Blue-green algae is something that no dam, pond, or lake owner wants to deal with. It can very quickly become toxic and smelly, not to mention cause a threat to the environment and wildlife surrounding the water body.
If you’re in the midst of this problem, don’t worry, it’s more common than you think. And, the good news is, we have all the tips and tricks to help to get rid of the problem altogether.
In this blog, we’ll show you how to deal with blue-green algae, what risks they pose, why chemicals often backfire, and how to manage the problem with safer, long-term options like aeration and biostimulants.
What Is Blue-Green Algae?
Blue-green algae, also called cyanobacteria, is a type of algae-looking bacteria that grows in bodies of water. This type of organism thrives in warm, still water that’s rich in nutrients. If these conditions align, and this usually happens in spring and summer, there is a chance that it’ll begin to grow and thrive.
One of the reasons why blue-green algae is such an issue is because of how fast it can grow and spread. When this happens, it’s known as a harmful algal bloom (HAB).
You’ll usually spot these blooms as a thick scum on the surface, often green, blue-green or even reddish-brown, and they often give off a strong earthy or musty smell. If it looks like a paint slick on the surface of your water, chances are you have blue-green algae.
Why Are Blue-Green Algae Dangerous?
Blue-green algae can be dangerous because many types release toxins into the water that can harm people, animals, and aquatic life.
Some of the most common toxins they produce are:
- Microcystins: harm the liver
- Cylindrospermopsin: affects both the liver and kidneys
- Anatoxins: target the nervous system
- Saxitoxins: can lead to paralysis
How it affects people:
- You might get a rash or skin irritation from contact
- Breathing in mist from affected water can cause issues
- Swallowing it can lead to nausea or vomiting
- Long-term exposure might even damage your liver or nervous system
How it affects animals:
- Dogs are at high risk and just swimming in or drinking the water can be fatal within hours
- Livestock and wildlife can suffer serious organ damage or die
- Fish often die during blooms either from the toxins or lack of oxygen in the water
Why Chemicals Aren’t Always the Best Fix
Using algaecides or hydrogen peroxide might seem like a quick way to deal with blue-green algae, but it often causes more harm than good.
Here’s why chemical treatments can backfire:
- Toxins can spike: When blue-green algae feel threatened, they sometimes release a burst of toxins into the water as a defence.
- Oxygen levels drop: Dead blue-green algae sink and start to rot, which uses up the oxygen in the water and this can lead to fish dying off.
- It’s only a short-term fix: Chemicals might clear things up for now, but they don’t tackle what’s really feeding the blue-green algae. Things like too many nutrients and still water for example.
- They can build resistance: Using chemicals too often can make the blue-green algae harder to kill in the future.
Treat Early and Smart
If you spot blue-green algae early, before it spreads too far, you can treat small areas using an approved algaecide. Products like Cupricide or Kupramine work well when used properly.
Pro tip: Always pair your treatment with Biostim Accelerator, even for small patches. It helps the chemical work better, cuts down how much you need to use, and speeds up the recovery of your water after treatment.
Why Combine Biostim Accelerator With Chemicals?
If you do need to use algaecide, adding Biostim Accelerator makes it work better while using less chemical overall.
What it does:
- Breaks down dead blue-green algae fast so it doesn’t rot and fuel the next bloom
- Disrupts spores and seed cells to stop blue-green algae from coming back
- Strips off slime layers so algaecides can actually get through
- Lowers the amount of chemical needed, which is better for your water and the environment
- Keeps oxygen levels steady by helping “good” bacteria clean things up naturally
The Sustainable Approach: Aeration and Probiotics
Instead of just treating symptoms, change the conditions so blue-green algae can’t thrive.
Aeration
Adding oxygen and movement to your dam with an aerator makes a big difference. Systems like fountains or bottom diffusers improve water flow and oxygen levels.
Why it helps:
- Breaks up the still, low-oxygen areas where blue-green algae love to grow
- Supports “good” bacteria that outcompete blue-green algae and other algae for nutrients
- Helps stop phosphorus from recycling out of the mud
- Makes the water clearer and cuts down on bad smells
Tip: Go for a sub-surface system in deeper dams. In shallower ones, a surface aerator usually works better.
Biostim Probiotics
Biostim is a probiotic treatment that introduces and supports beneficial “good” bacteria already present in the ecosystem.
What it does:
- Competes with blue-green algae and other algae for nitrogen and phosphorus
- Breaks down the sludge and organic debris blue-green algae feed on
- Restores a healthier microbial balance
- Safe for fish, livestock, wildlife and humans
Using Biostim regularly improves overall water health and helps prevent future algal blooms from taking hold.
DIY Water Test: Find Out If It’s Toxic
If you think blue-green algae might be in your water, looks alone won’t tell you if it’s dangerous, but there is a way.
A DIY Blue-Green Algae Test Kit is a simple way to check if the water’s safe, especially if it’s used for irrigation, swimming, or animals. It picks up 11 of the most common toxins in blue-green algae and gives you results in about 10 minutes.
You can buy a single kit or a 3-pack, and they work on-site without needing a lab. For bulk orders, call 1300 283 387.
We recommend testing your water before and after treatment because there might still be toxins in the water, even after the blue-green algae has disappeared. A test will let you know whether it’s safe to start using the water again.
Step-by-Step Guide to Safe Treatment
Here is a useful step-by-step guide for treating blue-green algae in the safest way possible:
- Restrict access: Keep people and animals away from the water and avoid using it for irrigation.
- Test the water: Use a DIY test kit to check for toxins.
- Start sustainable control: Install an aerator to increase oxygen and improve water flow. Use Biostim probiotics to boost beneficial microbes.
- Especially during warm weather or after rain that can cause nutrient runoff, monitor regularly.
- Luckily, you can prevent future blooms by:
- Reducing fertiliser use near the dam.
- Planting vegetation buffer zones to filter runoff.
- Removing organic debris manually or helping break it down with Biostim and aeration.
Final Thoughts
Are you feeling more prepared to treat blue-green algae now? Just remember, the real goal is tackling the problem thoroughly to avoid the algae being able to grow at all. That’s why chemicals are best for a short-term fix, but not the best for removing the problem completely.
If you need help or want to chat to get expert advice, feel free to get in touch today. You can also shop our collection of products to start treatment of blue-green algae on your own.