Algal pollution not only causes environmental damage but also poses a risk to the health of aquatic life. To ensure water quality and ecological balance, effective algaecide measures must be taken. However, some behaviors during the algaecide process may inadvertently reduce the effectiveness of the medication or even exacerbate the algae problem. Therefore, we need to understand and avoid those key behaviors that may affect the effectiveness of algae eradication.
Proper Preparation of Algaecide
Selection of the appropriate algaecide
Before choosing an algaecide, it is essential to have an understanding of the main algal species in the water. Different algal species respond differently to various components of algaecides, so identifying the species is a prerequisite for selecting an effective algaecide. Different ecological conditions, such as in freshwater or saltwater systems, ponds or lakes, and still or flowing water, will have certain impacts on the selection of algaecides. For instance, some substances may be rapidly diluted in the water flow, affecting their function. When selecting an algaecide, it is also important to ensure that it does not adversely affect non-target organisms, to ensure that the algae can be killed without harming fish and other aquatic animals.
Understanding the instructions for the medication
Obtain the product manual for the algaecide and read it carefully. Pay attention to the scope of the drug’s application and understand which types of algae can be effectively controlled by it. The recommended dosage and usage are specified in the product manual, including the drug’s dilution ratio, application time (e.g., before sunrise or in clear weather), application frequency, and whether special equipment is needed during application. Pay attention to all safety warnings and preventive measures to ensure your personal safety during operation and to avoid unnecessary damage to the surrounding environment.
Behaviors to Avoid During Medication Process
Avoid overdosing
Before application, please read and understand the instructions for the use of the medication carefully. Use accurate measuring instruments rather than estimating by eye. Record each application’s timing, medication time, dosage, and the water body’s response to facilitate management and adjustment.
Control of light
exposure During strong light exposure or on sunny days, use shade nets or sunshades to reduce light intensity. In summer, especially under high temperature and strong light conditions, adjusting light intensity can shorten the algae’s “golden hour.” We can artificially control the light, for example, by using timed lighting to mimic the natural rhythm of light.
Water quality management
Regularly monitor nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus in the water and reduce their concentration when necessary. Maintain the filtration system to ensure its good function and remove excess organic matter and nutrients. Feed appropriately, reduce feed residue, and avoid providing nutrients to algae.
Avoid disturbing the water
During medication, avoid large-scale flushing of filters or disturbing sediments, as they can interfere with the distribution and concentration of the medication. Minimize the transplantation of aquatic plants and changes in decor arrangements to avoid affecting the medication’s effectiveness.
Temperature control
Understand and master the suitable temperature range for the product, and if the water temperature is too high or too low, adjust the dosage or change the method of use accordingly. In the case of temperature variation, especially when the temperature changes are significant in the morning and evening, use temperature control devices to maintain a constant temperature.
Avoid mixing with other chemicals
Do not mix the algaecide with other chemicals, such as fungicides or insecticides, unless there are explicit instructions to do so. If multiple chemical methods are to be used, they should be spaced out over time to avoid chemical reactions that could affect the medication’s function.
Tracking and monitoring
Use water quality test tools to periodically measure and record some important indicators such as pH, dissolved oxygen, water temperature, etc. Monitor changes in algae, and if there is no significant reduction during medication, adjust the treatment method.
Follow the usage cycle
Do not stop using the product too early because of the reduction in algae numbers, as this may cause a rapid rebound in algae. Follow the effective duration and re-medication recommended in the manual.
After completing the necessary algaecide treatment, it is not enough to just wait for the results. Water quality monitoring is key to ensuring water safety. Therefore, if control is not proper, the effectiveness will be poor, and it could lead to rampant algal growth. Hence, the rational use of water resources and humanized water management is of great importance.