Plant Gardens 101

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Pros and Cons of Using Algaecides

June 15, 2010 By: Casey Coke Category: Gardens - Water

Anyone who has added a pond or water garden to their property is probably enjoying the beautification benefits such an addition provides. After all, how could exotic goldfish or aquatic plants not improve visual allure? Of course, plants and fish have to be visible in order to provide that benefit. When they are obscured or, worse, harmed by algae these benefits decrease. That is why removing algae are important. The most popular way to remove algae is through the use of algaecides. While this is a good method, it is not a perfect one. So, let’s look at a few of the pros and cons of using algaecides.

Cons

  • Some algaecides such as copper sulfate can cause harm to certain fish like koi that may live the pond. This is why it is necessary to select an algaecide that has a good reputation in the consumer marketplace. Also, if the algaecide comes in granular form it needs to dissolve as soon as it comes in contact with the water. If not, it could possible be ingested by birds or pets. This could poison the animal. (more…)