The Dark Side of Pond Algaecides - What You Should Know Before Using One

[@klmponds]

One other comment on using algaecides, specifically in fish ponds. If the algae growth is heavy and widespread, it will be beneficial and protective for fish to have aeration going during treatment. In hot weather, it may also help to treat just segments of the algae at a time to lessen the risk of oxygen depletion in the pond. As algae (or any plant) dies, it will pull oxygen from the water.

[@cliffordtaylor3556]

What are the best aerators to use.. I fully agree with what you say about the algae ideas so which kits are useful and do the job with out breaking the bank

[@klmponds]

I appreciate the question. So you really want to it an aerator the size and depth of your pond. Get that done properly and you'll have a system that covers you well. There are all kinds of prices ranges now of aerators and while I do think you want to get a decently good one, you don't have to pay top dollar for such a thing. Normally I would caution anyone from buying the super cheap imported stuff that's getting peddled these days. They'll work, some for a good while, but others don't run very long, have overheated and started fires, or can't be updated once the seals and gaskets wear out. But I respect how people want or need to spend their money with all that said. For a good value for the money, I would take a look at the EasyPro line. Good company, good aerators, and they aren't super expensive. americanaeration.com/collections/easy-pro-sentinel-pond-aerators

[@TEXMECHANIC]

Can a test be don't to see level good bacteria on the water

[@klmponds]

This is a great question. I have never found a simple test, even for small ponds, that would really tell you this. If you do find one, please let me know about it. A lab could probably check something like this but usually they are looking for the bad guys like e-coli for example. We would want to know about the amount of nitrifying bacteria, or those that help break down and convert nitrogen based nutrients. Generally all ponds will have beneficial bacteria eventually establish itself in a pond. These are naturally occurring. What supports them and their vitality is typically where most people focus...ie, making sure dissolved oxygen levels are good (which can be tested)...making sure the water has some decent mineralization, which the bacteria use in their processes...this can also be tested. And just good general water chemistry...with a pH this isn't too high or too low. If those things are in place the bacteria will have what they need to at least function well. Chemical applications like copper algaecides will knock down or kill off good bacteria in a pond...so it makes sense to use some supplementation after a treatment like that. I generally am pretty liberal with my dosing of bacteria, mainly because its very safe to use for the most part...but underdosing when you are trying to affect nutrient levels isn't going to work. If you overdo it the worst effect is usually cloudy water for a time. But it clears up when you stop treating. I would say too because these bacteria do use oxygen in their processing...again you want to have aeration going not only to help them but also to protect fish if your DO levels are already pretty poor. I hope this helps somewhat, even though it doesn't directly answer your question very well.

[@MaMaThePurpleLady]

Thank you

[@klmponds]

You're welcome!