Kathryn has a circular, spring fed pond, about 1/2 acre in size. We measured this pond at approximately 160′ in diameter. The maximum depth of the pond is 9′, with a large portion of the pond being approximately 7 to 8 feet deep. There are several mature deciduous trees lining about half of the shoreline of the pond. the pond was dredged several years ago, but filamentous algae was starting to return in greater amounts for the past few years.
The client was mainly concerned about the growth of filamentous algae, or ‘green slime’ around the perimeter of the pond, as well as some submerged pond weeds growing deeper in the pond. The growth of the algae and weeds had been increasing each year, causing an eyesore in an otherwise beautiful pond. She also wanted to improve the water clarity and maintain the overall health of the pond.
We conducted our standard pond assessment, which includes the following: taking measurements of the pond – length width and depth. In addition, we take water samples and test the water quality (pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, alkalinity & hardness). We also measure the dissolved oxygen at various depths in the pond. We also identify any submerged, floating or emergent pond plants / weeds. Finally, we determine the cause of any imbalances in the pond’s ecosystem.
We found the filamentous algae (Spirogyra sp.) in full bloom, growing in the shallow areas of the pond. This algae tends to growing along the shoreline in shallow water up to about 2′ deep, where the water is the warmest. Spirogyra algae forms dense mats that get tangled in other pond plants or even recreational equipment.
Often mistaken for a submerged plant, Chara algae (Chara sp.) also know as Muskweed, was covering the majority of the bottom of the pond, growing in water up to about 7′ deep. This algae does not root in the bottom of the pond, but it can grow up to the surface making it very unsightly.
There were many species of native plants and grasses growing along the perimeter, and the shore of the pond. The owners preferred this natural look, however the cattails (Typha sp.) were beginning to take over, so we cut back some of the larger clumps of them, keeping them more contained.
Once our assessment was complete, we sent Kathryn a comprehensive written report about the issues we found in her pond.
In our reports, we include the pond dimensions, the results of the water quality testing, we identify aquatic plant species (and fish species when possible), and the likely causes of the problems areas or issues with the pond. Most importantly, we also recommend the proper course of action to take to help remedy the issues.
Upon our recommendation, Kathryn decided to add a 3- Diffuser Rocking Piston Aeration System to improve circulation and oxygen levels in the pond. In addition, we set up a regular treatment program which included treating the pond with MuckAway sludge reducer treatments to accelerate the decomposition of the sludge layer on the bottom of the pond, Pond Dye to reduce submerged plant growth, a well as EcoBoost, which binds nutrients to help quickly reduce algae growth.
The picture above shows the pond with the 3-diffuser rocking piston aeration system installed, and the algae removed.
We removed a substantial amount of Sago Pondweed, a submerged pond plant that was starting to overtake the shallow areas of the pond. It was becoming increasingly unsightly, especially once it reached the surface of the pond.
We removed a substantial amount of Sago Pondweed, a submerged pond plant that was starting to overtake the shallow areas of the pond. It was becoming increasingly unsightly, especially once it reached the surface of the pond.
We set up a bi-weekly maintenance & pond treatment program. Each visit, we treated the pond with the appropriate amounts of product and monitored the conditon of the pond to see if anything else was needed. In this particular pond we treated with Muckaway, Ecoboost, Barley Straw Pellets and pond dye.
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