Algae
Water, light and naturally... algae! But these algae have in fact a beneficial effect on the biological equilibrium of the aquatic inilieu. Algae are simple plants whose size varies from a microscopic seed to long ropes of seaweed.  Although from an aesthetic point of view, algae may not he particularly appreciated, one must remember that they play an important role in maintaning. the natural balalnce of the water. When dealing with algae, it is all a question of moderation and control.

Mineralization
The minerals on which algae and other green plants are nourished are compounds containing phosphorus and nitrogen released by dead leaves, grass cuttings, waste from fish, uneaten fish food, acid micro-organisms carried by rain, wind, run-off. and even tap water which is also saturate with elements which contribute to feeding the algae.

The nitrification cycle
One of the main elements that plants and animals need for their nourishment is nitrogen.  Waste produced by fish, along with surplus food, dead leaves, larvae, etc., produce ammonia (NH₃/NH₄+) which is toxic for fish and not absorbed by plants.

Nitrifying bacteria contribute to the transformation of ammonia into nitrites (N0₂-) then into nitrates (NO₃-) that can be absorbed by plants and which are non-toxic for animal life.

To understand how water balance in a pond is achieved, there are three things to remember:

• Aquatic plants feed on minerals more rapidly than algae;
• The bacteria which form naturally in a water garden are not sufficient to transform the ammnonia into nontoxic nitrates;
• Reaching the right ecological balance is a natural process which requires patience.  Changing the water in the pool does not help in that it just slows the process down.

Algicides and other products sold for the control of algae usually contain chemicals and are therefore harmful to plants and fish.

CONTROL OF ALGAE
The control of algae can be summarized in four steps:

• Cut off the altae's source of nourishment by adding aquatic plants which absorb the food faster than the algae;
• Reduce the amount of light reaching the algae in order to stop their proliferation by adding plants with floating leaves which will provide shade for the water garden;
• Avoid the accumulation of a layer of polluting waste (sedimentation) on the bottom of the pond by removing dead leaves from time to time and by controlling the quantity of fish food given;
• Add bacteria to accelerate the transformation of ammonia into nitrates and to solubilize the sediment which accumulates on the bottom of the pond.

Bacteria
For the water garden, use bacteria (BACTAPLUS) from the beginning of April until mid-November.  Two ounces per 1,000 gallons (60 ml per 4,500 litres) of water once a week is normally sufficient.  During period of extremely hot weather or in cases of over-mineralization, the frequency of dosage should be increased to twice a week. Also avalaible, (BACTA-NEY) to use in spring and fall season.

To regenerate ponds, we continue to use NITRIBACTA and SEDI-BACTA, in combination with ARGIL'EAU.  This combination of bacteria gets the better of algae acid digests several centimeters of sedimentation (black mud) per month. Bring life back to your old pond.  You will be able to swim in it without fear.

WE WILL BE HAPPY TO PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION ON THIS SUBJECT.