How to Minimise Algae in Your Pond

Algae is one of the most common challenges for pond owners, but it’s important to understand what it is before you can manage it.

Algae is a simple, primitive plant, often referred to as the lowest form of plant life, and it grows in virtually all water bodies on Earth. While you cannot eliminate algae entirely, you can control its growth by maintaining a balanced pond environment.

What is Algae?

Algae are tiny, plant-like organisms that use sunlight to photosynthesize and grow. Unlike higher forms of pond plants, algae do not have roots, leaves, or flowers. They exist as single cells or long chains of cells, which is why they can spread so rapidly.

In small amounts, algae are a natural part of any healthy pond. However, if left unchecked, they can become a nuisance, forming thick green layers or turning your water murky.

Why You Will Never Completely Eliminate Algae

Since algae is a basic form of plant life, it will always be present in your pond to some degree. The goal is not to eliminate algae entirely but to control its growth. Algae thrives on nutrients in the water, particularly nitrates and phosphates. These nutrients often come from fish waste, uneaten fish food, and decaying plant matter.

By reducing the availability of these nutrients, you can slow down algae growth, keeping it at manageable levels.

How to Starve Out Algae

One of the most effective ways to manage algae is to outcompete it for resources. You can do this by adding more beneficial pond plants that absorb the same nutrients algae relies on. These plants help starve algae by reducing the nutrient levels in your pond, thus preventing its rapid growth.

Here are some recommended plants to reduce algae:

• Oxygenators like Hornwort and Water Violet
  Oxygenators absorb nutrients from the water and release oxygen, helping to maintain clear water and limit algae growth. [Link to Oxygenators collection].

• Waterlilies to shade the water and keep it cooler
  Waterlilies not only add beauty to your pond, but their large leaves float on the water’s surface, providing shade. This reduces sunlight penetration and keeps the water cooler, slowing algae growth. There’s a waterlily for every pond—whether you need dwarf, small, medium, or large varieties in various colors. [Link to Waterlilies collection].

• Floating Plants like Smooth Frogbit, Water Soldiers, and Water Lettuce
  Floating plants provide additional shading, and since their roots hang directly in the water, they are incredibly effective at absorbing free nutrients. [Link to Floating Plants collection].

• Marginals like Watercress
  Marginal plants absorb excess nutrients from the water's edge, playing a crucial role in controlling algae. Watercress is a particularly hungry feeder that helps reduce nutrient levels. [Link to Marginal Plants collection].

These plants will help balance your pond by oxygenating the water, shading it from excessive sunlight, and starving the algae of its food source.

What About Blanket Weed?

Blanket weed is a specific type of filamentous algae that grows in long, stringy strands. It can often form dense, mat-like layers on the surface of the pond, which is why it's commonly referred to as “blanket weed.”

While both algae and blanket weed thrive on the same nutrients, blanket weed is particularly aggressive and can grow rapidly, sometimes covering your entire pond. The approach to controlling blanket weed is similar to other forms of algae: reduce nutrient levels by adding more plants, and perform regular pond maintenance, such as manually removing blanket weed with a rake or net.

Why You Should Avoid Using Algae Killers

Although there are chemical treatments available that claim to eliminate algae, it’s important to avoid using algae killers. These products often contain harsh chemicals that can disrupt your pond’s ecosystem. Not only can they kill the algae, but they may also harm beneficial pond plants, fish, and even wildlife that rely on your pond.

Algae killers can upset the natural balance of the pond, and while they might provide a temporary solution, the algae will likely come back stronger once the chemicals wear off. Instead, focus on natural algae control methods, such as:

• Adding more plants: Oxygenators, marginals, waterlilies, and floating plants can all help reduce algae by absorbing nutrients and shading the pond.

• Using barley straw: Barley straw is a natural alternative that releases compounds to inhibit algae growth without harming your pond life. [Link to Barley Straw product].

Final Tips for Algae Control

• Add more plants: The more plants you have, the fewer nutrients will be available for algae. Focus on adding a mix of oxygenators, marginals, waterlilies, and floating plants.

• Keep your pond clean: Regularly remove debris like fallen leaves, dead plant matter, and uneaten fish food to reduce nutrient buildup, which algae feed on.

• Use barley straw: A natural and safe way to control algae, barley straw can be added to your pond in early spring to prevent algae blooms later in the season.

By following these natural methods, you’ll keep algae in check while maintaining a healthy, thriving pond ecosystem. Rather than relying on harsh chemicals, let your pond plants do the hard work of keeping the water clear and balanced.