Increase The Value of Your Pond

Algae Control

Circulation and aeration has shown to be effective in controlling algae. Here's how:

Unmixed surface waters, when warmed by the sun, will become more buoyant and tend to remain at the surface. The excess sunlight causes algae close to the surface grow and reproduce. Then, a limiting nutrient, often carbon, becomes depleted.

Within a short time, this water becomes warm, nutrient deficient, high pH (10-11) and receives excess sunlight. Photosynthesis halts, and the cells either settle down a layer, causing murky water throughout, or collect at the surface, resulting in an unsightly bloom.

To prevent this, it must be stopped at the growth stage. Adequate mixing will prevent thermal statification and excess surface heating.

On report (WPCF Journal June, 1988) states that "the likeihood of a blue-green algal bloom was related to water temperature (<21º C) and ratio of nitrate-nitrogen to total phosphorus (<5:1)."

Nutrient control through aeration is also posible. Nitrogen and phosphate reductions have been demonstrated using aeration and circulation.

Consumption by daphnia and fresh water shrimp will control algae by natural predation. Through aeration and circulation, an environment is created in which these aquatic organisms flourish and are able to consume algae.

Fish Stocking

Aeration and circulation provide an increased dissolved oxygen level. This is necessary for fish survival and a more unified distribution of oxygen. In deeper ponds, circulation can decrease the overall temperature of the pond resulting in a more widespread comfort zone. Geiger (1983)¹ found that improved circulation can lead to increased photoplankton and heterotrophic production which is necessary for fish growth and development.

Murky Water & Sediment Build-Up

Often murky water conditions are a result of the presence of algae. (See Algae Control on how to prevent this situation.) Turbid water caused by lowing plant and animal matter will be decreased because these particles will settle more quickly in cooler water than in warmer water.

Aeration has been found to increase the degradation of organic materials which accumulate at the bottom of the pond. Therefore, dredging the pond of this organic matter can be eliminated

Chemical Treatment

The prolonged use of chemicals has several detrimental effects. These include killing useful bacteria, fresh water shrimp, daphnia, mircoorganisms and all plant and animal matter. Due to accelerated destruction of plant and animal matter from chemical use, the build-up of organic matter on the bottom of the pond ends up in an anaerobic and odorous state. When used, what is developed is a "Dead Pond". This situation whether due to chemicals, stagnation or oxygen depletion can easily be avoided by circulating and aerating. It will take some time for the natural cycle to begin again; the length of time depends on the conditions.

¹ Geiger, J.G. (1983), "Review of pond zooplankton production and the culture of latval and fingerling striped bass." AQUACULTURE 35: 353-369.

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