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For quite some time now, those of us at Pond Algae Solutions have believed that there were often better alternatives to using chemical algaecides for treating pond algae problems.
From the looks of things, others are starting to embrace that philosophy too, such as the city of Naples Florida. In the fall of 2008, Naples banned the use of copper based algaecides for treating municipal ponds and waterways.
Other cities are sure to follow suit in time and for good reason. Algaecides simply are not the best way to treat an algae problem!
I’ve put together a video that explains “The Problem With Algaecides” and although it’s a bit long at 11 minutes or so, it’s well worth watching. Hopefully this will explain in simple terms why algaecides cause more problems than they solve, and in particular if you still choose to use an algaecide down the road, you’ll learn some important tips for keeping your fish safe and sound when you do.
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I listened to your entire presentation. May I suggest that you re-title your speech “Preventative Pond Maintenance” or “Alternatives to Chemical Control”. Your information is sound and our company has been preaching this since 1977, but you dont have to put down chemicals so bad. You can work them in as a wisely and discreetly used tool to aid in any integrated management plan. They are not the cure, but they are necessary at times to regain control and then focus on reducing nutrients.
Just a thought,
Paul
Hi Paul,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
You make a good point and I agree with you in that algaecides or herbicides(chemicals) when used prudently, can be useful, particularly in larger ponds.
If one looks at what we offer on our site you’ll see that every item isn’t necessarily “natural”. However when it comes to a “chemical” offering they all are highly targetable and can be limited in the amount used to alter the course of a pond problem. We always suggest using no more than is necessary and targeting them very precisely to limit any unwanted negative effects. So I think we pretty much preach the same message in this regard.
Kudos to you for sharing this message with your customers and others…more companies need to do this.
A problem I see however is that too many pond management companies, chemical salesmen, and other entities don’t tell the whole story. They make it sound like an algaecide is the one and only, or best way to go, and often it’s not. If fact, it’s rarely, if ever the cure the pond owner is desperately hoping for.
The average pond owner needs to know the possible effects of using a chemical in their pond. And by chemical, what I’m referring to is the copper based algaecides primarily. As someone once said, for-warned is for-armed. A pond owner may opt to avoid a chemical additive and that’s quite alright. There are other worthy options to try. And if they do decide to use an algaecide, they will know the possible issues with doing so at that time. Not after months or years of taking a pond in an entirely bad direction, or losing their fish in the process.
Just my two cents and something I felt was worth sharing.
Mark, I really am enjoying the changes you’ve made to your website! I like the audio/video presentations. I have listened to them and have heeded your advice. I am in the process of removing a good number of my fish now. I will also try the beneficial bacteria as well. While my algae problems aren’t extreme, I don’t want them to become a problem. Thanks for all your good advice! Jay
Great presentation Mark! You have convinced me that I need to get away from the algaecides all the time and start using the beneficial bacteria more.I have never had a fish kill yet,as I have always been careful about how much chemical and how often I use it. Thanks, Dale