Algea: The Good, The Bad, and The Dangerous

Algae grows in several forms - the good, the bad, and the dangerous. Pond-ology can identify your algae and quickly reduce or eliminate it. 

 

Plankton is the microscopic algae that makes water green, and the important base of a pond’s food chain. Muddy and clear ponds don’t have much plankton, and fish populations suffer. 

 

“Filamentous algae” can cover the pond surface in a greenish-yellow scum that makes fishing impossible. It’s the most common pond problem in Oklahoma and North Texas. Filamentous algae is not attached to the pond bottom, but it often clings to rooted aquatic plants.

 

“Chara” is an algae species with stems and leaves, but is not rooted to the bottom like similar aquatic plants. If you gather some and crush it, chara emits a skunk-like odor. Chara is the only algae species preferred by grass carp, but it’s more often controlled with algaecides. 

 

And then there’s blue-green algae that can be toxic to humans, pets, and livestock. Blue-green algae is free-floating on the pond surface, often building up on the windward side. It can resemble a skim of green paint on the surface. 

 

If you’re still confused about algae in your pond, call Pond-ology to clear things up. Most algae problems are safely and easily treated, and can be resolved in a couple of days.