Posts by Chad
Algae and water clarity
Algae, poor water quality, and how to solve it
Algae, is the nemesis of every pond and lake enthusiast. Before I delve into the negative, let's talk about the positives of algae. I like to compare it to our immune system. When we get a cold, our body will develop a fever to fight off the infection. A natural ecosystem will develop algae to fight off excess nutrients. Algae is a plant and is effective at removing nutrients from your pond or lake. However, it's never fun to get a cold and it's never fun to get algae. By properly maintaining your pond or lake you can avoid algae blooms entirely.
Algae come in many different forms, indicating your ecosystem's deficiencies. The most common are green algae and filamentous, neither of which are toxic. Green algae are often found floating in clumps or suspended in the water. If your pond looks green, this is your culprit. Filamentous is a stringy alga, that closely resembles flowing hair. It is usually found in streams and waterfalls growing off of shallow rocks. Excessive amounts of algae can choke off waterways, reduce filtration and circulation and can block photosynthesis, and reduce dissolved oxygen creating a toxic environment for fish, turtles, and all aquatic life.
Algae are caused by an abundance of nutrients. This is a result of soil or fertilizer runoff, lacking the appropriate pond plants, unbalanced water chemistry, overstocked system, floating debris, or decaying organic matter at the bottom of your pond or lake.
Algae should never be present. That's why it's imperative to have a pond and lake management company service weekly, monthly, or annual deep cleans to ensure your ecosystem is healthy and thriving.
Creating a healthy environment for aquatic life
Water chemistry and its direct impact on the health and longevity of your fish, turtles, and other aquatic specie
Proper water chemistry has a vital role in increasing life expectancy for your fish, turtles, and other aquatic life. There are many different levels that need to be tested and monitored but I want to focus on the most important two that can fluctuate and can be magnified with an improper setup of your pond or lake. But first, I wanted to cover the most common issues I run into. Those are overstocking of aquatic species or too many fish for the size of your system. Missing fountains, aerators, or lack of streams or waterfalls. And none or not the appropriate pond plants to balance the water chemistry to maintain clear water and a healthy ecosystem. Below I will explain the direct effects of water chemistry that cannot be seen until it's too late.
This is why it is imperative to have a trained professional test and service your pond or lake to maintain a balanced, healthy, and thriving ecosystem that appeals to humans, fish, and all aquatic life.
Ammonia(0ppm), Nitrites(0ppm) & Nitrates (20-80ppm)
Ammonia is caused by aquatic life secretion, uneaten fish food, or decaying organic matter at the bottom of your ecosystem. High levels of ammonia will deplete oxygen levels and certain levels are extremely toxic to fish, turtles, aquatic plants, and every living organism in your water feature. The only immediate remedy would be a partial water change. Long-term solutions are properly stocking your pond or lake with the appropriate amount of fauna. Removing any dead organic matter at the bottom. And by adding the correct aquatic plants that excel at removing ammonia.
As your system cycles, ammonia breaks down into nitrites. Much like ammonia, high nitrite levels are toxic to your ecosystem. If ammonia levels are high, nitrite levels will be high. Since it's a byproduct of ammonia, it is treated in the same fashion.
Again, as your system cycles, nitrites are broken down into nitrates. Higher nitrate levels are much safer for aquatic life and aquatic plants. In fact, high nitrate levels are what make pond plants flourish and bloom. However, it is extremely important to monitor your nitrate as high nitrate levels cause massive algae blooms. It is also important to keep in mind if your system is void of aquatic plants, and there's nothing to absorb the nitrates, it can lead to a toxic condition for aquatic life.
Dissolved Oxygen (Ideal dissolved oxygen levels are 5ppm-20ppm)
Properly balanced water chemistry is imperative for all aquatic life. Dissolved oxygen is an oxygen gas that is dissolved in water. This is done by streams, waterfalls, fountains, aerators, and anything else that may break the surface tension. Dissolved oxygen is depleted by excessive algae, aquatic plants at night, overstocked ponds or lakes with fish and turtles, and improper water chemistry. Thorough testing must be done to accurately measure oxygen levels. During the day, any fountains, pumps, or aerators will be running and will add dissolved oxygen. Photosynthesis from your aquatic plants will also raise oxygen levels. At night, as fish rest and plant respiratory slows, dissolved oxygen levels will deplete. This is exacerbated when pumps, aerators, or fountains are turned off. It's nearly impossible to oversaturate or over-aerate your ecosystem. That is why it is strongly recommended to have plenty of aquatic plants, aeration, and water movement throughout the day to compensate for the levels dropping at night.
Rain and its effect on water chemistry
The Impact of Rainfall on Ponds and Lakes: Preserving Healthy and Clear Waters
Rainfall, a crucial component of the water cycle, nourishes and sustains ponds and lakes.
However, when rain is excessive, it can trigger a series of adverse effects on these water bodies.
Homeowners, property managers, and commercial managers need to be aware of these
consequences to ensure proper care and maintenance of their ponds and lakes. In this article,
we'll dive into the ways rainfall influences ponds and lakes, specifically focusing on the
challenges posed by soil runoff, water cloudiness or turbidity and the significance of the
surrounding landscape in preserving water quality.
The Effects of Rainfall on Ponds and Lakes
Soil Runoff and Algae Blooms
Heavy rainfall often results in increased soil runoff entering ponds and lakes, carrying with it
excess nitrogen from soil and fertilizers. This influx of nutrients can lead to rapid algae growth,
which not only mars the water's appearance but can also deplete oxygen, harm aquatic life, and
degrade water quality. To counteract this issue, property owners should engage in responsible
landscaping practices, such as limiting fertilizer use near water bodies.
Turbidity and Sedimentation
Intense rain can also heighten the turbidity or cloudiness of pond and lake water. As water passes
through the surrounding landscape, it gathers fine sediment particles like silt, muck and clay,
which then become suspended in the water. Elevated turbidity not only diminishes the water's
visual appeal but can also reduce light penetration, negatively affecting aquatic plants and
animals. In most instances, the suspended sediment will naturally settle within a few weeks.
However, in extreme cases, property managers might opt for alum or gypsum treatments to
chemically settle the sediment.
The Significance of the Surrounding Landscape
A pond or lake's surrounding landscape plays a fundamental role in determining water quality.
Vegetation serves as a natural barrier, filtering pollutants and sediment from the runoff before it
reaches the water body. To minimize runoff effects on water quality, property owners should
consider implementing buffer zones with native plants. These zones not only assist in filtering
sediment and nutrients but also provide wildlife habitats and contribute to the overall health of
the pond or lake ecosystem.
Lake and Pond Maintenance
Maintaining clear and healthy water necessitates proper pond and lake maintenance. Regular
inspection and debris removal, such as leaves, branches, and trash, can prevent clogs in fountains
and drains. Continual monitoring of water quality parameters, including nutrient levels and
dissolved oxygen, can help identify and address problems before they escalate. In some
situations, enlisting professional pond and lake management services may be the best course of
action for your water body.
Harnessing the Power of Rain: Protecting Our Ponds and Lakes
Rainfall can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on ponds and lakes. By understanding
the impacts of heavy rainfall and implementing appropriate measures, property owners can
preserve the beauty, health, and ecological balance of their water bodies. Investing in proper lake
and pond maintenance enables homeowners, property managers, and commercial managers to
ensure clear water, reduced muck and silt accumulation, and a flourishing aquatic ecosystem.
Meta Title: Rainfall's Impact on Ponds & Lakes: Clear, Healthy Waters Guide
Meta Description: Learn the effects of excessive rainfall on ponds & lakes, and how proper
maintenance can preserve water quality and support a thriving ecosystem.