ALGAE CONTROL

Problem

Algae are microscopic, free-floating plants which comprise a critical component of a lake's food web. They are fed upon by tiny animals called zooplankton which are an important food source for fish. Algae color the water green or brown, and uncontrolled growth can lead to nuisance surface scums, poor water clarity, noxious odors and an overall reduction in the lake's recreational value. Excessive levels or "blooms" of algae occur when nutrients, especially phosphorus, are abundant.

Fish farmers face a difficult challenge in maintaining a healthy balance among the water, fish and microscopic flora and fauna in their pond systems. Algae are one important component of the natural nutrient cycles in ponds, but in high numbers, algae can create problems. On the positive side, important chemical changes and metabolic activities in the water are made possible through the release of oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide by algae during photosynthesis.

Algae in ponds

Early in the summer, algae growth may go unnoticed, but as temperatures rise, algae multiply quickly and create "blooms" at or near the water surface . As the number of algae increases, clumps form and plants die, using up large quantities of oxygen. A large algae bloom die-off depletes oxygen in the water, and can cause major fish mortalities.

The principal type of algae that cause "summer kills" are planktonic algae. These single cell or chain-like groups of cells are free floating and green, blue-green or brown. They commonly appear as small specks or "grass clippings" in the water.

If the pond water color changes from dark green to a pale green or brown, it generally means the oxygen level is low, likely due to significant algae die-off. To detect changes in dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, the DO should be monitored and checked every night during the spring, summer and fall.

Solution

It is better to anticipate and prevent problems caused by algae than to delay until the situation becomes serious. Algae problems can be alleviated by installing a adapted aeration system.

An ADS aeration sytem supplies oxygenation at the bottom of the pond/lake, increases mixing and oxygen transfert through the water column, decreasing the opportunity for blooms to occur. Aeration systems tend to inhibit algae growth by preventing the recycling of nutrients from bottom sediment. It will thus provides year-round habitat for fish and aquatic life. The direct result is a complete destratification and prevention of thermoclines or stratification. Furthermore, anaerobic zones cannot develop.


Performance

The slowly rising air bubbles create a gentle laminar flow that prevents stratification and oxidizes organics, reversing the natural aging process of a lake. Algae growth is diminuished and algae bloom are eliminated. The water is cleaner, purer, more inviting for swimming, boating and fishing. Since fish thrive in both summer and winter, their numbers and size greatly increase.