Every body of water naturally contains over 100 different species of invisible, microscopically small algal spores and various microorganisms. This is nature’s way of protecting natural bodies of water from biological imbalances caused by nutrient surpluses and oxygen deficiency.

Every natural body of water contains countless aquatic and underwater plants that absorb water-soluble nutrients and produce oxygen through photosynthesis. This keeps the algal spores microscopic in size and prevents them from developing into algae.

So if you have string algae in your pond, it’s only because the algal spores were able to grow into string algae. This happens due to:

• Nutrient surpluses
• Oxygen deficiency
• Inactive microbiology

The string algae use these nutrient surpluses for their growth and simultaneously release oxygen into the pond water. While this may not look nice and disturbs every pond owner—especially pond owners with swimming ponds—it is a natural way for string algae to prevent the pond from "turning over" (eutrophication).

The best remedy for string algae is one that effectively and sustainably combats the causes of algae growth. With the BioTeich String Algae Dissolver Cure, you can easily and gently restore the pond’s natural balance.

3. What helps against algae in the pond?

Conventional "algae killers" and "algae destroyers" do not provide a lasting solution; they can even be counterproductive and may promote renewed algae growth. More sensible are measures that align with natural processes and gently and environmentally friendly combat the causes of algae growth.

String algae are not inherently harmful, but they become a burden for a pond if they "proliferate." Then there is a risk that the algae mat will suffocate the pond. Aquatic plants may die. Fish and other living creatures are also at high risk.

Algae can become a real death trap for fish. This happens when they get caught in a dense algae mat. Pond owners should therefore take action against unwanted algae in good time. In addition, poor water values can trigger diseases in fish.

Conventional algae killers (algae destroyers) are chemical products containing plant-killing ingredients referred to as algicides and biocides. These quickly destroy all single-celled organisms (microorganisms) and the organic part of the algae. As a result, the algae either sink to the bottom or float on the water surface, forming a real algae mat. However, the nutrients stored in the algae (nitrate and phosphate) are released back into the pond water in highly concentrated form.

This creates a recurring algae cycle: the existing biological imbalance grows larger, and the entire microbiological balance is permanently destroyed. The even higher nutrient concentration promotes renewed algae growth and/or the growth of another algae species within just a few weeks. Due to the high adaptability of string algae, the use of these algae killers must then be carried out in larger quantities and at shorter intervals.

The short-wave light spectrum of a UVC lamp is used for intensive irradiation of germs and bacteria. This prevents them from dividing (reproducing) and they gradually die off.

The truth is that the micro-nutrients stored in suspended algae are released back into the pond water by UVC light, and the important mineralization in the pond water is burned away. The altered nutrient ratio ensures that string or cotton algae grow.

The UVC lamp also kills all beneficial single-celled organisms in the water and permanently destroys the entire microbiological balance in the pond.

String algae resemble aquatic plants, can grow very long, and also occur in lower water layers. They often appear in clear water and when UV lamps are used. Suspended algae are green and, if they spread uncontrollably, cause murky water. Pond owners typically complain about either string algae or green murky pond water. Incidentally, the causes for both problems are the same: nutrient surpluses and a biological imbalance.