A tendency for a ponderer to try and get rid of filamentous algae (blanket weed) is to drain the pond and scrub the surfaces that it is growing on. In one word -- mistake!! You may setback the period of time that it takes for the algae to reestablish itself by a week or two but your scrubbing sets back the whole ecosystem. There is a healthy "patina" of algae, protozoa, and bacteria that grows on everything in the water -- liner, rocks, plant pots, and the plants themselves, everything. This is the natural biological filter in your pond. It takes weeks, months and, yes, even years to establish this layer. By scrubbing you really are setting your whole ecosystem back. You, also, should never let the rocks, liner etc. dry out -- at least, not on purpose. Drying will kill these good guys. If your pond is emptied for whatever reason, keep the patina of critters moist at all times. It is okay to rinse everything down to get rid of the accumulated debris but never scrub. Besides, it's a ton of work!!
This month's installment of Pondments is by Jamie Beyer. If you have any hints or tips that you have found useful for you in your ponding -- please jot them down and get them to Lisa Harmison, our Editor.