#Chara algea colol how to#

They usually have a runny, mushy texture similar to green algae. Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria)īlue-green algae are microscopic and buoyant, so they can easily colonize the surfaces of ponds and other still waters. The excessive algae growth can also deplete oxygen. This can generate harmful ammonia and nitrates. Of course, you don’t want to let these aquatic plants colonize the entire pond. They provide fiber, B-vitamins, and useful plant pigments that keep your fish healthy and vibrant. String algae are non-toxic and highly nutritious. In the wild, these algae also feed waterfowl, zooplankton, and aquatic insects. Many pond fish such as Koi, Pond Loaches, and Siamese Algae Eaters enjoy nibbling on this aquatic plant. The one good thing about these algae is they can make a good food source. Because of their texture, string algae can also clog water filters and other equipment. They also impact the appearance of the pond. String algae spread like wildfire and can quickly deplete the water of oxygen. Once dislodged, string algae remain free-floating and can easily take over the entire pond. Eventually, the growing mats start trapping oxygen bubbles and they float to the surface. They spread onto rocks and other hard surfaces and continue to proliferate from there. These algae first start growing on the bottom of the pond. Most species thrive in soft water and under high light conditions. Light exposure and water quality are most important for this type of algae. This type of algae often appears in spring and can start growing in temperatures as low as 36☏. String algae prefer cooler temperatures and will grow in clean still waters. String algae color ranges from bright to deep green.

Their appearance has inspired other fitting names, including hair algae, carpet algae, and water silk. These intertwine and stick together, forming spongy, loosely-knit mats. This type of pond scum is made up of individual hair-like strands. String algae, as the name suggests, are stringy and thin. These algae can only pose a threat to fish if they affect the water quality. If your fish accidentally ingest some of it, there’s nothing to worry about. However, green algae are non-toxic to fish. Most fish won’t feed on this type of algae. Green algae are a food source for a variety of small creatures (zooplankton, other microscopic organisms, and even some insects) living in or near the pond. Letting them unchecked can deplete the water of oxygen and subsequently kill other plants or fish in the pond.īut a few green algae might be beneficial. Green algae look inaesthetic and destroy water quality. They spread throughout the water column and can form deposits on the edges, the bottom, and the pond’s water surface. Their structure is one of the main reasons why they proliferate so fast. Green algae are microscopic and free-floating. This is why algae bloom happens during summer but slows down once the temperature drops. They prefer warm water, and will quickly proliferate in temperatures 77- 86☏. They can grow in most still waters and climate conditions. Green algae are the most diverse and widespread group of water algae. The color of the water will range from dark to yellowish-green. If you get green algae bloom, the water will look muddied and opaque. If you were to grab some out of the water, they’d have a mushy, shapeless consistency. These are micro-sized, free-floating plants. There are over 7,000 species of green algae in the family Chlorophyta, but they’re all very similar appearance-wise. Unsurprisingly, green algae give the water a green color. So, without further ado, let’s get started! 1.

#Chara algea colol how to#

Knowing all this will come in handy when deciding how to handle the situation. Most importantly, this information will help you decide whether your pond algae pose a threat to your fish. Keep reading to learn about the nine most frequently occurring algae, how they look, and how they grow. In this article, I’ll cover some of the most common pond algae species. If you’re continuously fighting to keep your pond clean, maybe it’s time to get to know your enemy a little bit better. It’s not a welcome occurrence, but aquarists have to deal with it nonetheless. Algae bloom is common in still waters like aquariums and ponds.