Top tips: How to get rid of Blanketweed or Algae

Blanketweed/Algae - Is it a common thing?

Yes. Every pond will get either or both of these at some point. Excessive nutrients in the water, too much sunlight, and poor water quality are just some of the reasons why it occurs. It looks unsightly and no one likes it but it doesn't always mean the pond is in poor condition.

When does it appear?

Whilst blanketweed grows at almost any time of the year, it is most prevalent in the spring. It usually starts to appear in March, as the days are starting to get a bit sunnier and longer. At this point, the faster-growing plants (that normally help gobble up all of the excess nutrients that algae like), have yet to start growing and this gives the algae a head start.

What kinds are there?

There are many different species of blanketweed, varying in colour and density, some are almost as strong as a rope!

Is it a problem?

Yes, and it is a problem that will need to be addressed, as excessive growth will choke the growth of some underwater and surface plants. It is also highly dangerous in ponds containing Sturgeon and Sterlets as they can get tangled in it, and if not spotted in time can die as a result.

What should you do?

TESTING!

For blanketweed, it is advisable to remove as much of it as possible and test the water for nitrate, phosphate, and pH. Nitrate and phosphate are the major food sources for algae and can usually be reduced with a partial water change (It's vitally IMPORTANT to test the new water before doing a water change).

See our stock of water testing kits below!

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Product 1 out of 0 Waterlife Pond Multi Test Kit

Item Code : RH006

Product 2 out of 0 Tetra Pond Test 6 in 1

Item Code : RH049

Product 3 out of 0 NT Labs Pond Water Mini Test Kit

Item Code : RH067

Product 4 out of 0 NT Labs Pond Lab Multi-Test

Item Code : RH068

Product 5 out of 0 API Pond Master Liquid Test Kit

Item Code : RH078

Product 6 out of 0 Blagdon Complete Pond Dip Test Kit

Item Code : RH250

TREATMENT!

You can then add a proprietary water treatment such as Blanket Answer or Tetra Algofin which will eradicate this unsightly stuff and help to get your pond looking great again.

After using a blanketweed cure we then recommend using a sludge-reducing treatment such as NT Labs Sludge Remover which will biologically break down the dead algae and digest the organic material. This will lead to a cleaner, healthier, pond and filter, leaving fewer places for disease-causing organisms to hide.