An easy way to rid oneself of string algae on man made waterfall

10 years ago

We accidentally came across an easy way of getting rid of string algae in the riverbed and all areas of our man made waterfall.(Though we now like it) but thought to share in case someone else wishes to get rid of theirs.

Turn off the falls and let it dry out. This kills off all string algae! Our hose came off the pump...making the falls stop working. We wasn't able to fix it as soon as we noticed it. So we turned it off...

When we had time later in the day. We noticed the algae must have dried up..in doing so killed it! There is no trace of it left.

Found that interesting...and wished to share.

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Comments (7)

catherinet
10 years ago
I've had a terrible time with algae on my little waterfall. It looked REALLY ugly. I quit using the waterfall last year, and now there's weeds growing out of all that algae! haha
So turning the water off to it didn't help.........even when I tried it intermittently before turning it off permanently. But I'm glad it worked for you!
My water isn't clear any more, and I'm realizing that in spite of the algae's ugliness on the waterfall, it was filtering the water really well. I guess I just can't have a nice-looking waterfall AND clear water. haha
ajames54
10 years ago
I find 5% hydrogen peroxide from my local drug store works perfectly .. slow down but don't turn off the water then slowly pour an entire 8 or 10 oz bottle over the algae. I have to do it every year as the filter cycles and the water lettuce or water hyacynth are still getting established. Usually only takes one treatment.
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A 9 watt UV lamp should eliminate the algae in a pond your size. Make sure the flow rate is not too high. A lower flow rate will expose the algae to more UV light. I would try a flow rate of about 300 gph. If that doesn't work, you may have to replace the bulb. There are two types of filter systems needed in your pond. A bio-filter uses media like nylon or plastic to provide a place for healthy bacteria to grow. Bio material should not be cleaned. The bacteria helps clean your pond and reduces suspended algae. A mechanical filter uses filter material to trap particles floating in your pond. They collect fish and plant waste and should be cleaned often. Using batting and other mechanical filter material will help clean your pond. If the filters get dirty fast, you need to clean them often. Additional filters will help. The string algae can be removed with a scrubbing brush. Peroxide will help reduce string algae. I use a pint to treat my 1,000 gallon pond. You would cut that dosage in half. String algae won't cause any harm to your pond, but it is ugly and most pond owners try to get rid of it. I think I would work on the suspended algae (green water) first. Get the UV working a proper flow rate and keep the mechanical filter material clean. Each time you clean your mechanical filters you are reducing the crud in your pond. Adding peroxide will result in dead string algae which will also clog your filters.
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jacob12345
10 years ago
Try looking into using a algaecide. There is a product called SeClear on the market that the people at SePRO suggested for waterfalls. Its used for ponds typically, but worked well for a waterfall too.

Here is the product.
http://www.lakelawnandpond.com/SeClear.aspx?ItemGroupID=61
rsingley
10 years ago
Doesn't it make more sense to try to solve the cause of the excess nutrients so the string algae or suspended algae doesn't cause so many problems rather than dumping chemicals into our tiny ecosystems?

The problems are caused by a number of factors each of which should be investigated carefully. Is the bio-load(#/size of fish) too high, are the fish being fed too much, is there insufficient water movement/circulation, etc.

For me it simply came down to planting a few plants that would come out of their winter dormancy earlier than the algae. Completely unintentionally I placed a pot with 3 marsh marigolds in the pond mid-season. The marsh marigold began to grown when there was still ice on the pond and from that point on I have had almost no string algae and not 1 suspended algae bloom. Last fall I removed the filter to allow a contractor to pull an underground oil tank so this year we had some suspended solids which quilt batting removed but still no algae bloom of any kind.
mckool
10 years ago
Shalom - go Hydrogen peroxide - thought 3% was he standard retail concentration>? - even at 3% it works - need to add some patience into the mix
diggery
10 years ago
Yes it's 3% and effective. Stick with the H202 and leave the chemicals for those who don't mind draining their wallets. As rsingley pointed out, better to correct the underlying isssue than to treat symptoms..

@ catherinet, yes.you.can. have both! I don't recall you having a problem with string algae? Maybe I missed it. (I refuse to concede it might be my memory, lol & I did stay away for a bit). I used to wonder what was this stuff called string algae others were battling, until.... my tiny waterfall was suddenly covered with it, seemingly overnight. Never saw it comin'..

Fortunately, I was armed & dangerous thanks to the experienced ponders here. My pond was several yrs old by then so I had lots of ammo, lol. I shut off the water fall, doused it with H2O2, then waited a few minutes for it to do it's thing & rinsed with the garden hose. I did remove some by hand before rinsing & just tossed it around some nearby terrestrial plants. As you have discovered, it's full of nutrients & makes for great fertilizer. Never encountered it before or since in my pond but I've dealt with it in friends' ponds. A healthy balance is key to keeping it at bay.

Never did figure out why it appeared in my pond that one year as the pond was well established by then, well maintained & nothing had changed. I'm just thankful there's been no recurrence!

@ jacob12345: please kindly cease & desist from peddling your wares here.

blessings all around,
~digger
cadillactaste
Original Author
10 years ago
That is odd...that it didn't work for you catherinet. Was yours in direct sun? And String Algae? Maybe the month and the temps were in our favor. Though...sadly we miss it.

We were going to go they peroxide route...but I liked it. Only my husband had issues. Everyone loved it when they visited. So now...we miss it. A friend was sad that it was gone as well...figured may have to wait until next year.

An easy way to rid oneself of string algae on man made waterfall

Comments (7)

catherinet

ajames54

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An easy way to rid oneself of string algae on man made waterfall

Comments (7)

catherinet

ajames54

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jacob12345

rsingley

mckool

diggery

cadillactasteOriginal Author

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