Different types of algae

The term algal blooms may be used to describe macroalgae, which are large visible free floating or rooted plants, or microalgae which require a microscope to see but in mass are highly visible as a green layer on the water’s surface (best described here).

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Treat Algae with Coptrol from Aquatic Technologies

Algae are generally microscopic organisms and usually thought of as simple aquatic plants which do not have roots, stems or leaves and have primitive methods of reproduction. They are carbon fixing and oxygenating organisms. However, some algae display primitive animal features such as motility, while blue-green algae differ markedly from plants and all other algae, in that they have a cellular structure and function that is more common to bacteria than to the plant kingdom.

Algae live in a wide range of aquatic environments and are a natural component of most aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, a great many are also terrestrial, living in soil, snow or in association with other organisms, especially fungi (as lichens) and animals. Aquatic algae are found in both fresh and marine waters. They range in size from large kelp (metres in length) to those visible only under a microscope.

Algae, while looking unsightly, can trap litter & sediment, reduce the holding capacity of a dam or cause smells and scum whilst decaying. Algal blooms may deplete oxygen concentrations in water which can smother fish, animals or plant life. Floating algal masses can asphyxiate rice crops and prevent young plants from emerging. In certain conditions, cyanobacteria may form dense blooms, which may produce toxins that make seafood poisonous to humans. Even if the cyanobacteria do not produce toxins, blooms can cause water to have an unpleasant taste and odour. Algae has been known to block pipes, siphon tubes, irrigation channels and pumps, severely impeding water flow.

Certain blue-green algal blooms are toxic and can cause a rash known as swimmer’s itch, while powerful neuromuscular toxins released by other cyanobacteria can kill fish living in the water or the animals that drink it.

In certain conditions, cyanobacteria may form dense blooms, which may produce toxins that make seafood poisonous to humans. Even if the cyanobacteria do not produce toxins, blooms can cause water to have an unpleasant taste and odour.

Your guide to identifying & controlling aquatic algae

How to Identify Algae – there are three main types:

Macro (or Filamentous Algae)

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Filamentous algae is green in appearance and sometimes brownish in colour if exposed to strong sunlight. It appears floating on the water’s surface, amongst submerged rocks or in the shallows of dam and lake edges. It is stringy and looks like floating scum on the water surface. It is an indication of high nutrient loads in the water body. If left untreated, it can:

Block irrigation pumps
Cause a strong odour and distinct rotten egg smell
Detract from the visual look of the water body
Turn into an algae bloom and take over the water body

This type of algae is normally treated with between 0.2-0.5 mg/L of Coptrol. If heavily infested, re-treat after 10-14 days.

Micro (or Blue Green Algae)

Micro algae can contain toxins such as in Blue Green Algae. Micro algae looks like a green oil slick or paint on the water’s surface and tends to congregate in downwind edges of dams and lakes. This form of algae can be toxic to humans, domestic or native animals and birds.

It is of most concern when people are in contact with water contaminated with toxic Blue Green Algae, if it is used for irrigation and staff are handling the water it can pose an OH&S risk. If the public has access to the water, it can be a duty of care risk.

This type of algae is normally treated with between 0.5-1 mg/L of Coptrol. If heavily infested, re-treat after 10-14 days.

CSIRO documentation

Plant Structured Algae

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Plant Structured Algae is algae that takes a similar form and shape to aquatic plants. This type of algae can cause strong odours and bad tasting water.

This type of algae is normally treated with between 0.5-1 mg/L of Coptrol. If heavily infested, re-treat after 10-14 days.

Treatment of algae

Either method to tackle algae can be used:

1. Using an Algaecide or method OR 2. Using Natural Aquatic Barley Straw

1. Using COPTROL Algaecide

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Coptrol can be used wherever algae pose a risk, problem or cause a nuisance. Coptrol is approved for use in potable water supplies (water supplies & tanks suitable for drinking) by the APVMA (Australian Pesticides& Veterinary Medicines Authority – reg no. 31030) to treat algae. Coptrol can be used in water supplies used for cattle & livestock watering. Coptrol will not harm livestock, birds, fish or domestic pets when used in accordance with the label directions. Coptrol can be used in water supplies used for irrigation. It will not harm flood irrigated rice fields, crops, hydroponic plants, turf, pastures or plants. There is no withholding period after a Coptrol application when used as directed.

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Coptrol is a noncorrosive viscous liquid that will not corrode metal pumps, fountains or irrigation equipment. Coptrol offers a new approach to the control of an algal bloom (free floating or filamentous) in potable water supplies, animal drinking troughs, aquaculture, farm dams/ponds, flood irrigation bays, fountains, gardens, golf courses, hydroponics, irrigation channels, lakes, mining, microspray & drip irrigation, nurseries, ornamental fish ponds, poultry shedding, power stations, reservoirs, rice crops, sewage treatment, turf farms, waste water, water cooling towers, waterways, irrigation canals & other aquatic environments.
DIY or Book in a Service Call.

2. Using Barley Straw

The 100% Natural way to balance water quality, keeping water clean & clear.

Aquatic Barley Straw Bale placed in pond

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The natural compounds released from Barley Straw into the water, help maintain it’s clarity and balance the water’s pH level. As Barley Straw breaks down, natural chemicals are released that help clean & clear the water. Aquatic Barley Straw is not an algaecide, it is an all natural product and does not contain any pesticides, chemical additives or harmful ingredients. It is simply Barley Straw that has been used for decades as a long-term way to maintain clean & clear water.

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Aquatic Barley Straw Bales & Aquatic Barley Straw Extract when used in conjunction, is natural way to clear water in ponds, koi ponds and dams. Aquatic Barley Straw Extract is an easy to apply liquid formula, that is fast to activate. Aquatic Barley Straw Bales take longer to decompose, then release plant extracts and eco-friendly bacteria.

For best results, use after a clean and re-fill of your pond or dam. Aquatic Barley Straw Extract should be first applied as it disperses through water quicker. Aquatic Barley Straw Bales can be easily placed in the water at the same time, using the mesh bag provided.

As Aquatic Barley Straw Bales can take from 4 to 8 weeks to become active, Aquatic Barley Straw Extract should be applied weekly, at the correct application rate, (see below) for the first 8 weeks.

For stubborn problematic ponds or dams Aquatic Barley Straw Extract can be applied ongoing in conjunction with Aquatic Barley Straw Bales.

Our Aquatic Barley Straw is manufactured from 100% Australian grown organic barley. It is grown, harvested, processed and distributed by Australian owned and operated companies.