Anyone who has added a pond or water garden to their property is probably enjoying the beautification benefits that the addition provides. After all, how come exotic goldfish or aquatic plants don’t enhance visual appeal? Of course, plants and fish must be visible in order to provide that benefit. When they are obscured or worse, damaged by algae, these benefits diminish. That is why it is important to remove the algae. The most popular way to remove algae is through the use of algaecides. While this is a good method, it is not perfect. So, let’s look at some of the pros and cons of using algaecides.
Cons
Some algaecides like copper sulfate can harm certain fish like koi that can live in the pond. This is why it is necessary to select an algaecide that has a good reputation in the consumer market. Also, if the algaecide comes in granular form, it should dissolve as soon as it comes in contact with water. Otherwise, it may be ingested by birds or pets. This could poison the animal.
· Using too much algaecide or using it in a new pond before proper development of a suitable ecosystem can have devastating effects. One of these effects could be an excessive build-up of ammonia in the pond while decreasing helpful bacteria in the pond. Needless to say, this can harm plant and aquatic life.
· Some algaecides can be slightly corrosive. That is why they should not be mixed with ammonia, household cleaners or other products that increase the potential for corrosion of the pond. Additionally, there is the possibility that liquid algaecides can burn meat if not handled properly. Therefore, great care must be taken when handling algaecides.
· Algaecides or just a short-term solution. Usually using an algaecide will only temporarily kill the algae, just to create a food source for a new algal bloom. Algaecides should be used in conjunction with beneficial pond bacteria and good filtration to help remove the resulting dead algae.
Pros
Algaecides have been proven to remove algae easily and inexpensively. For many pond owners, the need for an effective algae treatment must coincide with one that is easy to use and inexpensive. Fortunately, there are several quality algaecides on the market that work on both fronts.
· Algaecides, act quickly and effectively. In fact, there are algaecide formulas, which can kill algae in 24 hours. This is not a minor point. Algae can wreak a great deal of havoc on a pond and the ability to eradicate it as soon as possible is helpful.
Many algaecides are safe for fish and plants, such as GreenClean. In the past, people used mainly copper products, which can be harmful to fish if not used accurately.
Can ponds look good without the use of algaecides? Absolutely. However, algaecides can work wonders as one of the many tools used to keep a pond or water garden in proper condition. In general, algaecides are harmless, although certain potential problems do need to be understood. But, if algaecide is used correctly, most algae-related problems can be noticed.
