Anyone who has added a pond or water garden to their property is probably enjoying the beautification benefits that such an addition provides. After all, how can exotic goldfish or aquatic plants not enhance visual appeal? Of course, the plants and fish must be visible to provide that benefit. When they are darkened or, worse still, damaged by algae, these benefits diminish. That is why it is important to eliminate algae. The most popular way to kill algae is by using 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 such as copper sulfate can cause harm to certain fish such as koi that may live in the pond. That is why it is necessary to select an algaecide that has a good reputation in the consumer market. Also, if the algaecide comes in a granular form, it should dissolve as soon as it comes into contact with water. Otherwise it could 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 increase in ammonia in the pond and, at the same time, a decrease in the useful bacteria in the pond. It goes without saying that this can harm plants and aquatic life.
· Some algaecides can be slightly corrosive. That’s why they shouldn’t be mixed with ammonia, household cleaners, or other products that increase the potential for pond corrosion. Also, there is a chance that liquid algaecides could burn meat if not handled properly. That is why extreme care must be taken when handling algaecides.
Algaecides or just a short term fix. Usually, using an algaecide will only temporarily kill the algae, just to create a food source for a new algae bloom. Algaecides should be used in conjunction with beneficial pond bacteria and good filtration to help remove the resulting dead algae.
advantages
· The algaecide has been proven to kill algae easily and cheaply. For many pond owners, the need for an effective algae treatment must be matched by one that is easy to use and inexpensive. Fortunately, there are a number of quality algaecides on the market that do both of these things.
· Algaecides, act quickly and effectively. In fact, there are algaecide formulas, which can eliminate algae in 24 hours. This is not a minor point. Algae can wreak a lot of havoc in a pond and it’s helpful to be able to eradicate it as soon as possible.
Many algaecides are safe for fish and plants, such as GreenClean. In the past, people mainly used 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 some potential problems need to be understood. But, if the algaecide is used correctly, most algae-related problems can be prevented.