PROACTIVELY CARING FOR LAKES & DAMS
11 Aug 2022
For years, the accepted method of lake management was to wait for a problem such as algae bloom or excessive aquatic weed growth and then react with a chemical treatment. Although this is effective at providing a quick fix, it does not address the actual problem.
In many cases, this reactive approach is catching up with lake owners. Those that have been practicing this form of management are finding it more and more difficult to control unwanted weeds and algae.
Each time chemicals are applied, over the years weeds and algae are killed off and left to rot on the lake/dam/pond, bottom. This is equivalent to adding fertiliser to a lake/dam/pond. When weeds and algae die, they immediately start to biodegrade.
During this process, the dead organic matter is converted into rich organic muck and although this would be great for a garden, it has a very negative effect on a lake/dam/pond. The nutrients found in this muck greatly contribute to future weed and algae problems.
THE PROACTIVE APPROACH
There's a better way to prevent these nutrient build-ups from occurring in a lake/dam/pond. Through proactive care and using the following tools below, a lake/dam will be looking good as new in no time.
SUB-SURFACE AERATION
By aerating a pond from the bottom up, using subsurface aeration, it will circulate incredible amounts of water, drastically increasing the dissolved oxygen levels in a water column. In turn allowing for increased levels of beneficial bacteria to accumulate in the pond. Aquascape Australia can specify and source these aeration systems to suit the specific needs of a pond, lake or dam.
ADDING BACTERIA PRODUCTS
Naturally occurring beneficial bacteria begins to colonise in most natural lakes/dams when water temperatures reach approximately 10°C. During the early stages of a lake/dam’s life cycle this may be enough to maintain a balanced ecosystem. Although as a pond gets older, especially when chemical applications are needed, it is necessary to start thinking proactively to subsidise Mother Nature's efforts.
Regularly adding the Aquascape Professional and Lake Water Treatments such as the Lake Bacteria and Wetland Pond & Lake Bacteria as a natural treatment to radically increase the bacteria count is the best solution to proactively care for a pond, lake or dam. The billions of specialised microbes will compete for the nutrients in the water column and are available in water soluble packs or liquid form. While the Lake Sludge Remover Packs quickly eliminate organic sludge and muck to restore and maintain the ecosystem, keeping water clean, clear and healthy.
POND SHADING
Excessive sunlight can have a negative effect on water quality. Adding one of the Lake Blue Pond Dye Packs will beautify the pond and provide a natural shade while improving water quality.
By exercising proactive care (Sub-surface Aeration, Bacteria Treatments, and Pond Shading), a pond, lake or dam’s problem will be sorted from the root of its problem.
Contact Aquascape for specialist advice and products to save your pond, lake or dam today, via the links below.