Suggestions to deal with algae

[BettaFillet]

Hi everyone! My name is Joseph, currently studying in NTU. I was tasked with a project to study if it was possible to reduce the amount of algae present in a pond. One of the suggestions available was to introduce fishes/crustaceans into the ecosystem to help feed on algae. However, I am unsure of what species and type of fishes/crustaceans that can be introduced. Please recommend! Thanks

[cheng wei jian]

Namely, the common suckerfish, or even the Chinese algae eater, hope this helps and good luck with the project, sorry ah I'm only a sec school student so I'm not that scientific

[Nevin]

Hi Joseph, before introduce any type of algae eater into your outdoor pond, you have to identify which type of algae or algae issue that your project is deal with.

If deal if algae that growth on the surface of pond walls, sucker (Pleco) would be an efficient algae eater with low cost.

If it is hair algae, Siam algae eater would be another option.

If it is green water issue, avoid excessive sunlight and install UV would sold the problem as well.

Anyway, good luck for your project, I am in NUS, yr 4 student

[BettaFillet]

Originally Posted by cheng wei jian

Namely, the common suckerfish, or even the Chinese algae eater, hope this helps and good luck with the project, sorry ah I'm only a sec school student so I'm not that scientific

Originally Posted by Nevin

Hi Joseph, before introduce any type of algae eater into your outdoor pond, you have to identify which type of algae or algae issue that your project is deal with.

If deal if algae that growth on the surface of pond walls, sucker (Pleco) would be an efficient algae eater with low cost.

If it is hair algae, Siam algae eater would be another option.

If it is green water issue, avoid excessive sunlight and install UV would sold the problem as well.

Anyway, good luck for your project, I am in NUS, yr 4 student

Thanks Wei Jian and Nevin! I was thinking about the Pleco as well. But i'm just curious, in the long run if the pleco consumes all the algae and there is little left, will the pleco be able to survive? As in does the pleco have alternative food sources other than algae?

Well, I am concerned that by adding the Pleco initially will help to remove the algae but I am afraid that they may starve when all the algae is consumed.

[patclay]

Plecos also need to eat other food like sinking pellets too, as they are formulated to include other types of vitamins.

[cheng wei jian]

Actually, in some of those town park ponds, these plecos are employed too, so should be no problem

[joemalu]

How about gambusia? I've seen mosquito fish in longkang in the past. My workplace have koi pond with gambusia in it also. But algae still bloom there.

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/p...30&pcatid=1530

[LauLanChu]

Originally Posted by BettaFillet

Well, I am concerned that by adding the Pleco initially will help to remove the algae but I am afraid that they may starve when all the algae is consumed.

Don't need to worry too much. If the pleco you adding is those common ones they will be hardy and you need not specially feed them. They will be sharing the food staffs with the main dwellers and infact is a good cleaner for the left over food.

[BettaFillet]

Originally Posted by patclay

Plecos also need to eat other food like sinking pellets too, as they are formulated to include other types of vitamins.

Originally Posted by cheng wei jian

Actually, in some of those town park ponds, these plecos are employed too, so should be no problem

Originally Posted by joemalu

How about gambusia? I've seen mosquito fish in longkang in the past. My workplace have koi pond with gambusia in it also. But algae still bloom there.

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/p...30&pcatid=1530

Originally Posted by LauLanChu

Don't need to worry too much. If the pleco you adding is those common ones they will be hardy and you need not specially feed them. They will be sharing the food staffs with the main dwellers and infact is a good cleaner for the left over food.

Oh Ok! Thanks everyone for the input! You all have been really helpful

[nutx]

if it is a display pond without fish or living stuff...use Chlorine.