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Pond Management
Spring is the time of year ponds frequently experience algae problems.
With the weather warming and days becoming longer, conditions for algae
growth and algae problems in small ponds are increasing.
According to Dave Rizzuto, a fisheries biologist with the TWRA, small
ponds may experience a number of problems in the spring. Fish in ponds may
die due to diseases, water chemistry problems, or serious algae
conditions.
“There are two main groups of algae that can be harmful,” Rizzuto said.
“Filamentous algae is a long, stringy algae and blue-green algae forms a
light green, frothy mat on the surface of the water.”
“Both of these types should be treated chemically to eliminate the
problem,” Rizzuto said. “A common misconception is that fertilizing the
pond will take care of the algae, but fertilizer may just make it worse by
accelerating growth of algae already present. The algae needs to be killed
first, and then the pond should be fertilized. Chemical treatments for
farm ponds are available at most Farmer’s Co-ops.”
Fish diseases and chemical problems, especially low oxygen levels, often
cause fish die-offs in small ponds. Rizzuto says that if fish of just one
species are dying and they are dying a few at a time, it is probably a
disease causing the fish kill. If fish of several different species die
overnight, it is probably a water chemistry problem.
For further assistance with farm pond problems, go to the TWRA website at
www.tnwildlife.org , click on fishing and go to the section on Pond/Small
Lake Management.
Steve McCadams is a professional hunting and fishing guide here in the Paris Landing
area. He has also contributed many outdoor oriented articles to
various national publications.
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