Term algae can be real menace for someone who has a pond or even a small aquarium at home. While some algae growth is normal and healthy, but there are other forms of algae, which tend to hamper fish production. Hence, one may have to explore options of algae control. There are firms which have invented the perfect product range to fight algae. However buying anything, one can certainly focus upon a few key issues. If it is for a small area such as an aquarium, then the focus should be on some of the basic issues.
One must stress upon what causes algae growth. It is plain and simple. Similar to any other thing algae thrives upon the basic necessities. They are water sunlight and nutrients. Hence, the rules are plain and simple. One must stress on reducing lighting. One must never place the tank under direct sunlight. However, one may have to artificial light on instances. While doing so, it is necessary not to use beyond the permitted level. Another important aspect is to feed less. Majority of fish owners tend to overfeed, which results in growth of algae. This is due to the increase in phosphate levels. For smaller aquariums, these steps may be fine. However, if it is a pond, one may have to think differently. Let us now focus on some of the steps, which a pond owner may take for algae control.
The location:
The perfect location of the pond is the first step for someone keen to fight algae. The idea will be to make sure that it is nowhere near a tree. Actually, tree leaves falling on the pond is not at all great for the water in general. Moreover, one can even construct a retrofit. The idea will be to prevent water from the yard to fall over into the pond.
Focus on water movement:
A pond owner keen on controlling algae should focus on water movement. Stagnation of water often gives growth to algae. To offset stagnation, one can look to install a fine bubble aerator, right at the deepest section of the pond. One can then look to aerate it 24×7. This causes water movement and prevents growth of algae.
The sunlight should not be of the water surface:
Another important way to control algae is to ensure that the sunlight is off the water. However, this can be a bit confusing, as another guideline states that the pond must be far away from trees. The way out will be to rely upon water plants. They play a crucial role in keeping the sunlight of the water surface. Someone who may be confused for a choice can rely upon water lilies or lotuses.
Introduce aquatic pond snails into the pond:
This is probably one of the easiest methods to get rid of algae in ponds. One can certainly look to introduce aquatic pond snails. They simply relish the idea of dining on algae. Hence, they perform the important task of finishing the algae in the pond. Tadpoles too can be an important addition to ponds. Other than algae control, they even look to finish of mosquitoes.
Clean the filters regularly:
A pond owner should also focus on cleaning the filtration system in the pond on a regular basis. One must realize that clogged filters are perfect for bacteria and they allow algae to flourish perfectly. One can even use a pond vacuum to flush out algae.
These are some important areas of focus for a pond owner keen on algae control. Similar to an aquarium, one can even focus on feeding. The idea will be not to give the fish excess food. It leads to growth of algae.