Control Planktonic Algae

Many people ask how to get rid of planktonic algae. The following options can be considered for how to control planktonic algae.

Click here to read more about identifying these algae.

 

Manual/Mechanical Control:

If you are considering how to remove planktonic algae, physically changing the pond water can be effective methods of control. Changing the water is not a realistic solution for most situations. Algae can re-grow from any spores or fragments remaining in the water, as well as weather conditions such as warm temperatures. Our Aqua Stormfuro is a great option, as it blows the algae away.

 

Algaecide Control:

There are multiple options for how to kill algae that offer great control. Copper algaecides generally offer the best algae control. Copper algaecides are not recommended in ponds with trout, koi, or channel catfish. Sodium percarbonate algaecides are a good alternative. Please check the label rates for different water depths.

 

Copper algaecides:

1. Mizzen (for ponds or lakes) – liquid that is diluted with water and sprayed over the algae, fast-acting. Re-apply when algae bloom again.
2. Copper sulfate (for lakes) – granules that are broadcast over the algae, fast-acting.

 

Sodium percarbonate algaecides:

1. Cape Furl (for ponds or lakes) – granules (almost a powder) that are broadcast over the algae, fast-acting. Re-apply when algae bloom again.
2. GreenClean (for ponds or lakes) – granules that are broadcast over the algae, fast-acting. Re-apply when algae bloom again.

 

Treatment Tips:

When treating algae,

• If the algae are around the perimeter, treat the whole perimeter.
• Treat no more than half the pond at a time, about two weeks apart.

 

Prevent Algae Growth:

There are no products available that can completely prevent algae growth. Directly managing nuisance pond algae growth through regular pond algae treatment or removal efforts will always be important for pond algae control. However, you can work to limit algae growth by reducing the nutrients that algae need to grow. Phosphorus is the main nutrient for algae growth, and removing the phosphorus from the water is a proactive effort for algae reduction.

 

• PhosControl (for ponds or lakes) – granules that are broadcast into the treatment area. Bonds with the free phosphorus and some other organic materials. Use when there is minimal plant and algae growth.
• SparKlear (for ponds or lakes) – granules that are broadcast or liquid that is diluted and sprayed into the treatment area. The beneficial bacteria dissolve the excess nutrients, fast-acting.

 

Additional Algae Resources:

Toxic Algae: What They Are and How to Prevent Them

Is Pond Algaecide Safe for Fish