How to Eradicate Blanketweed or String Algae in Fish Ponds
What is Blanketweed or String Algae?
Blanketweed also known as string algae is a filamentous algae growing to significant lengths quickly in a fish pond environment where nitrate levels are high and phosphate is present.
Once established in a fish pond it becomes difficult to eradicate. Fortunately products have been developed that remove nitrate from pond water which starves the blanketweed of its main nutrient and allows the blanketweed to fall back and stop growing.
The product I have researched and has been thoroughly tested by independent sources is called Viresco.
Click here to learn about this blanket weed solution that really works
Contact Viresco directly to order using phone fax email
Ponds with Blanketweed do not suffer from Suspended Algae Problems.
Although it's hard to believe there is
an advantage in having blanketweed in a fish pond. One of the spin-offs is
normally very clear water because the blanketweed is so efficient at removing
nitrates that the normal suspended algae don't have much of a chance of growing
profusely and the result is clear water.
One other property of blanketweed is that it is a great oxygenating source. When observed closely during sunny days released oxygen can be seen bubbling on the edges of the filaments of the blanketweed. It is the liberated oxygen that allows blanketweed to float on top of the water and create those ugly masses of green string algae.
What are the Conditions Favourable to Blanketweed or String Algae Growth?
1. Sunlight is the first condition. Blanketweed is a form of algae which is a plant form and growth is through photosynthesis. This means if there intense sunlight then a favourable growth condition for blanketweed is met. If the pond is shallow then sunlight is even more favourable to string algae growth.
2. Warmer temperatures favour growth of blanketweed so outbreaks are far worse in summer than winter when the problem might disappear completely.
3. Nutrients have to be available in sufficient concentrations to allow the blanketweed to take them up and metabolize. The two main nutrients are phosphate and nitrates. Nitrates are derived from the natural process of denitrification (ammonia to nitrite to nitrate) that takes place in all pond environments by the action of aerobic bacteria within a pond filter. Rain water and municipal water supply is another source of nitrates. Removal of either of these two nutrients will significantly eliminate blanketweed growth. Removal of nitrate is the principle on which the UK product Viresco works.
4. Overfeeding fish. Almost all pondkeepers overfeed their fish and this results in concentrations of nitrates being at higher levels and more suitable to blanketweed growth.
Blanketweed can be removed from the pond surface using a rake or specially designed "grabbers". It has a use in hanging baskets as a water retention medium.
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