How to rid your pond of blanketweed or string algae
What is blanket weed or string algae?
The threat of blanketweed algae in your koi pond
Whatever form of water you have in your garden, algae can form incredibly quickly, particularly in warm weather. While this can be a frustrating problem if you have a swimming pool, it is often a welcome addition to koi ponds since it absorbs minerals and nutrients from the pond water; provides protection for developing koi fry; and also gives the mature koi a source of food to nibble. Blanket weed and string algae
There are many forms of algae, blanketweed being a common form found in koi and goldfish ponds. Like all other forms of algae, blanket weed is a basic plant form that regenerates rapidly. Given the right conditions, it will quickly form a blanket – or series of blanket-like clumps – over the surface of the water. Unlike the algae that form in our swimming pools, blanketweed doesn't need a solid surface to attach itself to. There are various different sorts of blanket weed, but they all look very similar and act the same way. Generally the growth is green, soft and for koi, lovely and appreciatively lush. When it gets a bit stalky or stringy, it is more commonly referred to as thread or hair algae. It is really the same plant, but not quite as appealing to either koi or goldfish. Another beneficial feature of blanket weed is that it is a great oxygenating plant. So it both aerates the water and provides the fish with much needed oxygen.
What makes blanket weed thrive Whether or not you want blanket weed in your koi or goldfish ponds, you need to identify what makes it grow and flourish. Top of the list of requirements is clear water that the sun's light can penetrate. By filtering and clarifying the water in our koi ponds, we are, ironically, inviting blanketweed to join the other plants, organisms and creatures growing within the pond's environment. Heat comes a close second, as warm temperatures will promote the growth of all types of algae, including blanket and string algae.
When the weather cools growth dies down, but the algae will quickly grow back again when conditions "improve". Combine shallow clear water with a warm temperature and you shouldn't be surprised to see a fluffy green growth on the top of your pond. Another factor is that all forms of algae will absorb both nitrates and phosphates, because they need these nutrients to grow. If plant life like algae doesn't absorb nitrogen and phosphorous that is in the water, these nutrients will simply continue to accumulate. Alkaline water and water that has a lot of calcium in it is also a prime candidate for blanket weed. But if the pond is in shade, it won't have quite the same effect because it won't be subjected to the heat of the sun.
How to get rid of blanket weed... The best approach is to ensure that your pond water is perfectly balanced. Just like swimming pool water, if the pH and the TA are at the recommended levels, there's no way that that green murky stuff is going to keep growing. There are various products on the market that you can use to control algae. Familiarise yourself with what is available – but do make sure that it is not toxic and won't harm you beloved koi.
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