Algae and filamentous algae

Algen

Each pond owner fears the sunny days in spring and summer. An algal bloom or even eutrophication starts to threaten the pond, which will obtain a green sheen when swimming algae appear. The fish swim in troubled waters and their colors are no longer recognizable. Swimming algae are not harmful to fish – quite the contrary! Most koi fans, however, would like to see the fish clearly.

Filamentous algae can cause massive problems. The equipment in and around the pond is endangered. Filamentous algae can clog drains and pumps. Each pond owner should be aware of the, in parts, massive negative impact on the pond and thus on the fish.

Algen Algen

The available algicides etc. on the market are often chemical bombs, which, if anything, are not only harmful to algae. This may lead to an unwanted chemical contamination of the pond water.

To prevent algae (swimming or filamentous algae) in a natural way, the inorganic nutrients for the algae have to be eliminated from the water. While chemicals are generally available, however, they also might lead to severe side-effects.

 

The biofilmreactor – a natural aid

The best prevention takes place in a natural way, i.e. the removal of these nutrients from the water. Therefore, nature has provided microorganisms which firmly adhere to surfaces and filter water components.

By the implementation of a biofilmreactor in the water cycle of the pond, a competition for nutrients arises between the algae and the microorganisms of the biofilm. If the latter is properly applied, the microorganism will finally win the competition in the long run.

And this results in the fact that the algae in the pond will achieve a well-balanced status.

However, depending on several parameters such as the local water values, density of population, duration and intensity of solar incidence, water temperature, quantity of feed and the associated amount of fish waste, a growth of algae/filamentous algae might occur.

Of course, we cannot influence the parameters mentioned above. A wide spreading of the biofilm reactor is therefore recommendable, as well as an appropriate density of population and feeding!

In any case, the biofilmreactor will lead to a better situation in the long run.

If filamentous algae occur, innocuous agents – no chemical bombs – can be used to fight algae.