Algae from pond

Jasminecuddle

Hi

I have a pond and in it are long strips of green algae, is there any use for them in the garden at all, I am growing all sorts of things? I was wondering about fertiliser or composting?

much appreciated

Jasmine:rotfl:

alanobrien

This is blanket weed, you could chop it up and use it as a mulch over the garden as its very high in nitrogen.

AMILLIONDOLLARS

If you are suffering from Blanket Weed you could use something called Blanket Answer, and No I am not selling it, I am also a pond owner and have found that this works for me. Here is what the manufacturers Cloverleaf have to say about it. I normally buy my Blanket Answer off Ebay so do have a look, so far my pond has been clear of the dreaded weed for over 2 years. Failing that why not fit a UV filter onto your pond this also works

Lifted from their website - AMD

Blanket Answer” is a unique blend of minerals and enzymes to combat blanket weed – the nightmare curse of many a pondkeeper. The special formula produced in the Netherlands works in all temperatures, and seeks to succeed where many commercial bacteria cultures will fail. It is 100% safe for all pond fish, plants, and biological filtration systems. UV units or protein skimmers need not be switched off. Unlike some products on the market Blanket Answer is not dependent upon water temperature, and is not held back/restricted by high ph levels.


For persistent filamentous algae growth it is recommended that the pond be treated 8 times a year. This in itself will likely mean that the treatment over the course of a year will be cheaper than many similar competitive products. An 800 Gram bottle of “Blanket Answer” will treat 10,000 litres (2,222 gallons).

Blanket Answer is simply added to the pond by sprinkling the powder evenly over the surface. The water will initially take on a white milky appearance, but this will clear after about 5 days. The composition of the ingredients will form as a powdery layer on the ponds liner faces, and it is here that the roots of any blanket weed gets attacked. As with most water treatments the pond should have a good level of oxygen saturation. During and after applying, common sense should prevail in the washing of hands, and storing the product in a dry place away from the reach of children. Although no known dangers are thought to exist the application to the pond of any other chemical or treatment should be spaced 10 days from applying the Blanket Answer.

Users will find that the best of visual awareness as to the erosion of any filamentous algae will come about following the second application, but this is hardly to mean that no visual signs will be apparent within the first month. Indeed the ingredients of Blanket Answer will start to work immediately, and will be seen to even make a contribution towards the filter mediums staying cleaner. Whilst some amounts of breaking down the algae will result in weed particles being pumped into the filter, the unique ingredients will also erode the algae conveying the illusion that it has vanished into thin air.

Many Koi keepers have a routine of flushing out their large filter systems, and carrying out small water changes at very regular intervals. Alas Blanket Answer is not so magical as to be immune from being flushed out of the pond, however with the purifying properties within the treatment the ponds past balance will change for the better, and so Cloverleaf recommend that water changes are restricted on the basis of only doing so if detrimental water parameters are established by a test kit. For those who refuse to go down such paths, then the other option is to add a dose of Blanket Answer every 4 weeks – making a total of 13 treatments per annum instead of the normal 8. Minor overdosing is not known to be dangerous, but likewise nothing is to be gained in applying a higher dose rate at any one session.

The recommended schedule for applying 8 doses per year is based upon dosing during the months of March to October with no treatment required during the 4 winter months between November and February. It is certainly the case that filamentous algae’s will often continue to grow (or exist) during the colder months, but the amalgamated potency of 8 doses of Blanket Answer will be sufficient to protect the pond during the winter.

There will be many pond keepers who obtain good success in the short term. They can be fully assured that they will not be “locked in” to having to purchase Blanket Answer every month of their lives.

Davesnave

Users will find that the best of visual awareness as to the erosion of any filamentous algae will come about following the second application, but this is hardly to mean that no visual signs will be apparent within the first month. Indeed the ingredients of Blanket Answer will start to work immediately, and will be seen to even make a contribution towards the filter mediums staying cleaner. Whilst some amounts of breaking down the algae will result in weed particles being pumped into the filter, the unique ingredients will also erode the algae conveying the illusion that it has vanished into thin air.

I have no use for this product, relying on natural (free) methods, like growing lillies, to control my algae, but thanks for posting this wonderful piece of verbosity!

Jasminecuddle

Hi

many thanks for everyones help. Thankfully it is not blanket weed as I have a UV filter and the green water produces long strings of algae underwater. Do you think that contains a lot of Nitrogen then?

Sarah:rotfl:

alanobrien

Jasminecuddle wrote: »

Hi

many thanks for everyones help. Thankfully it is not blanket weed as I have a UV filter and the green water produces long strings of algae underwater. Do you think that contains a lot of Nitrogen then?

Sarah:rotfl:

Blanket weed = filamentous algea, you just a minor case of it from the sounds of it.
Yes it does contain a lot of Nitrogen as does water from the pond. I have kept koi for years and use the overflow water from the pond on the plants its a natural fertilizer.

witchhazel

chuck in a handful of barley straw should be able to get it from pet shop or Morrissons pet aisle

cjb02

Take it out and compost it.

DKLS

Urban seaweed is great for the garden, Use a forked twig and twist it like putting spaghetti on a fork, and leave it at the side of the pond for a day or two, to allow any critters to go home, then use as a mulch or stick in the compost bin.

System

or gather it like candy floss. An old timer told me to leave mine for a while yet, as the fish eat it and shelter in it whilst we still have cold nights. Only when you resume feeding need you try to remove it and that won't be for a while yet. The old times said this can be one of the most vulnerable times for fish as people might be tempted to feed them but as yet, they aren't moving about much, so could "roll over and die" according to him and he's been keeping fish 50 odd years.

Davesnave

The old times said this can be one of the most vulnerable times for fish as people might be tempted to feed them but as yet, they aren't moving about much, so could "roll over and die" according to him and he's been keeping fish 50 odd years.

Better tell mine; they've been chasing each other round for weeks! Mind you, we lost one a month or more ago. We get a lot of warm late winter weather now, followed by sudden plunges in temperature, which can't be good for plants or fish.