String Algae (Blanketweed):

PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION

Why String Algae appears

String algae appears as a result of nutrients in the pond. These nutrients cause a hair like algae to grow on all surfaces in the water including rocks, plants and the sides of the pond.
Ponds that are small, temperature affected, contain fish, and are lacking in pond plants are most likely to experience string algae.

Controlling String Algae
To control string algae you need to first reduce the nutrient build up in the pond. This can be done by reducing fish numbers, using more aquatic plants (particularly the floating / oxygenating varieties), providing some cover for the pool to reduce sunlight and heat, or most commonly using biological additives

Biological Additives

* Pond Balance - Fast and effective treatment for small and large pools.

* Aqua Humin - Special peat for garden ponds containing 30 - 45% Humic Acid, it softens the water, lowers the pH value, reduces algae growth, clarifies murky water, and restores the biological balance.

What can be done
Try "Interpet Pond Balance", which will show a relatively quick improvement. The algae will disappear even quicker if additional means are applied such as stabilising the water, adding pond plants, particularly floating plants and so-called oxygenating plants. For a successful treatment with "Pond Balance" the water hardness must be increased to at least 5dKH with the help of "Hardness plus". (Test the water!!)