How does algae develop? / What causes algae to grow?
Algae occurs wherever water is found – even if the water is only a temporary presence. It does not become visible until it gets out of control, and may cause problems. Algae can proliferate very quickly in favourable conditions, grow over everything else and negatively impact the water parameters. To prevent algae, the first thing you need to do is stop conditions from developing that encourage algae growth:
1) Avoid and/or limit intense light from the sun or lighting by choosing a suitable, shaded location for the pond. Another useful tip is to include floating plants such as water lilies that also reduce the incidence of sunlight.
2) Reduce high nitrate and phosphate levels or prevent high levels from occurring using fast-growing pond and marsh plants. The plants absorb nitrate and phosphate as nutrients before excess nitrate and phosphate enable algae to grow.
3) Remove built-up sediment and other dead organic material from the water at an early stage.
4) Avoid overfeeding the fish in the pond.
What can I do to stop blanketweed?
Blanketweed is a sign of good water quality combined with excessive light penetration. You can reduce light penetration in a totally natural way by adding and specifically fertilising floating plants such as hornwort or water lettuce. You can also effectively treat blanketweed with Tetra Pond AlgoFin followed by Tetra Pond AlgoClean.
What can I do to stop floating algae?
Reduce light penetration and excessive nitrate and phosphate levels. The incidence of light can be reduced with water lilies or floating plants (hornwort, water lettuce), for example. Also make sure to feed your fish moderate quantities of food with low nutrient input levels. We recommend Tetra Pond AlgoRem to specifically target floating algae.
What can I do to stop blue-green algae?
Blue-green algae means that your pond does not have the right biological balance. Make sure that your pond is sufficiently aerated, give your fish a moderate amount of food and remove sources of decay (caused by fish waste and dead plant material). We also recommend changing the water and adding filter bacteria such as Tetra Pond FilterStart. You should also clean your filter regularly.
To combat blue-green algae specifically, we recommend using Tetra Pond AlgoFin and Tetra Pond AlgoClean.
How can I prevent algae?
To prevent algae, the first thing you need to do – early in the year – is stop conditions from developing that encourage algae growth:
1) Avoid and/or limit intense light from the sun or lighting by choosing a suitable, shaded location for the pond. Another useful tip is to include floating plants such as water lilies that also reduce the incidence of sunlight.
2) Reduce high nitrate and phosphate levels or prevent high levels from occurring using fast-growing pond and marsh plants. The plants absorb nitrate and phosphate as nutrients before excess nitrate and phosphate enable algae to grow.
3) Remove built-up sediment and other dead organic material from the water at an early stage.
4) Avoid overfeeding the fish in the pond.
My pond water is green, but clear. What’s the issue here?
Green water indicates that floating algae is probably just starting to grow. We recommend using Tetra Pond AlgoRem to specifically inhibit its growth.
How does the product work?
Tetra Pond AlgoFree destroys the algae cell walls, meaning that floating algae can be tackled safely and effectively within a few days. Effective over a longer period (two to three weeks), Tetra Pond AlgoFree also helps to prevent algae and fight stubborn blanketweed. The algae remains should then be removed from the surface of the water with a net. Four or five days after treatment, you can also use Tetra Pond CrystalWater to bind the last remaining bits of algae and remove them via the filter or a net.
My fish died after I used this product. Did I do something wrong?
Tetra Pond AlgoFree is safe for fish provided the dosing instructions are followed. It is important to ensure a sufficient oxygen supply during treatment, for example using a diaphragm pump.
I used the product but nothing happened. Did I do something wrong?
Are you using a UV clarifier or adsorptive filter materials (activated carbon)? Both of these reduce the effectiveness of Tetra Pond AlgoFree. Turn off the UV clarifier for the first 7 days of treatment and remove any adsorptive filter materials.
How often may the product be used?
When using Tetra Pond AlgoFree, the initial results are visible after 24 hours. Bear in mind that certain types of globe algae cannot be flocculated with Tetra Pond AlgoFree.
Is the product safe for koi, goldfish and sturgeon too?
The product is safe for koi and goldfish but not for sturgeon or sturgeon-like fish.
Is the product safe for turtles and frogs too?
To date, there has been no indication of intolerance among turtles and frogs.
Can the UV lamp be switched on during treatment? When should it be switched back on?
No – after adding Tetra Pond AlgoFree, do not filter with a UV clarifier or activated carbon for at least 7 days.
Can this product be used in pools or swimming areas too?
No, the product is not suitable for use in pools or swimming areas.
Can the product be used in aquariums too?
No, the product is designed only for use in ponds.
Do the fish need to be removed from the pond during treatment?
No, the product is safe for all fish if used correctly.
Should the pond filter be switched on while the product is added to the pond?
Yes, the filter ensures that the product disperses well.
Is the product safe for my plants and filter bacteria?
The treatment is safe for plants and filter bacteria provided the dosing instructions are followed.
What is the product’s shelf life after opening?
The product has a shelf life of six months after opening.
What do I need to remember during treatment?
It is important to ensure sufficient aeration while using the product for treatment.
At what times of year can I use the product?
Tetra Pond AlgoFree can be used from spring to autumn if required. We also recommend preventative treatment in the spring, when the first algal blooms (green water) are developing.
At what temperature can I use the product?
The product can be used regardless of the temperature.
I am currently using a different anti-algae product. Is there any possibility of interactions with the Tetra product?
We cannot rule out interactions with other products.
Can I use this product to prevent algae?
Yes, Tetra Pond AlgoFree can be used to prevent algae. Tetra Pond AlgoFree should ideally be used in the spring when the first algal blooms appear.
How long does it take for the product to dissolve?
The speed at which the product dissolves depends on the size of the pond and the water circulation. However, the product dissolves very well in water.