Thread: Redneck scientific study of pvc / pex and algae growth

.... it makes me feel better to know I am not the only one who gets a little nagging for special projects. Seriously though dude... pretty extensive work to grow some green snot on a limb

Cool project! Out of curiousity, how deep are these test structures in the water column? I agree with your assessment of checking your structures less frequently to minimize the disturbance to the alae. We have used slick black irrigation drain pipe as material in the past. After placing some structures made out of it, we dove on them 2 weeks later and there was already a thin layer of algae growing on it. And like you said, it wiped off easily. Water current from my fins even caused it to come off. You started off your post asking if there are any studies that talk about attempting to increase algae growth. We do this annually on many Arkansas lakes by feetilizing them. You should be able to find some good info on the impacts of a fertilization program to algae growth in lakes if you are interested in the subject. This is similar concept to the conditioners that you are using. They both increase the productivity of the water. Your method is more localized and focused as apposed to a broad ferlizer application program. You applying the treatment directly to the structures surface is a very interesting idea. The next logical step would be to document what types and size of fish are utilizing the different test structures. Keep up the good research. I look forward to seeing your results!

Originally Posted by D10

Cool project! Out of curiousity, how deep are these test structures in the water column? I agree with your assessment of checking your structures less frequently to minimize the disturbance to the alae. We have used slick black irrigation drain pipe as material in the past. After placing some structures made out of it, we dove on them 2 weeks later and there was already a thin layer of algae growing on it. And like you said, it wiped off easily. Water current from my fins even caused it to come off. You started off your post asking if there are any studies that talk about attempting to increase algae growth. We do this annually on many Arkansas lakes by feetilizing them. You should be able to find some good info on the impacts of a fertilization program to algae growth in lakes if you are interested in the subject. This is similar concept to the conditioners that you are using. They both increase the productivity of the water. Your method is more localized and focused as apposed to a broad ferlizer application program. You applying the treatment directly to the structures surface is a very interesting idea. The next logical step would be to document what types and size of fish are utilizing the different test structures. Keep up the good research. I look forward to seeing your results!

This is why we always tell People to really sand and cut into the PVC or Plastic with at least 60 grit sandpaper...it really allows the colonies of algae to grab onto the plastic and build a strong base.

You guys can come up North and get all the Fertilized water that you want!
Due to agriculture and homeowner run-off, storm sewer overflow, loss of Marsh land and Buffers, and animal and human waste flushed into the waters, most of our waterways are unfit to use during the summer.
Probably 3/4ths of our lakes are closed due to toxic algae, have scum on the surface, and are unusable for fishing, swimming, or drinking!
We've even figured out how to Screw Up THE GREAT LAKES!

Not to get too far off topic, do you happen to know the total water harness of alcolinity range and nitrate to phosphate ratio (N:P) is your waters up there? My guess is that they have a low water hardness and alcholinity and there is much more phosphorus than nitrogen. This set up can result in an abundance of HAB (harmful algae blooms). This is seen on some lakes in Arkansas but not very ofter. As our reservoirs age and the phosphorus builds up in the sediments, HABs will become more common down here.

Originally Posted by D10

Not to get too far off topic, do you happen to know the total water harness of alcolinity range and nitrate to phosphate ratio (N:P) is your waters up there? My guess is that they have a low water hardness and alcholinity and there is much more phosphorus than nitrogen. This set up can result in an abundance of HAB (harmful algae blooms). This is seen on some lakes in Arkansas but not very ofter. As our reservoirs age and the phosphorus builds up in the sediments, HABs will become more common down here.

Our Reservoirs are Hyper Eutrophic, high hardness, alkaline, with EXTREMELY high Phosphorus levels! Several lakes have warnings each year NOT TO BOAT, SWIM, OR EVEN TOUCH THE WATER...ACCESS IS OFTEN RESTRICTED and WARNINGS NOT TO CATCH OR EAT THE FISH!
It is Shameful!
The largest Inland Freshwater lake in Ohio is Grand Lake St. Marys...12,500 acres....it's now only 5 to 7 feet deep....it has filled in with Phosphorus Sediment....they actually had to close it several times. They are spending Millions upon Millions to try to fix it, to no avail yet...They have dredged over a Million cubic yards, Alum, treatments, building buffers and wetlands, removing trash fish, etc....Now other lakes are blowing up the same and being closed! There's not enough money to repair our lakes. A sad lesson has been learned!

This is very interesting. Don't know the science behind it but I've always heard that pvc should be rough sanded and sprayed with buttermilk. Anyone else ever heard this?

Originally Posted by nixon

This is very interesting. Don't know the science behind it but I've always heard that pvc should be rough sanded and sprayed with buttermilk. Anyone else ever heard this?

Same principal that Steve is doing.
We've always just rough sanded...but as I said, our Northern lakes are VERY Fertile and loaded with Algae.

Very good info here, great to know.