String Algae: Best solution?

[Kaze]

This problem has been stated so many times on this forum, that many refuse to answer anymore. But please hear me out. I have a 1700 - 2000 gallon pond in my backyard that is being infested with string algae. This is not your typical string algae on the bottom of your pond, but string algae stretching to 3 meters, and can regrow to that length in the matter of 2 - 3 days. I personally am sick of this situation and plan on giving up fish keeping because of this. I am going away for a month (don't worry my neighboor will feed my koi and do water changes) and I fear that the algae left un checked for a month will be a horrific sight.

I need a solution!

I've tried pond cover, I've purchesed several pots of lillies and have about 30% of the pond covered. This has not helped at all, algae still growing. I've used products like ecoblast, yes it does work kills the algae but in the meantime killing my fish as well. Barley straw, doesnt seem to be an option since I will be away. I know there are tonnes of pond experts on this forum! Tell me how do you take care of this horrific string algae.

Do I need to absorb my pond to 80% pond coverage, drown my pond in products or what!? There are too many different opinions and solutions, I need one that works!

Please and thank you

Sincerly, Chris.

 

[veunknown]

i had same problem in my pond what i finally used was TetraPond Algae Control in i think a month time it was all gone, i also have own a UV light on my filter.

 

[Muske]

Ecoblast needs the algae to be expossed to air. Drain the pond down a little then apply when the algae is above the water line. Allow it to sit for 15 mins. or longer for heavy algae. It should start to foam up.

Shoot for 60% coverage from lillies and Lettuce/Hyacinth.

Lots of plants will help to reduce the amount of nutrients in the water column. Again, Hyacinth are great for this.

UV won't do anything on the string algae.

Barley works the best for me. Look for a concentrated liquid form that starts to work instantly. Double the dose the first week, spread out a couple of days. As long as there is plenty of areation, don't worry about overdosing since it is a natural product. Reapply at the recomended rate the next week and any there after if the algae is still present. Monthy dosing to prevent future outbreaks and act as an inhibitor. If you got Ecoblast, that same source should have SAB. SAB is great to use when dosing Barley and as preventative maint. It also contains Barley, but is in powder form which takes longer to activate. The SAB also has beneficial bacteria and enzymes that help with the breakdown of the algae as it settles to the bottom. I would recommend a fine mesh net to manually remove any debris that falls of the walls and rocks and settle to the bottom.

 

[Kaze]

Ecoblast needs the algae to be expossed to air. Drain the pond down a little then apply when the algae is above the water line. Allow it to sit for 15 mins. or longer for heavy algae. It should start to foam up.

Shoot for 60% coverage from lillies and Lettuce/Hyacinth.

Lots of plants will help to reduce the amount of nutrients in the water column. Again, Hyacinth are great for this.

UV won't do anything on the string algae.

Barley works the best for me. Look for a concentrated liquid form that starts to work instantly. Double the dose the first week, spread out a couple of days. As long as there is plenty of areation, don't worry about overdosing since it is a natural product. Reapply at the recomended rate the next week and any there after if the algae is still present. Monthy dosing to prevent future outbreaks and act as an inhibitor. If you got Ecoblast, that same source should have SAB. SAB is great to use when dosing Barley and as preventative maint. It also contains Barley, but is in powder form which takes longer to activate. The SAB also has beneficial bacteria and enzymes that help with the breakdown of the algae as it settles to the bottom. I would recommend a fine mesh net to manually remove any debris that falls of the walls and rocks and settle to the bottom.

Alright thanks

But with barely straw it only prevents algae from growing, which yes is good since my main problem is the algae growing over the time in which im on vacation. But what I'm not sure of is will it stop algae, that has already grown a significant length from growing anymore? If thats a bit confusing I basically mean if the algae is at 2 meters long and I use barely straw will it keep it at 2 meters? Or will the straw only work when algae isnt present yet.

 

[hankn]

I have tried many many different solutions. The best - far better than the barley liquid extract is the plain barley pads. One pad in my 600G pond has eliminated string algae for 3 months. I have used it now on 3 other ponds that suffered from string algae and it has worked wonders. Takes about 1 month to see the effect, but I suggest giving it a try.

 

[jcardona1]

i think the best weapon against algae is SHADE! our pond had lots of algae issues. we ended up building a large shade canopy using the shade fabric that is sold by the foot at home improvement stores. not only did it cure the algae problems now its nice to sit out there on a hot day. i tend to try and stay away from algae killing chemicals

 

[hankn]

i think the best weapon against algae is SHADE! our pond had lots of algae issues. we ended up building a large shade canopy using the shade fabric that is sold by the foot at home improvement stores. not only did it cure the algae problems now its nice to sit out there on a hot day. i tend to try and stay away from algae killing chemicals

I've done shade. I've done plants. But the thing that stops string algae more than anything else is a natural barley pad floating in the water. No chemicals.

 

[jcardona1]

here's pics of the shade canopy we built, and the water that stays crystal clear all year round

 

[jcardona1]

I've done shade. I've done plants. But the thing that stops string algae more than anything else is a natural barley pad floating in the water. No chemicals.

interesting. ive heard about the barley pads but we've never tried them...

 

[knifegill]

I second shade.