Hydra - Model Quartz -Weed Treatment Pond Blanket
The term blanket weed is used to describe various strains of filamentous algae and is known to appear within a pond as fine wispy hair like strands on the side of ponds. In some cases, the wispy hair like strands grow into thick candy floss like masses, that float freely on the water surface, creating a widespread nuisance for most pond keepers.
Similar to green water causing algae, blanket weed also spreads quickly within sun exposed ponds with nutrient rich water, especially those containing fish. If left untreated the blanket weed may cause chocking towards plants and fish within the pond.
Pond keepers sometimes pull out the live blanket weed themselves, which results in the shedding of numerous spores within the water. These spores eventually grow, and blanket weed returns in a rather severe form, covering an even larger water surface.
What causes blanket weed growth within ponds?
There are three main factors that can cause blanket weed to form within ponds: excessive sunlight and nutrients, and a high pH level. These factors are also the possible reason for any reoccurring blanket weed problems.
When pond keepers overfeed their fish, it causes additional nutrients (nitrates and ammonia) to be released into the water, mixed with excessive fish excrement, it provides blanket weed with the nutrients it needs to develop.
Sunlight is a natural growth stimulant, also known as photosynthesis, for all plants, including aquatic plants such as blanket weed.
If your pond pH level is above 8.5, it becomes the best living environment for many forms of algae, including blanket weed, to grow.
Problems caused by blanket weed within ponds;
- Blanket weed consumes large amounts of oxygen from the water and can create a harmful environment for fish and aquatic plants as they are forced to compete with the blanket weed for oxygen.
- Fish can get tangled and caught up in the submerged blanket weed. If unable to escape, it can result in the fish suffocating and dying.
- Not only does blanket weed make your pond look unappealing, it can also be sign that your chemical balance isn’t right within the pond, even if your water is clear.
- Floating blanket weed blocks and deprives submerged pond oxygenating plants of sunlight. Without the sunlight, photosynthesis cannot occur, meaning the plant cannot grown and produce oxygen for the water, reducing the pond oxygen levels further.
- When you have blanket weed within your pond, it ruins the aesthetics of your pond.
The solution
Hydra Quartz is a highly effective treatment to rid your pond of blanket weed as it starves the blanket weed by absorbing the nutrients on which the weed survives on. The blanket weed growth dies off normally within two to three days, after which, it can be safely removed without the risk of releasing spores into the water.
- Hydra Quartz granules are easy to apply and can be broadcast or sprinkled directly over the pond blanket weed patch.
- Works on the principle similar to traditional barley straw treatment but gives faster results. No need to deal with smelly, decomposed straw.
- This enzyme and bacterial action help to prevent the re-infestation of blanket weed.
- No need to switch off the UV lights.
- Biological filters and pumps remain unaffected during treatment.
- Natural and eco-friendly components of Hydra Quartz pose no danger to aquatic life including fish and water plants. Safe with pets, birds and visiting animals that may drink treated water.
- No harmful effect on concrete surfaces or synthetic liners.
- No effect on the pH level of the water.
- It is the best garden pond blanket weed solution to cure blanket weed.