Hydrogen Peroxide and Pond Algae

Algae can be kept in check through chemical means or by more natural methods, such as using hydrogen peroxide.

Algae Accumulation

Algae can grow in a garden pond because of several reasons, including exposure to too much sunlight, increased nitrate and phosphate levels, stagnant water with no filtration, presences of decaying matter, or a lack of other aquatic plants.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a naturally occurring liquid similar to water but containing two molecules of hydrogen and two of oxygen. Hydrogen peroxide has long been used as a disinfectant to destroy bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Natural Algaecide

Using hydrogen peroxide in a pond to remove algae blooms is a natural and safe method to control algae infestations and preserve other aquatic life in the pond. Chemical algaecides, on the other hand, destroy life indiscriminately and can harm or kill fish and other plants.

Process

A mixture of 35 percent hydrogen peroxide can be acquired from any pond supply store. It will kill most algae infestations when poured into a pond. Remember to monitor the pond, as a sudden die off of algae will cause the oxygen levels in the water to decrease significantly.

Barley Straw

Researchers from Iowa State University learned that treating a pond with barley straw or barley straw extract can produce hydrogen peroxide naturally, prevent the growth of algae, and significantly reduce odors.