posted 8 years ago
When the red algae blooms in the oceans, it is called a "Red Tide", the red algae in ponds and lakes is the same organism, not a good critter at all.
Red algae eat up all the O2 that is dissolved in the water, which kills any fish that are living there. It also stinks all on it's own, never mind the dead fish contributions.
Oxygenation of the water is a good start, and as you mentioned, temperatures have a lot to do with blooming of red algae.
The easiest way to slow pond heating is to have trees growing near the edge of the pond, this will provide shade to the water which will help keep the temperature down some.
Current is another way to keep the temps down in ponds. Lakes already have current by virtue of their size and the fact that warmed water rises while cooler water sinks.
So when you set up a pond, taking into account the sun travel, providing areas that will be shaded either all day or at some time of day, will help set up a current in your pond which will have the effect of reducing the chance for a red algae bloom happening.
Redhawk