A short word on algae Controlling the little guy

We need to first understand algae, before we can understand how to control it. Planktonic algae are very small, suspended particles that color water various shades of green, brown, olive, and even orange. Pollen from trees and other terrestrial plants is sometimes mistaken for planktonic algae, but pollen usually floats on the surface before sinking.

Filamentous algae, commonly referred to as string algae, hair algae, and black algae, typically grow on the bottom and float to the surface when sunlight and photosynthesis provide oxygen bubbles that get trapped in it. At the surface, it is unsightly and can clog pumps and filters. Attached algae are referred to as periphyton. They cover the surfaces of shallow stones and other submerged objects.

There are thousands of species of algae, each with its own personality. All are plants, using chlorophyll for photosynthesis. They all need, to varying degrees, water, light, and nutrients. slight change in water chemistry – pH, hardness, nitrogen/phosphorus (N/P) ratio, etc. - can bring about a change in species. The seasons, sunlight, shade, turbidity, and many other factors will also allow one species of algae to out compete the others. Algae can be controlled several ways the easiest is to reduce the light hitting the water, other methods include commercial algaecides and natural algaecides as well as UV Irradiation. I agree although Algae is more of a nuisance than a threat obviously it could provide a platform for other 'nasty' pathogens.