James Brack

What is blanket weed? How can I keep it under control?

Blanket weed is an alga. It is a primitive type of plant life that is extremely good at colonizing and dictating its environment when the conditions are suitable. The weed multiplies by branching off parts of its own structure which then grows in new areas. Koi ponds provide the perfect environment for blanket weed; the weed thrives in the warm conditions provided here.

There are actually a number of types of blanket weed, otherwise known as string algae. These different sorts all look and behave almost identically. The most common kinds are Cladophora, Oedogonium and Spirogyra. The word ‘Cladophora’ means branched plant and it is easy to see why this term is used when the weed is viewed under a microscope. The branch like formation is very easily seen.

It comes as a surprise to people to know that blanket weed is actually quite beneficial to a pond. It actively absorbs nutrients and minerals from pond water much like a vegetable filter would do. The issue with blanket weed is that it doesn’t necessarily know its own place; and when to stop growing!

There are three main factors that provide the perfect environment in which blanket weed will thrive. The first of these is clear sunlit water. The sunlight is required to fuel the photosynthesis process. Blanket weed also requires lots of nutrients; it easily absorbs nitrates and phosphates as it develops. These can be gained from tap water and also through fish metabolism. The final element that the algae needs is heat. A warm climate will considerably accelerate blanket weed growth, especially in shallower areas of water such as waterfalls along a ponds edge. Blanket weed will in fact stop growing throughout the winter, but will soon thrive again in the spring as temperatures recover.

Prevention of blanket weed can be achieved in a number of ways. Reduction of sunlight is a fairly inexpensive place to start. This can be achieved by erecting a pergola or other sunlight reducing structure at the ponds edge. Another way to create a shady effect is to add a dark dye to the water, although this will need replenishing as and when the pond filter breaks it down. There are pond treatments available that control the spread of the weed by removing vital nutrients from the pond. Barley straw is also useful when it comes to stifling the weed. As the straw degrades it releases a humic acid which in turn reduces algae growth, though this can take several weeks.

The best and most efficient way to prevent blanket weed is by use of an electronic blanket weed controller. This method works by reducing the calcium ions within a pond, which subsequently interferes with the algae’s metabolism. To find out more about blanket weed controllers, electronic water descalers and water softeners why not visit http://www.electrostoreonline.com/ where there is a great range of electrical products available.

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