Preventing Algae Growth

How to eliminate algae with a modular floating covers

Lagoon covered with algae needing a floating cover for shade
uncovered pond with an algae bloom
Green algae cell

Algae Growth Prevention

What are algae?

Algae are a diverse group of aquatic organisms that have the ability to conduct photosynthesis. Certain algae are familiar to most people; for instance, seaweeds (such as kelp or phytoplankton), pond scum or the algal blooms in lakes.  The term “algae” covers many different organisms capable of producing oxygen through photosynthesis (the process of harvesting light energy from the sun to generate carbohydrates).

What do algae feed on?

As a general rule, algae are capable of photosynthesis and produce their own nourishment by using light energy from the sun and carbon dioxide in order to generate carbohydrates and oxygen. In other words, most algae are autotrophs or more specifically, photoautotrophs (reflecting their use of light energy to generate nutrients).

How can we control algae?

Algae growing in a drinking water reservoir or an aerated lagoon system will increase both the TSS and the CBOD5 of the effluent, deteriorate water taste, plug filtration systems and increase chemical treatment cost. In systems treating municipal wastewaters, the effluent TSS and CBOD5 will often be much higher than if the algae had not been present. Since algae diminishes water quality and play no beneficial role in drinking water and wastewater lagoons, preventing algal growth is important to those responsible for the design and operation of these systems. Some algae are toxic to humans and dogs.  Water can also become unsuitable for fish, swimming, and other animals.

A good cover will prevent light from entering the water column and will prevent the growth of algae and other noxious weeds. Solid and modular floating covers have been used to shade aerated lagoons for decades. In the case of aerated lagoons, such shades should not cover the entire lagoon surface, especially with mechanical surface aerator where leaving sufficient open area is important.

Modular floating algae covers can provide an efficient way to block sunlight, will adapt to complex contours and changes in water levels while providing open surfaces for most aerators

Installing a floating algae cover such as the Armor Ball® cover (91% coverage) or the Hexprotect® cover (99% coverage) will block sunlight and eliminate algae formation.

Added advantages of installing a floating cover

Covering a lagoon has many added benefits besides eliminating algae growth.

  • Reduction of liquid loss through evaporation by up to 95%.
  • Reduced chemical consumption.
  • Heating costs reduced by up to 75%.
  • Odor containment. Less exposed surface area results in less odor emission..
  • Camouflage pond basins from waterfowl / bird deterrent
  • Improved working environments.
  • Reduces sunlight penetration, precluding growth of algae and clogging weeds.
  • Reduce ice formation

Modular covers advantages versus solid covers

All our covers offer substantial advantage over solid covers:

  • Less Expensive
  • Each tile is made of long lasting, UV resistant, high quality HDPE
  • Allow movement of equipment through liquid. Unlimited and easy access to the liquid.
  • Adjust to the variation of the liquid level by spreading & stacking
  • Naturally Self arrange and interlock on the liquid surface
  • Virtually maintenance free
  • Cannot tear like conventional solid cover
  • Aeration can be installed underneath
  • Reduce chemical consumption.
Products Comparison Armor Ball® Armor Ball® Aqua Hexprotect® Hexprotect® Aqua HEXPROTECT MAX R RHOMBO 66 RHOMBO 169
Surface coverage (up to) 91% 91% 99% 99% 99% 99% 99%
Insulation (R factor) ++ + ++ + +++++ +++ ++++
Heating cost reduction (up to) 75% 75% 85% 85% 85% 85% 85%
Evaporation Reduction ++++ ++++ ++ ++++ ++++ +++++ +++++
Wind Resistant + ++++ ++ +++++ ++ +++++ +++++
Buoyancy (per sq.ft)
Odor Control greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck
Chemical Evaporation Reduction greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck
Algae Reduction greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck
Bird Deterrent greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck
Snow & Ice Resistant greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck
Quick Install greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck
Maintenance Free greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck
Life Expectancy 25+ Years 25+ Years 25+ Years 25+ Years 25+ Years 25+ Years 25+ Years
Cost Estimate greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck greencheck

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