Fixing Pond Problems: A Pond Management Guide

Break The Weed Cycle

When algae or aquatic weeds get out of control, algaecides and aquatic herbicides are used to control the situation. However, as algae and plants die, they sink to the bottom of the lake or pond. This contributes to a sludge zone that also contains leaves, grass clippings, dead fish and bird droppings. As organic matter in the sludge decomposes, nitrates and phosphates are released. These plant nutrients, combined with sunlight, fuel new algae development.

To control algae and aquatic weeds, this “cycle” must be broken. The products in the Cycle System break this pattern by competing for nutrients in the water column, decomposing sludge and filtering sunlight.

Finding Common Problems with Ponds

A core principle to any pond problem, is identifying the problem first. If you know what the problem is; finding an effective water management solution can be much easier. Listed below are some examples of some of the more common problems you will find in lakes & ponds.

Filamentous Algae

• This is what we call "Pond Scum" or "Moss"
• The oxygen is produces pushes "Mushrooms" to pond surface
• Feeds on healthy phosphorus & nitrogen in your water table
• The risk of fish death is highly increased due to lower oxygen levels
• Usually starts at the bottom and top edges of ponds.

Planktonic Algae

• Very dark green (pea soup) or dark brown appearance.
• Very tiny - Microscopic plants suspended in the top levels of water.
• Feeds on healthy phosphorus & nitrogen in your water table

Attached-Erect Algae

• More advanced form of algae (Nitella & Chara)
• Usually attached to the bottom of ponds and lakes, but not rooted
• Feeds on nutrients that become trapped by pond sludge.

Sludge

• A decomposed layer of organic material that has accumulated on pond and lake bottoms
• Typically is made up of dead algae, dead leaves and weeds, grass clippings, fowl and fish waste products
• Creates a hydrogen sulfide gas, which gets very stinky
• Dark, cloudy & murky appearance
• Just plain gross

Emergent Weeds

• These are plants that grow just above the waterline, typically in shallow areas of lakes, ponds, rivers & irrigation ditches.

Lake and Pond Water Quality Summary

Solutions

There is never a "One size fits all" solution for problems with your water environment. As each solution needed is highly dependent on the conditions of your water table and the types of problems you are having. So we are going to post a few options for water management solutions with their advantages and disadvantages.