Conquering The Green: A Battle Against Algae
Have you ever looked at your pond and wondered why it’s more green than blue? Or perhaps you’re struggling with a stubborn layer of muck that seems to be taking over your once pristine water body?
If so, you’re not alone. These are common issues faced by pond owners, and the culprit is often algae.
But don’t worry; this post is here to help you understand pond algae control products and their cost.
By this post’s end, you’ll know more about algae control products and have a clearer idea of how pond maintenance and cleaning work.
Understanding Pond Treatments For An Algae Bloom
Pond treatments are products designed to control and eliminate excessive algae growth. They include algaecides, algae killers, and products that improve water clarity and promote beneficial bacteria growth.
The choice of pond treatment depends on the type and extent of the algae problem, the presence of fish and plants, and your budget.
Pond contractors often use them as part of their pond cleaning process.
Top Algaecide Products For 2023
Navigating the world of pond treatments for pond algae control can be a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
Here’s a rundown of the top algaecide products for 2023 that can help you maintain a healthy and beautiful pond.
PondPerfect Biological Pond Treatment – $7 to $89
PondPerfect is a biological pond treatment that’s designed for algae control and to improve water clarity. It’s a non-toxic and non-pathogenic solution that’s easy to use and works quickly to control algae.
Pros:
- Non-toxic and safe for aquatic life
- Easy to use
- Works quickly and effectively
Cons:
- Works better with free-floating algae than with other types
API Pond Algaefix Pond Treatment – $15 to $140
API Pond Algaefix is a fast-acting liquid algaecide that’s effective against the most common types of pond algae. It’s safe for fish when used correctly, but it’s essential to ensure your pond is well-aerated, as this product can reduce oxygen levels due to mass algae die-offs. This product can clear an existing algae outbreak and prevent future ones.
Pros:
- Controls a wide range of algae types
- Safe for fish and plants
- Free from harmful substances
- Kills target algae quickly and effectively
- Helps prevent future outbreaks
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Dosage must be carefully regulated to avoid harming aquatic life
- Less effective for heavy algae infestations
- Doesn’t kill every type of algae
Green Clean Granular Algaecide – $30 to $60
Green Clean Granular Algaecide begins to kill algae on contact. It works quickly, but you’ll need to clean dead algae out of your pond quickly before it sinks and starts to decompose.
Pros:
- Kills algae on contact
- Easy to apply
- Doesn’t include harsh chemicals
Cons:
- Dead algae must be cleaned up quickly
- Formulated for string algae (hair algae) only, but does kill others
Natural Waterscapes Pond Treatment – $96 to $370
Natural Waterscapes Pond Treatment is an easy-to-apply algae control solution that works great on lake shorelines. It’s safe for consumption and recreational use, though it’s for larger ponds and lakes.
Pros:
- Easy to apply
- Works great on lake shorelines
- Safe for consumption and recreational use
Cons:
- It may not work as well at breaking down mineral-based sediment
Airmax MuckAway Natural Pond Treatment – $90 to $350
Airmax MuckAway is a natural pond treatment that works like a charm when it comes to algae control. It’s non-toxic, safe, easy to use, and scent-free, though it’s mostly used in larger water bodies.
Pros:
- Works effectively to control algae
- Completely non-toxic and safe
- Easy to use and scent-free
Cons:
- It cannot be used on dry muck
- Relatively expensive compared to other products
Aquascape Algaecide Pond Treatment – $11 to $150
Aquascape Algaecide is a pond treatment that’s safe for consumption and easy to use. It’s highly effective at algae control.
Pros:
- Safe for consumption
- Easy to use
- Highly effective at controlling algae
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- Not the best choice for Koi fish ponds
Tetra Algae Control Pond Block – $10 to $80
Tetra Pond Block is an inexpensive and easy-to-use product that’s effective at clearing algae from ornamental ponds or fountains. The slow-dissolving blocks continue to control algae for about 30 days.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Long-lasting
- Effective in ornamental ponds and fountains
Cons:
- Use limited to ornamental ponds
- Not safe for live plants
Healthy Ponds Aquasphere Pro Biodegradable Pond Treatment – $28 to $82
Healthy Ponds Aquasphere Pro is a biodegradable pond treatment that’s non-toxic and safe. It’s easy to use but may sometimes foam.
Pros:
- Non-toxic and safe
- Easy to use
Cons:
- The ball may sometimes foam, which can be a bit messy
Microbe-Lift Algaway 5.4 Algaecide – $7 to $65
Microbe-Lift Algaway is a liquid algaecide designed to kill the major types of pond algae. It’s safe for most pond fish and ornamental plants when applied as directed.
Pros:
- Kills all major algae
- Easy to use
Cons:
- It can be dangerous to fish if used incorrectly
Tetrapond Algae Control Water Treatment – $15 to $60
Tetrapond Algae Control Water Treatment is safe to use with plants and can be used to treat large ponds. It’s sold as a concentrated liquid, which must be diluted before use.
Pros:
- Kills all types of major pond algae
- Cost-effective for large ponds
Cons:
- Must be diluted
Aquascape EcoBlast Granular Algaecide – $11 to $56
Aquascape EcoBlast is a granular treatment that works best as a quick spot treatment for algae. It works at many different water temperatures and pH levels.
Pros:
- It can be used in a wide range of water temperatures and pH
- Easy to apply
- Works quickly
Cons:
- Not good at keeping algae from returning
- It might be less effective with heavy string algae outbreaks
Crystal Clear Algae D-solv – $18 to $138
Crystal Clear Algae D-solv is a quick-acting algae killer safe for pond plants and fish when used correctly. It’s also safe for any wildlife that may drink or swim in your pond.
Pros:
- Fast-acting
- Safe for wildlife as well as fish and plants
Cons:
- May need to repeat treatment frequently
API Pondcare Microbial Algae Clean Green Water Biological Inhibitor – $16 to $82
API Pondcare offers a natural alternative to chemical algaecides. This product uses bacteria that feed on green water algae to clear ponds safely and without adding any chemicals to the aqua environment.
Pros:
- No chemicals
- Won’t upset the pond ecosystem
Cons:
- Only works on green algae
Tetrapond Barley and Peat Extract Clear Water Treatment – $11 to $16
TetraPond Barley and Peat Extract is an all-natural algae killer that releases a chemical as it decomposes to stop algae from growing. It’s more effective at preventing algae outbreaks rather than killing off existing algae.
Pros:
- All-natural
- Safe for all fish, wildlife, plants
- Helps keep pond water healthy in addition to algae-free
Cons:
- Works slowly
- Not effective on its own for heavy algae outbreaks
Tetra GreenFree UV Pond Clarifier – $80 to $280
The GreenFree UV Pond Clarifier is a unique and natural way to kill green water algae. It’s easy to install and blasts green water algae with ultraviolet light, destroying them. This product is best for small backyard ponds.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- All-natural algae killer
Cons:
- Only works on green water algae
- Expensive upfront cost
Nualgi Ponds Natural Algae Control – $30 to $120
Nualgi Ponds Natural Algae Control is an innovative product that promotes the growth of diatoms, a type of algae that competes with nuisance algae for nutrients. As the diatoms grow, they increase the population of zooplankton, tiny micro-organisms that consume organic material and are a favorite food for pond fish. This enhances the natural food chain in your pond.
Pros:
- Natural algae control method
- Safe for fish
- Increases oxygen in your pond
Cons:
- Works slowly
- Not as effective against string algae and blanket weed
Why Pond Algae Control Matters
Algae control is crucial for maintaining the health and beauty of your pond.
While some algae are beneficial, like blue-green algae that provide food for fish and other aquatic creatures, too much can harm the pond’s ecosystem.
Excessive algae can block sunlight, reduce oxygen levels, and create unsightly pea soup-colored water. Moreover, when algae die, they decompose into organic muck, which can further degrade water quality and promote more algae growth.
Fixing or preventing these problems makes it worth the cost of pond maintenance.
Beneficial Bacteria And Algae Control
Beneficial bacteria play a vital role in controlling algae.
These helpful microbes consume organic debris and reduce the nutrients that algae need to thrive. Therefore, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria is a natural and effective way to control algae.
Grass Roots Pond & Garden Talks About Algae And Pond Cleaning
The Pros And Cons Of Pond Treatments To Control Algae Growth
Each pond treatment has its pros and cons.
Algaecide controls algae very well, but it must be used carefully to avoid harming fish and other aquatic life.
Products that improve water clarity can make your pond look more attractive, but they may not address the root cause of algae growth.
Products that promote beneficial bacteria growth can provide a long-term solution to algae problems, but they may take longer to show results.
How Algaecides Work
Most algaecides work as oxidizers, destroying the cell walls of algae on contact.
This action quickly kills the algae, but the dead algae particles remain in the pond and need to be removed to prevent further water quality issues. Some algaecides contain copper, which inhibits algae growth but is not effective at killing existing algae.
Safety Considerations For Using Algaecides
Algaecides can be safe for fish and plants if used correctly.
However, they can reduce oxygen levels in the water, which can harm fish. Therefore, it’s important to aerate the pond during and after algaecide treatment.
Also, follow the product’s instructions carefully, and consider treating the pond in sections to avoid sudden changes in water conditions.
Control Algae With Grass Roots Pond & Garden Algae Pond Maintenance And Cleaning Service
We hope this guide has given you a clearer understanding of algae control and the cost of various products. But remember, maintaining a healthy pond involves more than just controlling algae. It requires regular pond maintenance, monitoring water quality, ensuring pond cleanliness, and caring for marine life.
That’s where Grass Roots Pond & Garden comes in. We offer high-quality pond maintenance and cleaning services that go beyond algae control, tailoring our services to meet your specific needs.
Take the first step towards a healthier and more beautiful pond. Fill out our contact form today, or give us a call.
Let Grass Roots Pond & Garden take care of your pond, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the view.