, the filamentous algae can adapt exceptionally well to their environment andbecome more resistant to such agents from year to year.
Consistent nutrient removal helps against filamentous algae
So it's important to stop the nutrient cycle for the algae by, for example, regularly cutting back your aquatic plants in the garden pond, if possible without leaving any residue of this cutting waste in the pond water. It is also better to remove the sludge from the pond at least once a year, which is quite easy, butwith consideration for any fish that may be present, with a mud vacuum (€124.00 on Amazon) can accomplish.
How to prevent new thread algae in your garden pond
- You should cut mainly the strongly growing underwater plants regularly and also thin out the roots generously so that the biological balance is maintained.
- Especially during midday, the majority of the water surface must be protected from excessive sunlight. If not, see if the pond can be additionally shaded.
- Protect your dough as much as possible from leaf infestation, especially in late autumn. With the help of a bed net, the leaves can be easily caught and can no longer rot on the bottom of the pond.
Tip
To fill your pond, use rainwater, which is much less nutrient-rich, instead of water from the tap (often containing phosphates to protect the water pipes!).
