All Water Gardens Have Suspended Green Pond Algae

Algae Growth (Photosynthesis) ... Koi ponds are usually closed recirculating aquatic systems, meaning that these systems, unlike natural ponds with streams flowing through them, lack a fresh-water flow-through source. Rather, closed recirculating aquatic systems rely on filtration to purify and reoxygenate their water. Outdoor ponds that are closed systems are subject to seasonal algae blooms and attached filamentous algae growth due to nutrient and carbon dioxide buildup. Increased levels of nutrients and carbon dioxide create the potential for a healthy algae population.

Planktonic Algae

Planktonic algae are waterborne single-cell algae most commonly referred to as Green Water. Planktonic algae usually occur (algae bloom) as the result of increased levels of nutrients and carbon dioxide in pond water, combined with the energy of sunlight. Planktonic algae can be controlled with aquatic plants, shade, ultraviolet sterilization or chemical methods. Using aquatic plants as an algae control requires that a specific number of mature plants are added to the pond to compete with the algae for the available nutrients and carbon dioxide. Shade is available only if foliage or a shelter inhibits the ponds exposure to sunlight. Chemical treatments can be successful, but they can be expensive, temporary and potentially harmful to plants and fish.

The most effective method of planktonic algae control is ultraviolet sterilization. The many advantages of UV sterilization make it a very attractive option for algae control. First, it is a physical treatment, so it does not change the water chemistry of the pond. Second, it is very easy to install. Third, the treatment takes place outside the pond, away from the fish and plants.

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Pigments (chlorophyll, fucoxanthin and carotenoids) in the algae absorb light energy and use it to convert carbon dioxide and nutrients into new cell biomass through photosynthesis. The primary nutrients of concern are nitrogen and phosphorus. Nitrogen is a by-product of decomposed fish waste, uneaten fish food and accumulated sludge in the bottom of the pond