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Combatting Pond String Algae: Tips and Techniques

A common problem many pond keepers face is the growth and expansion of pond string algae. Sometimes also known as hair algae, blanket algae, or blanket weed, this pesky form of algae thrives in warm water and has an uncanny ability to clog drains, filters, and pumps due to its 'stringy' nature. During the day, string algae undergoes photosynthesis much like other plants, introducing oxygen bubbles into the algae mass, causing it to float to the pond's surface. At night, hair algae undergoes respiration, which consumes oxygen and produces carbon dioxide as a byproduct. Since the beneficial bacteria in a biological filter also use oxygen to convert ammonia into nitrate, blanket weed can contribute to low oxygen and high ammonia levels in a pond.

String algae should not be confused with other forms of algae found in a pond. For example, the algae that creates green pond water is not string algae. Furthermore, the soft gel-like substance found on rocks near the edge of a pond is also not string algae. String algae is characterized by its long, stringy nature and its ability to wrap around objects and 'hang' off rocks and waterfalls.

Popular Remedies for Pond String Algae

While it is difficult to permanently remove blanket weed indefinitely from a pond, there are a few remedies that can help the situation dramatically. The first is barley straw.

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Barley Straw Extract

Barley straw extract, similar to the barley straw mentioned above, involves the important components of the barley being extracted into a liquid form, making it faster and easier to apply to a pond. Unlike raw barley straw, which requires decomposition time to start working, the extract can begin working immediately after being added to the water. This is our preferred treatment for string algae here at Everything Ponds, and we recommend it for routine maintenance of a pond to promote water clarity. Another treatment we recommend for regular maintenance is a quality Biological Clarifier.

Electronic Hair Algae Controllers

An electronic hair algae controller is a device typically fitted after the main filter system. As water flows through a pipe, the device generates pulses of random electricity, which effectively removes calcium from the water. Since calcium is essential for blanket weed growth, these devices can sometimes effectively eliminate blanket weed over time. The reason we say 'sometimes' is that electronic algae controllers are very effective in some ponds, but not as effective in others. There are varying theories as to why this is, with the predominant belief being that as the string algae breaks down, essential minerals and salts are released into the water, which in turn can promote the growth of new algae.

Ionizers for String Algae

Ultrasonic Algae Controllers

Ultrasonic devices used to kill pond string algae are a relatively new technology for pond keepers. The idea is that the device emits ultrasonic waves that are harmless to fish and other plants in a pond but have a unique effect on algae. The ultrasonic waves function by destroying vacuoles within the cells that make up the string algae. The reason why other plants in the pond are not affected is that most other aquatic plants are multicellular, unlike most forms of algae, which are single-celled.

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