table of contents
- Methods of Combat
- Mechanical-technical methods
- Adjust the pH value
- Consistent nutrient deprivation
- Use aquatic plants
- Other methods
- frequently asked Questions
Thread algae live in almost every pond, which is completely natural. But if they get out of hand, they can seriously disrupt the biological balance in the garden pond. But what do you do?
In a nutshell
- to effectively combat the causes of the imbalance in the pond
- Approach the causes by checking the water values and the water quality
- pH value is an important indicator of the water quality in the garden pond
- Combat methods include lowering the pH value, fishing, removing nutrients and using natural algae eaters
Methods of Combat
Here we introduce you to 13 promising methods for removing thread algae in the pond:
Mechanical-technical methods
With a landing net
- first measure is fishing
- with a landing net, a thick stick or special brushes
- Immerse the stick and remove algae by rotating it
- The landing net should be fine-meshed, with a net that is not too deep
- use brushes in difficult places
- large-toothed rake unsuitable
- could damage the pond liner
- Dispose of the fished out algae on compost
With mud sucker
- Removal of thread algae floating freely in the pond as well as adhering to stones and soil
- Bottom sludge is sucked off and aerated
- Be careful with fishing, Snails and other pond inhabitants
- store removed sludge near the pond for one to two days
- Extracted microorganisms find their way back into the pond
Tip: The purchase of a sludge vacuum is worthwhile from a pond size of 20 square meters.
Using a skimmer
- so-called floating or standing skimmer
- remove thread algae and impurities from the pond water surface
- suck up material before it can sink to the ground
- Swimming skimmers have floating bodies
- they adapt to the water level
- Floor skimmer firmly fixed to the pond floor
- Adjustment to the water level via swimming caps
Adjust the pH value
By substrates containing humic acid
The pH value plays a decisive role in the water quality. Ideally, it should be between 7 and 7.5. If it is too high, it favors the growth of thread algae.
- Humic acid-containing substrates promise help
- untreated peat, bark mulch, oak bark or oak leaves
- Fill the substrate into a close-meshed net or jute bag
- Attach cord to remove
- hang in the garden pond
- Contained humic acid can get into the water
- Net should float freely
- Renew the substrate once a month
- then hang back in the pond
- Check the pH value regularly
Partial water exchange
To adjust the pH value, it is also possible to exchange around 10-20 percent of the water volume over a period of two days. Counterinfection with the addition of environmentally friendly pH minus preparations. Rainwater has to be filtered beforehand in order to prevent additional entry of nutrients and dirt particles. Both methods are very effective.
Consistent nutrient deprivation
By phosphate binders
- Phosphate can only be removed using special phosphate binders (mineral binders)
- Algae infestation shouldn't be out of control yet
- Binders can lower the phosphate content in the water
- binds phosphate
- then algae is no longer available
- Thread algae starve
- Targeted use translates into precise knowledge Pond volume in advance
With pond bacteria
- Bacteria can starve thread algae
- bind nutrients, loosen pond sludge and improve oxygen supply
- convert nitrate and phosphate
- are available as mixtures of bacteria
- Prepare the mixture according to the manufacturer's instructions and pour it into the filter
- Biodegradation of organic material is activated in the water
- The result is a reduction in algae
- can also be used in ponds stocked with fish
Tip: Microorganisms that occur naturally in the pond, but can be destroyed by improper use of UV-C lamps, are also considered secret helpers.
Use aquatic plants
- Aquatic plants provide shade and oxygen
- consume phosphate and nitrate
- can absorb excess nutrients and pollutants
- Remove excess plants from the pond
- Use nutrient-consuming, fast-growing and reproductive species
- Regular thinning of the plants is important
- consume so many nutrients
- Algae are deprived of the basis
- only use special aquatic plant soil
Tip: About a third of the pond area should be covered by aquatic plants such as hornwort (Cerastium), water feather (Hottonia palustris), Waterweed (Elodea), crab claws (Stratiotes aloides), duckweed (Lemna) and / or milfoil (Myriophyllum) overgrown be.
Other methods
Ensure basic services
- Aquatic plants suffering from a lack of nutrients promote the growth of algae
- Aquatic plants also need nutrients
- can only grow so abundantly and compete with algae
- one-sided nutrient deficiency affects the plants
- Algae can settle more easily
Avoid intense sun exposure
- Intense sunlight and warmth encourage algae growth
- therefore ensure continuous shading
- for example in the form of plants
- Aquatic plants with floating leaves are optimal
- z. B. Water lilies (Nymphaea), lotus leaves (Nelumbo), sea pitchers (Nymphoides) or frog bites (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae)
- germ-reducing UV filter systems can also reduce algae
Remove unsuitable pond stones
- Algae use unsuitable pond stones as a source of nutrients
- for example stones from quarries
- contain undissolved minerals and phosphates
- are absorbed by deep-rooted thread algae
- exactly what you need for a profuse algal bloom
- Minerals dissolve over several years
- depending on the type and size of the stones
- ideally use stones from rivers
Use of natural algae eaters
The pond snail is considered a good algae eater and pond water filter. The plants in the pond are taboo as long as their preferred food does not run out. The water should be deeper than 80 cm so that the snails can overwinter there. Another, somewhat larger algae eater is the European mud snail, which can live up to four years. It lays its spawning lines on aquatic plants, from which up to 200 offspring develop.
Tip: The pond water for the pond snail should not be too soft, otherwise it will lack the lime it needs for its snail shell.
Use algae destroyer
- chemical preparations in liquid and powder form
- contain algae-killing ingredients
- Use only with acute algae bloom, not permanent
- no lasting effectiveness
- Symptoms do not combat the causes
- destroy structure of algae and unicellular organisms
- Plants can be sensitive
- if necessary, consult a specialist
frequently asked Questions
They are not harmful, but a necessary part of an intact garden pond. Only if they spread unhindered is that an indication that the balance in the garden pond is out of control and something needs to be done.
Fish are hardly suitable for combating thread algae. With their excretions, they even provide nutrients and thus contribute to the formation of algae. Nevertheless, there are said to be species that eat algae, such as the rudd and grass carp. When it comes to fish food, you should pay attention to the quality, because poor quality food can also promote the formation of algae.
No, but they shouldn't get out of hand. That is why you have to do something to support and maintain the biological balance in the garden pond. This also includes the algae, because they are not the cause of the problem, but only a symptom.