How to get rid of algae in large farm ponds

One day you decide to walk over to your farm pond to soak in the scenery. But once you reach it, you’re assaulted by the sight of disgusting green sludge. The foul stench doesn’t improve your mood either. Algae have taken over your pond. Should you be worried?

While every pond contains at least a few algae, large numbers can often become a problem. To protect your pond’s ecosystem, you should know how to deal with this aquatic menace. This article will tell you everything you need to know about algae control in large farm ponds. You’ll learn how to treat, kill, and prevent it.

Summary

We tested various products and found the best way to control algae in large farm ponds, treat, & kill it by using API Pond Algaefix. The best value-for-money algae remover and runner-up for large farm ponds was Spaces Places.

In this article, we cover various things including the following:

  • Preventing algae in the first place
  • Maintenance
Algaecide For Waterfalls, Ponds

Table of Contents

How to get rid of algae in a large farm pond

Getting rid of them is easy once you get the tools you need. This simple guide will teach you everything you need to know about the removal process:

How to get rid of algae in a large pond

  1. Invest in a rake or a skimmer.

    rake

  2. Manually remove as much of the bloom as you can.

  3. Consider which algaecide you want to use.

    We recommend the ones on the list below.Pond & Fountain Algaecide

  4. Read the instructions on how to use the algaecide and apply it.

  5. Check the state of your pond each day. Continue using the algaecide as needed.

  6. Once you’ve cleared the bond, take as many preventative measures as possible.

    You can find some of our tips in the next section of this article.

  7. Practice good maintenance habits to keep the ecosystem stable.

    algaecide

How to prevent it

The best way to keep these aquatic lifeforms in check is prevention. Even if you use an algaecide successfully, it doesn’t mean the issue won’t return later. If you apply the following 3 preventative measures, you’ll keep the risk of regrowth to a minimum.

Build your pond properly

Though many people build their ponds with a steady shoreline gradient, this encourages algae growth. Ideally, your shoreline should be at least 2 to 3 feet deep.

It limits the amount of sunlight that reaches the bottom. Insufficient sunlight restricts photosynthesis and prevents unwanted growth.

Cover it with a protective trap

Changing the shoreline gradient isn’t an option if you’ve already built your pond. But that doesn’t mean you’re helpless.

You can cover the floor with plastic sheets and secure them with stakes. Before using the sheet, create holes to allow oxygen to pass through.

Introduce the right fish that eat it

Certain fish eat algae as part of their natural diet. The Asian grass carp is the perfect example of such a fish. You should introduce between 5 to 15 fish per acre, depending on the scale of the growth.

3 best products

Prevention is the best medicine. But once the algae get out of control, you won’t be able to handle them without a good algae remover.

We recommend the following three products:

Best overall

This algaecide will eradicate every sign of algae in your pond. It’s highly selective, so you don’t have to worry about your plants and fish. It has a very simple instruction manual, making it great for beginners.

NameAPI POND ALGAEFIX
Country of OriginUSA
Item Weight2.18 pounds
ManufacturerMars Fishcare
Product Dimensions3 x 4.5 x 7.5 inches

Pros

  • It’s great value for the amount you pay.
  • You can follow their chart to see how much product you need.
  • It’s safe for fish.

Cons

  • You’ll have a relatively large container standing around.

Best cheap option

This option is great for ponds and fountains alike. In addition to killing algae, it also clears the water. However, it’s not a good option if you have fish.

NameEasyCare FounTec Algaecide
Brand Name‎EasyCare
Item Dimensions LxWxH‎2 x 2 x 6 inches
Package Weight‎0.27 Kilograms

Pros

  • It also works on a rock fountain.
  • It’s a trusted provider with thousands of happy customers.
  • A fountain installer recommended this to us.

Cons

  • It may take more solution to get the job done than the manufacturer says.
  • It could make it less affordable.
  • It’s not safe for fish.

Best value-for-money

Our final remover is both cheap and effective. It’s safe for aquatic life and won’t disrupt the pH. Its only downside is the size.

NameSpaces Places
Country of OriginChina
Item Weight1 pounds
ManufacturerBeckett Corporation
Product Dimensions2.8 x 2.8 x 7.5 inches

Pros

  • Really good value for the money.
  • It will probably be enough for your pond.
  • It treats up to 4,800 gallons.
  • Easy to use
  • It works as advertised.
  • It is the cheapest per ounce there is.
  • It’s safe for fish

Cons

  • It’s made by a less reputable company.

What are algae? Is it bad?

Algae usually harm little more than your pond’s aesthetic appeal. But left unchecked, they can quickly become a hazard. These aquatic lifeforms often soak up the nutrients from your pond, leaving fewer for your plants and fish. Some also release toxins when their numbers become too great.

In small numbers, these organisms are a normal part of every aquatic ecosystem. Since they contain chlorophyll, they contribute to oxygen production. It is good for your pond. But you might have to take immediate action when they grow out of control.

Conclusion

While algae occur naturally in every aquatic ecosystem, they can become a huge issue if they grow out of control. At night, they consume large amounts of oxygen. Larger ones can also cover the surface and prevent sunlight from entering the pond. Some types also release toxins that can kill both your plants and fish.

Though you can remove them manually, algaecides are your best bet against them. These chemicals are great for removing algae without harming the fish. But the battle doesn’t end there. You need to practice good maintenance habits to ensure the issue doesn’t return later. Adding aerators and certain types of fish can make your job much easier.

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

Leave a reply

Passion Plans
Logo
Login/Register access is temporary disabled