Ponds
Preventing Algae in Ponds & Lakes with Beneficial Microbes
By adding beneficial archaea microbes to ponds and lakes with algae problems, the ecology of the pond is balanced so that algae cannot proliferate.
Organic loading from bird droppings, animal feces, fertilizer run-off, etc. provide excess nutrients which cause algae to bloom. Our beneficial microbes use these organic nutrients as food therefore out-competing the algae of their food source and inhibiting further algae growth. The byproducts of this process are carbon dioxide, water and essential fatty acids.
Our archaea microbe consortium consists of aerobic, anaerobic and facultative anaerobes. They are much more hardy, broad spectrum, thorough and efficient than bacteria, enzyme or nutrient-based products.
Instructions
The beneficial microbial powder should be applied before the algae takes hold for the season. Typically the best time for application is in the spring since algae populations typically die-off from the lack of sun in the winter months.
We recommend the addition of microbes 1-2 months before seasonal, cyclic algae growth typically starts (ex. March- April in the Northeast.) If there is heavy nutrient loading, microbes can also be added in July or August or if the pond water starts to become cloudy - a sign that nutrients may be building up. Aeration is always a help in stagnant areas where natural wind flows are blocked.
A typical dose is 1 lb per 200 linear feet sprinkled from a scoop about 6 inches from the edge, around the entire perimeter of the pond. Stay low with the scoop to prevent wind from carrying the powder away. Also, a shovel of microbes tossed up-wind to scatter the microbes in the middle of the pond or alternatively 2 lbs mixed with water and sprayed will provide a bonus treatment if the pond has a history of very heavy overgrowth. We will provide custom dosage and application instructions upon request.
Example Case Study
A one acre, 3-5 ft.deep pond on Cape Cod was treated with the microbes and the annual algae growth in the pond was eliminated. Five pounds of the microbial powder was added to the pond in April and again in the summer. The pond remained free of algae for the year.