Before you install any old pond liner you can find in your new algae ponds, check out the material. Many pond liners, even those that are fish-safe and plant-safe, feature algaecide treatments to control the growth of these tiny plants. If you choose a liner with a built-in treatment against algae growth, you’ll find your production stunted or completely stalled. These additives are made to last too, so they won’t wash out after a few months of waiting and aging. Choose the right flexible liner from the start by working with a manufacturer who can tell you if their products contain any algacidal ingredients or not.
Why are Many Liners Treated with Algaecides?
Algae is a problem and not a desired outcome in fish and swimming ponds, so it’s not surprising that so many liners feature algaecide. Adding a chemical that is safe for fish and humans but discouraging to algae keeps the water clean and the dissolved oxygen high in the pond. When you’re trying to grow algae rather than prevent it, you’ll need a liner made with your purposes in mind. Algaculture is a relatively new field, so find a manufacturer with experience assisting in algae pond design rather than settling for a partner that may not know what you need.
PVC and EDPM Concerns
Both PVC and EDPM liner materials tend to include either outright algaecides added to the material or plasticizing chemicals that accidentally suppress growth. While both of these liners are durable enough for algae pond use, they’re also thick, heavy, and not well-protected against UV damage. PVC in particular has to stay covered by soil or mud to prevent sun damage, which is not a recommended method of setting up an algae pond. These materials are widely available and are often rated as fish-safe, but the manufacturers may or may not know if they’re suitable for algae production as well.
Finding an Algae-Safe Pond Liner
Here at BTL Liners, we produce two different pond liner products that are both appropriate for algae ponds. Our ArmorPro product is ideal for commercial use because it’s made with reinforced polyethylene (RPE). This thin and strong material is affordable, free from algaecides and plasticizers that cause problems, and resists tearing when harvesting equipment bumps into it. If you’re looking for a pond liner that’s highly affordable while still offering appropriate conditions for algae production, our AquaArmor may be just right for you. It combines both low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to create a liner that can handle practically anything.
Plant-Safe and Fish-Safe Ratings
You can’t simply stick with liners labeled as fish-safe and plant-safe and expect good algae growth. Many algaecides are safe for using with fish and more complex plants, leaving you with a liner that won’t support commercial algae production. Verify that the material is free from any chemical known to limit or stop algae growth before installing it. If you’re not sure what materials work best, contact us here at BTL Liners for help.
Other Considerations for Liner Selection
Compatibility with algae growth is the most important factor in liner selection, but it’s far from the only consideration. Don’t forget about the overall cost of the liner, its projected lifespan, its installation processes, and the weight of the material. Heavy liners slow down installation and wear out the installers, while light but tough materials are easy to repair when needed as well. Seam sealing varies greatly between flexible liner materials too. Heat sealing the seams is the best method to prevent leaks, but it’s not an option for EDPM liners. RPE and HDPE/LDPE liners can be sealed however you like for fast and reliable installation.
BTL Liners has something for everyone, including algae pond owners. Choose us as your partners for pond design and installation to take advantage of our experience in the industry. We have extensive experience in pond lining projects, including several algae ponds, such as a large ethanol production facility in Iowa.
