How to control algae in commercial lakes and fisheries
When you start to think about it, large expanses of water can be found in many different places:
- stately homes
- historical palaces
- canal waterways
- golf courses
- sailing clubs
- watersports lakes
- fisheries
- council maintained parks
They all pose the same challenge though and that is how to keep algae and submerged weeds under control so that the water continues to look clean and appealing.
Failure to do so can result in a mass of dull, murky, stagnant water instead of the beautiful, clear expanse you and your visitors might have been hoping to see.
How to meet the challenge of an algae and weed free lake
If your job is to manage a large area of water, you will be keen to eradicate such problems but without harming any fish or other wildlife.
There are, fortunately, high quality, commercial pond dyes available, like Dyofix, which are non-toxic, safe and easy to apply. These use food colours to provide a cost-effective method of controlling algae and submerged weeds, without affecting the health of any species residing in the water.
The dyes work by blocking out rays from the sun – in particular, the red end of the spectrum. They interrupt the photosynthesis process, in effect cutting off the ‘food’ source of submerged weeds and nutrients which would otherwise allow the algae to grow.
Dyofix’s Pond Blue was the first of the range to be developed for use in large lakes. Since its launch, Lake Shadow, which gives a subtle twilight effect, has also been made available. In addition, a special dye, Special C, which combats Crassula Helmsii and Chara, is currently being trialled. The dyes come in two forms; powder sachets to treat large bodies of water and a liquid solution for smaller fisheries and large ponds.
As outlined in ‘Getting your pond ready for Spring‘ it’s worth getting ahead of the game by putting the dyes in as early as possible to gain maximum benefit, before the submerged weeds or algae get established.
What benefits can you hope to see?
Owners and managers of fisheries, lakes and large ponds have reported significant advantages from using the dyes.
The primary reason is, of course, to stop the water getting choked with weeds and to control the growth of unsightly algae. An added benefit, however, is that the dyes hide and protect any fish from predators such as herons and cats.
They also give a rich depth and quality to the water. The various Dyofix products create a beautiful contrast with plants and shrubs and are ideal for enhancing an ornamental display. Read more in Make your water feature stand out about how the dyes can show fountains and cascades off to best effect.
If you’d like to know more about how the dyes can help you meet the challenge of maintaining a commercial lake or fishery, do get in touch here.
For more information please email our sales department or telephone sales by dialling 0113 256 4251.
