water hyacinth and algae

[brent]

My water hyacinth is developing algea on its roots. Is this normal? If it isn't good for them, how do I control it?

[clm]

This time of year, algae forms on everything, it won't hurt them. You can pull out the hyacinths and pull off the algae if you like.

Cindy

[Jackie Ramo]

Algae and rust, both never sleep.

[brent]

Thanx. I am new to all this ponding stuff. Have had fish most of my life, but got bit by the pond bug whileon holliday in California.

[Jackie Ramo]

Not to worry we are all pond and fish nuts here. Just stay away from those algaecides, most have copper in them that is poisonous to fish. Even though they claim to be fish safe, I've read many a post where the fish are dead or dying.

A TT filter really helps with all forms of algae.

[marla]

I've always just gently pulled or hosed off the algae. If you pull to hard you tear off all the little roots.

[Jcsgt]

What is a TT filter?

[Jackie Ramo]

A TT or Trickle Tower filter. the idea is to have the water trickle through the bio media increasing areation and bio activity. There are many designs. Here is a picture of my strawberry pot TT

http://jackieramo.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_DSCN7415.JPG

[brent]

The TT filter is a similar idea to my grow bed filter.

[Jackie Ramo]

Yours is closer to what we call a veggie filter which is to be installed here soon I hope. Was to be done last year but.... I think all filtration has the same basics.

[brent]

I think that strawberry tower in the pic should have some strawberries in it.

[Jackie Ramo]

I did grow plants in it one year, not strawberries but water plants. Problem was cleaning the roots out of the bio media 2 x's a year.