RE: NANFA-- filmentous algae problem in pond/complete pond tear

Nicholas J. Zarlinga (njz_at_clevelandmetroparks.com)
Tue, 10 Sep 2002 08:18:46 -0400

Have you tried stonerollers? I wonder if a school of stonerollers would
help. The enzyme stuff is supposed to actually break down the sludge and
nutrients in the water. It is also supposed to break down cellulose. It
was described to me by a microbiologist from the company that makes
Microbe-Lift, that it does indeed attack algae. We have used this product
in out 1 1/2 acre pond here at the zoo and I have noticed a difference.
The problem that I see with it is that it does nothing to control
phosphates, the principle problem with algae blooms. When the enzyme
breaks down the organics, the phosphate is left in the sediment, I suspect.
That is why it is not a one time solution to the algae problem. I do
believe that it is effective in reducing the organics in a highly
eutrophied system, thereby reducing the chance of winter kills in our
northern climate. It is toted as effective when used as a maintenance
program to control algae. Although it has made a difference, I am not
totally sold on the product yet. I think that a wetlands area connected to
the pond is a more natural way to go. The wetlands act as an "algae
scrubber". Just try to harvest the plants when they die in the fall or all
the phosporous gets liberated back into the system.

Nick Zarlinga
Aquarium Biologist
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
216-661-6500 ex 4485

"Fish worship... is it wrong??" (Ray Troll)

On Monday, September 09, 2002 8:12 PM, IndyEsox_at_aol.com
[SMTP:IndyEsox_at_aol.com] wrote:
> In a message dated 9/9/02 11:08:10 AM US Central Standard Time,
> Allen.Boatman_at_sdhc.k12.fl.us writes:
>
> << I would suggest Jordanella floridae. They eat both hair/filamentous
> algae and duckweed. They do not eat your aquatic plants. I have used
> them successfully for control of hair algae in my 55 planted tank. This
> also provides and endless supply of flagfish and they are all the best
> colored flagfish you can find because of all the carotenoides in the
> algae!! >>
>
>
> Thanks, Boat. I don't suppose they would last very long in Indiana
winters.
> Next spring I will see who has some for sale. And then go sell the
offspring
> at the local aquarium club or trade for food at the local fish store.
>
> I went ahead and tore everything out in one pond. The only thing left is
a
> little very fine powdery sand. I figure I will let it dry out for a
couple
> days. I'm wondering if I should get some bleach and wash the sides down.
> Also wondering if there is something I can dip the potted plants in
before
> putting them back in the newly filled pond.
>
> Chuck Church
> Indianapolis, Indiana USA
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