Just like small water features large ponds and lakes are plagued by water quality issues. These issues can be corrected if the appropriate measures are taken. We are Riverdale Supply/Clean Water Pro are here to help you and answer any questions that you may have. It is important to be PROACTIVE rather than REACTIVE when it comes to managing your body of water.
Just a little background on why algae can become a problem in any water features...
The answer is simple "excessive nutrients"! Nutrients are introduced into the water in many ways. Organic waste from fish, birds, invertebrate, twigs, leaves or any decaying matter add nutrients to the water. If the feature is an area where it collects runoff from the surrounding area that too can add nutrients to the water.
There are natural environmentally safe methods of correcting the situation! Reduce the nutrient load the algae will starve and die out. It is that simple!
There is 3 way to promote clean clear water:
1) Beneficial Bacteria: These bacteria consume excessive nutrients in the water. Algae will only grow and multiply during the day where beneficial bacteria will continue to grow 24/7 until they run out of food to consume. Increase the beneficial bacteria in the water and you will see a reduction of nitrates and ammonia. Phosphorous, however is a nutrient that requires more treatment methods.
2) Aeration: Aeration is like providing Red Bull to the beneficial bacteria. Bacteria thrive when provided with dissolved oxygen. Subsurface fine bubble aeration is key to the success as it brings oxygen to the lower part of the pond where muck accumulates. When aeration is introduced to this part of the pond not only is oxygen introduced but the gasses such as hydrogen sulfide(smells like rotten eggs), C02 and methane are released into the atmosphere. When the oxygen meets the bacteria below it speeds up the consumption of the muck. Dissolved oxygen can also reduce the amount of phosphorous in the water as it causes it to oxidize and precipitate to the bottom of the water body making it less available for the algae and aquatic weeds to grow.
3) Pond Dye: Pond Dye is provides shading for the pond which slows the photosynthesis of any subsurface plants in the pond including algae. Black is the most natural looking pond dye but blue is the most effective in blocking the sun's UV rays.
If you have any questions about your water body, please contact us as we are happy to answer any questions you have.