What to do so that the pond does not bloom. Pond water care. Effective ways to deal with water bloom in artificial ponds Why is the water in some ponds green

Everyone has encountered the “blooming” of water. In reservoirs, outdoor pools, bottles for watering plants, water acquires a greenish tint over time, and the walls become covered with a specific coating. Should we be afraid of "green" water?

These algae are in the process of photosynthesis and turn the water green.

Reasons for the "bloom" of water

To explain this phenomenon, it is enough to consider a drop of lake water under a microscope. The water is filled with algae.

Algae are capable of photosynthesis - under the influence of light, the cells produce the pigment chlorophyll, which gives the algae their green color. Under adverse environmental conditions - for example, when a reservoir dries up - algae form spores that can survive for a long time without a nutrient medium. These spores are spread in various ways, including through the air.

Why can water in a bottle turn green?

Water from artesian wells does not contain algae. They simply cannot live at such a depth without access to light. Protera bottled drinking water production technology excludes any external pollution finished products. Thus, water in a closed bottle cannot turn green.

But after opening the bottle, air enters it, with which algae spores can also enter. Natural natural water contains in its composition the minimum concentration of phosphorus, which is a nutrient medium for algae. Under the influence of light, their division and photosynthesis begin. In this case, the water in the bottle may turn green within 2-3 weeks.

Growing algae are attached to the walls of not only bottles, but also filling equipment: pumps, stoppers, coolers, etc. In this case, when changing the water bottle, the equipment can become a source of algae and “greening” the next initially clean bottle.

How to avoid "bloom"

Naturally, "green" water is unpleasant, so you should follow a series simple rules, which will avoid "blooming".

1. When replacing bottles with drinking water Rinse dispensing equipment thoroughly. Rinse all accessible parts: tubes, etc. Once every six months, call a specialist for a more thorough treatment.
2. Do not keep the bottle open, after removing the cap, immediately install the equipment. Do not take an opened bottle by the neck without a stopper.
3. If possible, use and store water bottles in a dark place out of direct sunlight. If not possible, use an opaque bottle cap.
4. After opening the bottle, do not throw away the cork, close the used bottle afterwards. This will protect against contamination and "greening" of water residues in the bottle.
5. Do not use self-refilling bottles on springs, columns, etc. Without washing and disinfection of reusable containers in a production environment, this can be hazardous to health.

Algae on the walls and bottom of the pond can be helpful in keeping koi. But cloudy green water or "blooming" water is a common and undesirable phenomenon. If it's too intense and lasts longer than two weeks, it's time to take action.

Turbid, green water is inhabited by phytoplankton - single-celled algae and cyano-bacteria capable of photosynthesis. The spores of these living organisms are freely distributed in the atmosphere and are always found in natural reservoirs. If the water appears clear, the concentration of these microorganisms is low. In closed reservoirs, under certain conditions, these algae, of which there are thousands of species, can multiply very quickly. Some green algae move only with the current (chlorella) and are called planktonic, others are capable of independent movement (euglena, chlamydomonas). Total species green algae number 13-20 thousand.

Parameter Preferences environment they are so diverse that if the reservoir is unsuitable for them, then the fish, most likely, will not be able to live in it. Not only green algae cause "bloom": diatoms color the water yellowish-brown, red - red. Since predominantly blue-green microorganisms develop in fresh water bodies of the Northern Hemisphere, the water is colored in the corresponding shades. "Flowering" of water happens in the seas and even oceans.

Algae, the development of which is controlled by humans, can be beneficial for carp. This is an additional food, including cold winter when feeding has stopped. The rest of the time, algae, along with specially planted plants, absorb dissolved organic matter and improve water quality. Some hobbyists believe that the green water is good for the coloration of the fish - it is rich in zooplankton, the carp's natural food. In such water, goldfish are successfully grown in China, and even specially created in aquariums. But still, approaching your favorite reservoir and looking at a motionless green puddle is a little pleasure.

The pond is filled with green muddy water, through which not only the bottom, but also the shores are not visible. Fish are only visible near the surface. But the decorative aspect is not the main thing - there are dangers of this phenomenon that are not so noticeable.

During the day, under the sun's rays, algae produce oxygen, and at night they absorb it. If their development is too intense, and the pond is overpopulated with fish, fish may die early in the morning. In the middle of summer, when there is already little oxygen in warm water, the danger of this phenomenon is especially high. During the day, on the contrary, algae can produce too much oxygen and lead to a supersaturation of the water with this gas. Small oxygen bubbles damage the gills and cause gas bubble disease.

Excessive algae population affects the acidity of the water - pH. At night, they release carbon dioxide and increase acidity. These spikes in acidity create discomfort for fish that need a constant pH and don't want spikes.

Excessive development of algae in an ornamental pond becomes an undesirable factor affecting the quality of water and its inhabitants.

In short: because there are suitable conditions for them. For algae to appear in the water, no special actions are needed. This is easy to check by placing a transparent jar of even drinking water in the bright sun - a green or brown coating will gradually appear on the glass. Adding flower fertilizers will make the water cloudy and Green colour. In enclosed waters ideal conditions, at which water "blooms", usually develop without human intervention.

Food. Although algae can be content with little, the more food, the more actively they develop. Potatoes can not be fertilized, but with top dressing they will grow larger. There are many predators next to large herds of herbivores. Not all algae nutrition is fish waste - the water entering the pond already contains the necessary substances. In the spring, koi begin to feed heavily after winter, and this simply adds new substances to the water. "Flowering" water happens in the sea, where no one feeds the fish.

Light. Temperature. Photosynthesis requires light. When sunlight becomes more intense and prolonged in spring, algae develop more actively. The activity of algae depends on the temperature of the water. The warmer the water, the faster they develop.

Destroying all algae with pond chemicals or draining and cleaning the pond, if the causes of the phenomenon are not eliminated, will only solve the problem temporarily. When fighting green water you need to take into account the maximum reasons and use several tools at once.

biological control. Floating plants such as nymphs and water lilies shade the water. Cover with floating plants from a third to a half of the water table. Algae are much more hardy than higher plants, and they cannot be defeated by just adding plants. Fast-growing species like elodea, hornwort, water hyacinth absorb organic matter and will definitely not cause algae to grow faster. The same function is performed by willow cuttings immersed in water. When adding new fast-growing species to control algae, keep in mind that such plants can also become a problem. In order not to get a new nuisance, first think about how to limit their distribution, and then add to the reservoir. Lowering the water temperature will reduce algae activity. This can be done using a well, but in the summer heat, the water will still heat up soon. In this case, you need to create a running water supply, but carp is a heat-loving fish.

Pond service. Use quality feed. All feeds are not fully digested by fish, but cheap feeds are also poorly digested by fish and decompose in water. For planting, use only landless soils that do not release organic matter into the water. If the containers contain garden soil, take them out for a while or replace the soil with any sinking soilless substrate (pebbles, sand, etc.). Such a substrate needs to be fertilized, but wait with this. Clean the mechanical filter regularly and remove organic debris from the bottom of the pond. Do not let it fall into the water waste water(even if there are no problems with algae). If there are no floating plants, the pond can be shaded with a net. Flowering plants need at least 6 hours of sunlight to develop buds.

Equipment and chemicals for water treatment in the pond

A home reservoir cannot function independently, as it happens in natural environment. Sometimes "natural" ways to deal with algae are not enough and you need to use special devices and water additives. After all, algae are living organisms that die under certain conditions.

An ultraviolet sterilizer is a tube-shaped device that destroys all microorganisms in the water flowing through it. It is usually placed between the filter and the pump, including when it is necessary to get rid of dangerous or unwanted population of the reservoir. Thus, on the surface of the filter, the colony of bacteria we need to process the waste products of fish is preserved, and the rest of the microorganisms die. A sterilizer correctly selected for the volume of the reservoir will destroy unicellular algae and restore the transparency of the water. A simple and safe solution to the problem green water. The sterilizer will not gather dust after getting rid of algae - it is used during quarantine and treatment of fish.

Chemical additives. There are many ready-made preparations for combating algae, including unicellular ones. Some additives cause the death of microorganisms, others bind them to each other so that single-celled algae can be removed mechanically. There are additives that color the water and retain sunlight, precipitate the phosphates necessary for the nutrition of algae. Be careful with any additions to the fish pond. Observe dosages and safety precautions! With the mass destruction of algae, in order to avoid an outbreak of ammonia, it is important to remove the organic matter in a timely manner. By the way, there are pond funds for this.

Briefly about actions against green water

If there is a green algae outbreak in a body of water, the following can be done.

Watch and wait. By reducing feeding, increasing aeration and trying to remove as much organic matter as possible. It is better not to do massive water changes, so as not to bring additional nutrition. Often within 2 weeks the problem disappears.

With intense and prolonged flowering - look for the cause. Usually this is overfeeding, overpopulation, poor feed, wastewater with fertilizers.

Plant floating and fast-growing plants, create shade.

Use an ultraviolet sterilizer and chemicals that are safe for fish and higher plants.

Remember that a pond is for fish, not algae.

The main problems associated with pond maintenance arise from water pollution. You can also keep fish in tap water, but given that chlorine is added to it, which forms acids with water, it is necessary to defend the water for several days before launching the fish so that the acid has time to decompose. During the summer heat, water should be added to the pond in small portions, if you add a lot of water at a time, this will lead to a change in temperature and to elevated content chlorine in water. When keeping fish in a pond, you need to monitor the acid-base balance.

Why does the water turn green

The reason for the green water is the small algae that live in the pond. The algae itself does not harm the fish, but the water becomes cloudy because of them. Already two weeks after filling the pond with water, it becomes greenish, this must be dealt with, otherwise the situation will only worsen. Algae multiply especially quickly when the surface of the pond is heated by the sun's rays and the water contains a lot of carbon dioxide. In the fight against green algae, it is necessary to create unfavorable conditions for them. The situation will be better if the area of ​​the pond is more than 3.5 square meters and there are plants in the pond that shade its surface and absorb carbon dioxide and mineral salts from the water. It is also necessary to regularly clean the water from fallen leaves and food not eaten by fish.

Even if you follow all the recommendations for cleaning the pond, it is very difficult to deal with green algae, as fish raise silt from the bottom of the pond, a powerful pump mixes the water too much. The fight against algae becomes much more difficult if the area of ​​the pond is too small (less than 3.5 sq.m), if the depth of the pond is less than 45 cm, if there are no plants in the pond. In this case, you need to resort to chemical means of water purification from algae. It is advisable to use algaecides, which are the least harmful to fish and plants. There are selective algicides that give an effect within 1-4 months. Another type of algaecide binds organic matter and algae, causing them to settle to the bottom of the pond.

All of the above water purification products allow you to get rid of algae only on a short time. Only a water filter can fundamentally solve the problem.

weeds

Weeds can damage appearance pond, in addition, they prevent the growth of ornamental aquatic plants and make it difficult to look at the fish. Aquatic weeds are filamentous algae that cling to the bottom and walls of the pond and form balls that float in the water. Filamentous algae or filamentous algae do not form in those ponds where higher plants are planted that bring the pond into a state of equilibrium. On the contrary, there are many of them where filters are installed. Threads are best removed with a net, two-horned pitchfork or rake. The pitchfork and rake must be turned in the water, thus winding the algae, which must be removed from the pond. Clog the pond and plants floating on the surface of the water (duckweed). They need to be caught out of the water in a timely manner, before they grow too large. It is also necessary to fight against aggressive coastal plants, which, growing, begin to displace tender plants.

polluted water

Dirty water is dangerous to fish and plants, although it may be colorless and odorless. Water can be polluted by rotting leaves of underwater plants, resulting in an oily film on the surface of the pond that prevents oxygen from entering the pond. Such a film must be removed, you can use a newspaper that absorbs it. When dry leaves or dead fish rot, the water turns black. If the water is heavily polluted, it is necessary to pump it out, fill the pond with new water after it has been thoroughly cleaned. Water must also be pumped out if chemicals (paint, herbicides, etc.) have entered the pond. In small ponds, fish waste gradually accumulates, releasing toxins during decomposition. Partial replacement of water in the fall and eternal will help to cope with this problem. Water is pumped out with a pump to a quarter of the total volume, then topped up with a thin stream clean water to the usual level.

muddy water

muddy water Brown color although not dangerous to plants and fish, it greatly spoils the appearance of the pond. The causes of cloudy water are too powerful a pump or turbidity raised by fish from the bottom and from baskets in which plants are planted. Prevention will help to cope with this problem: it is better to cover the baskets on top with burlap or fill it with gravel, and install the pump so that it does not create a strong flow of water. Chemical agents (flocculants) will help to cope with this problem only for a while, while the flakes that have settled on the bottom of the pond must be removed, but the water will become cloudy again if the main pollutants are not removed.

Acidic or alkaline water

To determine the level of acidity of water, you need to use special devices. If the pH level is in the range of 6.5-8.5, then the water is suitable for use. If the level is above or below these values, then plants and fish cannot be bred in such water. At a pH value of 9.0 and above, the water is alkaline, this phenomenon is most often observed when waterproofing a pond from artificial stone or concrete. Therefore, before using the pond, all concrete surfaces must be painted over, and buffering agents must then be added to the water. Water is acidic if the pH value is 6.0 or less. An acidic environment occurs when water from peat bogs enters the pond. In this case, you need to partially change the water and put limestone in the pond.

Pond cleaning

If the water in the pond is polluted or there is too thick a layer of silt at the bottom, this means that the pond needs to be cleaned. In spring or summer, shore and underwater plants are removed from the pond, which can be placed in a temporary pond made of plastic or butyl rubber sheeting. Plants-oxygenators and floating on the surface of the water are placed in plastic containers filled with water. The water is then pumped out of the pond. When there is little water left, the fish are taken out with a net and transplanted into the tank. After all the water is pumped out of the pond, silt is removed from the bottom. Dirt must also be removed from the walls of the pond. Then the pond is filled with water again (clean tap water with a small amount of old water added). After filling with water, you can plant plants again and start the fish.

Any of us have encountered such a problem as water blooming, in which the liquid takes on a greenish tint. This can be observed in open reservoirs, aquariums, pools and even in bottles of drinking water. Many are alarmed by this phenomenon, because not everyone will agree to swim in green water, not to mention the use for drinking and cooking. But few people know why the water turns green and whether it poses a danger to humans.

To understand the reason for the blooming of water, remember a school biology lesson in which a drop of lake water was examined under a microscope. You must have seen a lot of bluish-green cells, some of which formed long chains. These are cyanobacteria, which are also called blue-green algae. They give the water its characteristic color.

Cyanobacteria, like plants, are capable of photosynthesis and the production of a green pigment - chlorophyll.

The more light enters the water, the faster the bacteria multiply and synthesize the pigment, coloring the pond with it.

That's why main reason stagnant water blooms are bacteria, not algae, as is commonly believed. Although the latter can also "contribute" to this process, especially if their number is quite large.

Flowering of reservoirs

Open waters begin to bloom in warm time year, when the water warms up to at least 18 ° C. Bacterial spores and microscopic algae "wake up" and actively multiply, forming a green film on the surface of the water. For humans, such a phenomenon is not dangerous, which cannot be said about aquatic inhabitants. Water blooms in reservoirs lead to a decrease in the concentration of oxygen in the water, which is the cause of the mass death of fish. Rotting remains become a source of phosphorus, which feeds bacteria. The latter begin to multiply even faster, and the situation is aggravated.

Usually this process is controlled by nature itself. Some living creatures eat microscopic algae, purifying the water from them. Also, the concentration of algae decreases significantly with a decrease in air and water temperatures, as well as during rains. But it happens that the process of self-purification in the reservoir simply does not have time to occur. There are reasons why water blooms at a tremendous speed:

• A large concentration of organic matter in the pond. The reason may be water pollution with bio-garbage, rotten foliage, fertilizers.
• Hot days, lack of precipitation for a long period.
• Overfeeding fish.
• Reproduction and distribution in the reservoir certain types algae.
• A significant change in the hydrochemical composition of water.

How to improve pond water

What to do if the water in the pond turns green? First, the degree of flowering of the reservoir should be assessed. If the process is not very intense and lasts no more than 2-3 weeks, there is no need to worry - nature will do everything by itself. If you are afraid that the fish will suffocate, you can increase the movement of water using a fountain or blowing pipes.

If the water turns green at high speed and long time, the cause of this phenomenon should be found. Perhaps a large amount of fertilizer from a neighboring garden is getting into the water, or you are overfeeding the fish. Try to fix the problem as soon as possible. You can control the content of organic matter in water using a special filtration system.

Sometimes providing a reservoir with shady areas helps to cope with the problem. To do this, you can plant plants around the perimeter of the reservoir, which will prevent the penetration of the sun's rays into the water column. You can also use plants that are natural algae antagonists, such as water lilies. Biological control methods also include some types of fish that clean the pond by eating algae in it.

You can fight algae using algaecides. Their use requires strict adherence to the instructions, as the drugs can harm other inhabitants of the reservoir.

Green water in a cooler

If everything is clear with open reservoirs, then why does the water in the cooler turn green if the liquid is cleaned and isolated from external environment? Liquid contamination occurs at the stage of its use by the consumer, since algae do not survive in artesian wells, and compliance with drinking water production technologies excludes its contamination.

Artesian water contains a small amount of phosphorus, which is used by algae to sustain life. After opening, air enters the bottle, which may contain spores of microscopic algae. They, feeding on phosphorus, begin to multiply.

When light hits the bottle, the cyanobacteria begin the process of photosynthesis, producing a green pigment. In a few weeks drinking water takes on a green hue. Algae can get from the bottle to other parts of the cooler - pumps, taps, etc., multiplying there and infecting new bottles.

How to deal with the problem

We do not want to drink green water, so you should adhere to the following rules:

1. Clean the cooler regularly, thoroughly washing all parts that come into contact with the liquid.
2. When replacing the bottle, do not touch the neck without the cork.
3. Do not keep the vessel open for a long time. After opening the bottle, immediately install it in the cooler.
4. Keep water bottles out of direct light. Try to store them in a dark place or cover them with an opaque cloth.
5. Do not reuse bottles by filling them tap water, or water from natural sources. For further use, containers must be disinfected under special conditions.

We fight blue-green algae in the pond: Video

Inna from Tyumen asks: “I arranged a decorative small pond in my backyard and ran into the following problem: every year the water in it turns green, it becomes muddy and all beauty disappears. What can be done so that the water in the pond does not bloom?

We answer

Finding a Solution in the Natural Environment

A pond on a personal plot is created in order to perform an aesthetic function to a greater extent. After water is poured into a specially prepared hole, it's time to take care of the landing. ornamental plants and settling a home pond with fish.

Sooner or later, almost all gardeners face such a problem as blooming water.

Let's try to figure out why this happens by paying attention to the state of natural water bodies in the context of the external conditions in which they are located:

1. The purest and clear water happens in ponds with underwater currents, springs and streams.
2. Active processes of development of algae and bacteria are observed in those ponds that are located far from trees and shrubs, that is, in open areas.

The first option considered can be explained by the fact that the reproduction of blue-green algae (and we are talking about them if the water in the pond turns green) is very difficult in those reservoirs where there is running water.

The second case allows us to conclude that the use of emersed ornamental plants can bring not only a tangible visual effect, but also a visible benefit. By taking food from algae, the latter help to solve two problems at once in one fell swoop.

As for the connection between the location of the reservoir away from large plantings and in open areas, and the reproduction of algae, its reasons have also been established for a long time: Sun rays in in large numbers contribute to an increase in algal blooms and their reproduction.

How to care for your pond in the country (video)

Solutions to the problem

Summing up the properties that blue-green algae possess, we can conclude that the fight against them may well be successful, the main thing is to find the method that will be most acceptable to you.

So, what should you do if your pond suddenly bloomed:

• Get surface plants, such as water lilies. According to experienced gardeners, water hyacinth can also help. You can learn more about popular aquatic pond plants.
• Create conditions so that the reservoir is mostly in a shaded area. In case it is impossible to wait for shrubs and trees to grow, or you do not want to plant them, you can use artificial options, for example, cover the water with a dark film and keep it on the water until the annoying greenery on the surface disappears.
• The solution with running water, at first glance, is inaccessible to an artificial pond. But, if you look, nothing can stop you from arranging a small fountain in your pond.

Reviews and comments

(3 ratings, average: 4,00 out of 5)

Dmitrich, Volgodonsk 28.04.2017

It all depends on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe pond and the volume of water. I have an area of ​​\u200b\u200b90 m2, a volume of 180 m3, three fountains 45 bushes Calamus bolt, 30 Hyacinth, 25 Arekhv water, 0 water lilies and 25 Nymphaeum (lilies) Water is filtered before it passes through the fountains there are 100 pieces comets 25 carp koi and 20 pieces red crucian carp, WATER YOU CAN DRINK