Harmful And Beneficial Pond Bacteria

Bacteria maintain the balance and perform important functions in the pond"s natural eco-system

. Pond bacteria break down organic waste such as fish, leaves, dead plants, and excess food. These microscopic and single-celled organisms help reduce dangerous ammonia and other toxic chemicals from ponds. One of the unique features of pond bacteria is that they can reproduce as fast as 10 - 20 minutes.

Most people thought that bacteria are enemies of ponds and lakes. Actually, not all bacteria present in ponds are harmful; in fact, there are good bacteria living in pond water that promote health and beauty to ponds. There are always good (aerobic) and bad (anaerobic) bacteria that work in the pond"s natural life cycle.

The good or aerobic bacteria have a special role in maintaining clean and healthy ponds. These good bacteria break down organic waste and convert toxic ammonia to nitrite or even nitrates. They require oxygen for proper aeration and growth. Best examples of good bacteria are sludge removers and nitrifiers. Sludge removers feed on the food sources of bad bacteria; thus, reducing the amount of food that should have been distributed to the bad bacteria. Otherwise, the nitirifiers provide natural biological filtration and draw ammonia compounds and convert them into nitrates. The nitrifier"s colony also creates shade to avoid too much light exposure.

It is inevitable for ponds to become green or infested with algae at times. Ponds normally lose its balance due to several factors--debris, excess food, and too much number of fish and organic waste. Once the waste level becomes convoluted, it can be hard for aerobic or good bacteria to assimilate the waste. When the oxygen is reduced, the bacteria will be vulnerable and will gradually deteriorate causing them to release Co2, methane, and ammonia. The waste will then permeate bad smell and colour, and the bad bacteria will thrive on the pond"s surface.

One of the most annoying effects of bad bacteria infestation is the growth of algae. Algae can definitely wreak havoc in your beautiful ponds and bring illnesses as well. Pond algae are inevitable, yet controllable. New ponds are more prone to algae because they have not yet attained the natural balance.

It is hard to determine if the water is balance or not, unless the signs of infestation appear. It"s better to maintain your ponds rather than wait for the water to turn green and smelly. There are lots of ways on how you can prevent the bad bacteria from forming in the ponds. Aeration is important in any pond environment. Proper aeration prevents the increase of nitrogen levels and promotes balanced flow of organic waste in ponds. Fountains and aerators are great source of artificial oxygen in ponds or lakes. Ot is highly recommended to have a fountain or a waterfall that produce lots of turbulence at the surface so enough oxygen can be supplied in the pond. Proper pond maintenance can greatly improve the life of ponds. Every pond owner should make a habit of inspecting the pond from unwanted debris and buying supplies such as water conditioner, barley straw, aerators, and etc.

by: Lara Davidson

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