Duckweed Algae Control Products for Ponds, Lagoons, Lakes, Fish Ponds and Other Closed Water Bodies

Algae is a naturally occurring, abundant, aquatic organism that to some is just green slime. Alga, or its plural algae, is a complex organism that is considered a nuisance in many ponds, lakes, lagoons or wastewater treatment systems.

Various types of aquatic algae and duckweed are problematic for ponds and lakes especially during the warmer months once as the ponds and lakes undergo a transient “turnover effect”. Odors can result from this turnover process as well. Algae in ponds usually fit into the classification of filamentous algae, the most problematic for lakes and ponds, or microscopic algae which are free floating.

Why does algae and duckweed grow?

Algae survive, grow and reproduce by feeding off the nutrients – nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous – in the water.  Algae is it is natures way of getting rid of nitrogen (nitrites and ammonia) build-up in closed systems from the aquatic life excretions, etc.  Fertilizer run-off (N-P-K) from the soil exacerbates the problem.  When pH is out of balance, often blooms occur as well. These conditions pose threats to the eco-systems organisms in the water including plants, fish and other aquatic life.  Severe cases can deplete the oxygen levels and kill marine life.

Unmonitored algae and duckweed growth can degrade water quality resulting in lower oxygen levels and the ability for sunlight to penetrate the algae scum on the surface.

What can I do to control algae and duckweed growth in my pond or lake?

Providing the proper environment by introducing our duckweed algae control products will prevent these periods of excessive algae growth as well as greatly improves water clarity, reduces sludge and promotes overall better health for the aquatic environment.  Our approach uses bioaugmentation, a non-chemical and natural method to remove the nutrients that are essential to algae growth.  When introduced into your pond, lake, fish pond or water body the microbes ingest carbon, phosphorous, potassium and nitrogen at a greatly accelerated rate which reduces the nutrients available for algae to consume.

When should I start a program to control algae and duckweed in my pond, lake or lagoon?

Colder Climates:  It is important to try and start the treatment process in the early spring just before the water body undergoes its “turnover” process.  This “turnover” releases excess organics into the water body.  By starting the treatment process before the “turnover” we can establish a high concentration of microbes throughout the water body. Water temperatures should be above 50 degrees F for optimal conditions. 

Warmer Climates:  Ponds and lake treatment for algae and duckweed control can continue year round.  It is best to dose on a routine basis throughout the year.

Benefits of microbes in ponds, lakes, fish ponds and other closed water bodies.

Beneficial bacteria or microbes provide a very important function in your ponds, lakes or other closed water bodies.  Good bacteria digest or “eat” the excess nutrients in the pond.  These excess nutrients are the same food that algae need to survive and grow in your pond and lakes.  By adding our beneficial bacteria products to your pond you are essentially starving the algae, duckweed and other similar aquatic plants preventing them from growing.  Additional benefits of our beneficial bacteria include:

• Sludge reduction in ponds and lakes
• Improves water clarity in water bodies
• Reduces pond odors
• Eliminates excess nutrients
• Breaks down fish waste

How much beneficial bacteria do I need to add to my ponds?

Product dosing information for each product is included on our product information sheet or product labeling.  General dosing requirements are noted below:

Typical dosing rates (refer to product documentation for more information):

SHOCK DOSE:  Apply at a rate of 6-8 lbs. per acre-foot x 5 doses over a two week period.  Apply evenly over affected area by dispersing in several areas of the pond, lagoon, etc.  MAINTENANCE DOSE:  Apply at a rate of 4 lbs. per acre-foot 1-2 times per week dispersing across the surface area of the pond.  PREVENTATIVE DOSAGE:  Apply at a rate of 2 lbs. per acre-foot, beginning in the spring throughout the warm months.  In warmer climates you can treat ponds and lagoons year round. 

If fertilizer is applied to surrounding areas, double the dosage rate for 2 weeks.

Notes:  For colder climates Lagoon and Pond treatment program should begin when the water temperature is above 50 Degrees Fahrenheit.  In ponds with heavy weed concentration we recommend (if possible) you rake out as many of these dead weeds as you can.  By doing this initially to your pond it will increase your ponds recovery time going forward.