Filamentous algae, otherwise known as pond scum, is a nightmare for many pond and lake owners. The pond scum problem has a lot in common with other types of lake vegetation problems, and the cure for one will probably cure both. So, how do you get rid of pond scum? There are a number of different treatments, but the best method for dealing with pond scum is to prevent it from starting, and the method of prevention may come as a bit of a surprise.
Pond scum treatment
Pond scum, no matter where it ends up, starts at the bottom of the pond or lake. Pond scum is noticed most often on the surface of the lake or pond, but like emergent, or submersed lake weeds, it has its start on the lake bed.
Pond scum treatments usually involve the use of a copper substance in liquid or granular form, or a contact weed killer like diquat. These products kill the algae, by punching tiny chemical holes in it, and the pond scum loses it's buoyancy and drops to the bottom. If you have this problem over a good portion of the lake or pond, it is best to treat only one third to one half of the lake at a time because the rotting vegetation requires oxygen to decompose, and it will take it from the water, which leaves less oxygen for your fish.
Pond scum removal
It is possible to physically remove pond scum from the surface of the water, but this process involves a good deal of manual labor in either skimming, or raking it. If you use copper sulfate or one of the other commercial herbicides labeled for pond scum or blanket weed control the algae will turn brown and sink to the bottom where it will degrade on it's own. Be aware that if you do not perform proper follow up procedures, the filamentous pond algae will return!
Treatments of this type are sometimes needed, but such pond treatments are like the emergency room doctor after an auto accident. We are glad that he is there, but, it would have been better to have avoided the accident to begin with.
Preventing pond scum
Pond scum starts at the lake or pond bottom, it begins when sunlight penetrates to the bottom. Preventing light from reaching the bottom will prevent pond scum in the majority of cases. The prevention of pond scum, like the prevention of lake weeds requires doing something that will keep sunlight from reaching the lake bed. This involves water depth, and water clarity.
Adjusting water depth
There are two ways to change water depth. Raise the water level by adding water and maintaining it at a higher level, or removing soil from the bottom.
Raising the water level
Any attempt to raise the level of a spillway or overflow pipe should be preceded a thorough inspection of the lake by someone who has the expertise to determine the success of such a project.
Removing soil from the lake bed
The other method for adjusting the depth of water in a pond or lake is to remove soil from the lake. This dredging process can be accomplished by draining the body of water and using earth moving equipment to remove sediments, or by leaving the water, and hiring someone with specialized equipment built for the purpose. Either way, the project will be costly and time consuming. Ideally, there should be no area of the lake or pond that is less than 3 feet deep.
Adjusting water color
If water is too clear, then enough light can penetrate to produce filamentous algae. If sunlight can penetrate more than 24 inches, the water is too clear. There are colorants available which can do the job, but such colorants interfere with the natural food chain in the lake. The best means of producing color in a pond or lake is with tiny single cell algae known as plankton. Producing an "algae bloom" will reduce the depth to which sunlight can penetrate water, and prevent pond scum from becoming a problem. This is something that should be done even if your pond or lake is deep enough already. It will encourage the food chain and provide more healthy fish for your recreational fishing and for the table.
How to produce algae bloom
To start algae bloom, all that needs to be done is to add the proper amount of the proper fertilizer to the water. This should be done only after testing the water for proper pH, and amending the pH if needed. Once this is done, and the fertilizer added, the reaction will be swift. This should be followed by regular applications at 2 week intervals, and water clarity should be tested to be sure that it is working, and that water clarity is no more than 24 inches, and no less than 12 inches. If secchi depth is less than 10 to 12 inches, skip the next fertilizer application and re check the clarity periodically until it gets into the acceptable range before re starting the program.
Natural pond scum prevention with barley straw
There is evidence that pond scum can be prevented by using barley straw. The straw is submerged, or partially submerged in the water, and the decaying barley straw produces some chemical reaction that is not yet fully understood, but which seems to discourage filamentous algae production. It should be stated again, that this is not a treatment for existing pond scum, but another tool in our pond scum prevention kit.
Remember that any algaecide, including barley straw is indiscriminate in pond algae destruction. When the pond scum is destroyed, there is a good chance that it will destroy the beneficial pond algae as well. Follow up is essential for for healthy ponds and lakes.
For a paid consultation about dealing with your pond scum problem see:
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