Controlling Hair Algae in a 700-Gallon Pond

Understanding Hair Algae

Long, flowing green strands (hair algae) thrive in cool, clear, flowing water with high light. Your canopy helps, but the roots escaping pots are actually aiding filtration by absorbing nutrients.

Multi-Pronged Control Plan

1. Add floating plants: Water hyacinth, water lettuce, or duckweed to shade the water column.
2. Barley straw: One small bale per 1,000 gallons; replace every 4–6 months.
3. Beneficial bacteria: Weekly doses of a concentrated blend to outcompete algae for nutrients.
4. Manual removal: Twirl a rough stick or toilet brush to pull out mats.
5. Algaecide as last resort: AlgaeFix (poly[oxyethylene(dimethyliminio)ethylene dichloride]) is relatively safe for fish (toxic to crustaceans) and effective on hair algae.

Don't Repot Escaped Roots Yet

Those roots are functioning as a natural bog filter. Leave them until algae is under control.