We make water better

A beautiful pond with clear water is every pond owner's aspiration. In keeping with our motto "We make water better", we at Söll are committed to solving the most important problems in pond maintenance with thoroughness starting at the roots of the problems. This is why we do our own research and develop products of sustainable efficiency. More than 100 patents and patent applications speak for themselves.

For our product development, we exploit our in-house, scientifically founded knowledge in the field of water chemistry and microbiology. Furthermore, extensive experience in the treatment of drinking water and wastewater as well as in the field of water body rehabilitation vouches for the highest degree of Söll quality. However, what is not widely known is that.... a number of our basic formulations are employed in national and international water projects for which our subsidiary Lavaris Technologies is responsible. Problems in relation to water are, in fact, the same all over the world, no matter whether it is a garden pond, a larger lake or a drinking water reservoir. In turn, our pond care products benefit from the findings gained from such large-scale projects. In this way, we constantly optimise our products.

Söll is committed to the most natural mode of action as possible for all its products. Our water stabilising products, for example, are made of components which occur naturally in water. For it is our aim to support life in and around the pond in as natural a way as possible. These principles are expressed by the green signet which can be found on many products by Söll.

Some people may not want to believe it, but algae are a vital element in a garden pond. Only when they are there can life in water function properly. Many microorganisms that are essential for a pond's biology, such as rotifers and daphnias, feed on algae. Thus, they form the basis of the food pyramid in the pond.

It is also a good sign if a number of different algae species exist in the pond as this prevents mass reproduction of individual algae species. In the same way as plants, algae perform photosynthesis. This makes them an important supplier of oxygen in water.

Everything in moderation

At Söll, we only take a dislike towards excessive numbers of algae in garden ponds. Algal bloom is not simply an aesthetic problem. This phenomenon also destabilises the ecological balance. Unhindered algae growth lowers carbonate hardness and causes fluctuation of the pH value. As a result of this, pond dwellers may suffer damage.

The causes of algal bloom are always an excess supply of nutrients in the water, particularly in the form of phosphate, and a large amount of sunlight. Even phosphate concentrations of a little more than 0.035 mg per litre can trigger effusive algal bloom.

This is why algae become a problem particularly in spring and summer. Water which is infested with algae is an obvious sign that the pond is not in (its natural) balance and action is required.

The most important Algae species

There are almost 80,000 different types of algae. In the majority of cases, the following three groups of algae cause problems in ponds

Floating algae in the garden pond
Floating algae are fine single-celled or multicellular algae, which can cloud the water and make it turn green. They often reproduce excessively in spring and initiate the "spring algal bloom".

Filamentous algae in the garden pond
Filamentous algae have a filamentous or threadlike structure. They form 'mats' or 'clumps' on the surface of the pond or on the bottom of the pond and in shallow water zones, where they establish themselves.

Blue-green algae in the garden pond
Blue-green algae are incorrectly referred to as algae, as they are actually an ancient group of microorganisms containing blue pigment. These cyanobacteria are mainly noticeable as an oily film on the surface of the water. Sometimes, they emit an unpleasant musty odour. The excrements of cyanobacteria may be toxic and can cause allergic reaction when brought into contact with skin.

Anti-Algenprodukte von SöllAnti-algae products by Söll

Söll anti-algae products such as AlgoSol and BlanketweedRemover are effective against all types of algae, reduce algae growth to normal and restore the ecological balance in the garden pond. By the way: Fish may remain in the water during the process of algae control using Söll products.

Our advice: Before treating algae, you should always check the key water values (KH, pH) and, if necessary, adjust them (1. stabilising the water). Since large amounts of phosphate are released by the algae controlling process which will encourage algal growth, it is advisable to remove superfluous nutrients from the water afterwards (3. Binding nutrients).

A high level of water quality with stable water values is a basic prerequisite for a healthy garden pond. Above all, many pond owners wish to have clear water to be able to see to the bottom of the pond. However, it is important to know that clear water is not necessarily an indicator for species-appropriate living conditions.

Important Water Values

Indicators such as carbonate hardness (KH) and pH value ("degree of acidity") reveal the true state of the water. When both parameters are in order, the self-cleaning processes and ecological cycle processes are working properly. For this reason, pond care needs to start by determining these important water parameters. The Söll product range offers rapid tests and with AQUA-CHECK, which is an electronic measuring device, these and other important water values can be determined reliably.

Carbonate hardness indicates the total amount of hydrogen carbonates dissolved in the water, mostly as a compound with calcium or magnesium, which operate as a buffer system. Carbonate hardness can prevent unhindered increase or decrease of the pH value. It should always remain above 5 °dH (0.890 mmol/l CaCO3).

With regard to the pH value, a range between 7.5 and 8.5 meets the requirements of most water dwellers.

Why you should stabilse the water

Fluctuations occur during the course of the day. Due to the photosynthesis activities of pond plants and algae, the pH value is high in the evening and low in the morning. Strong algae growth leads to a continuous reduction of carbonate hardness, which, in turn, changes the pH value even more and makes it instable.

At worst, damage to skin and gills of fish may occur. The animals are weakened and become susceptible to diseases. Predators of algae, such as micro-crustaceans, are also negatively affected by fluctuations in the pH value. Natural food chains are interrupted. This leads to a reduction in biodiversity and algal bloom of individual species of algae. The biotope pond becomes unbalanced.

For these reasons, it is important to stabilise the pond water. Also before implementing algae controlling measures (2. controlling algae), the most important water parameters should be adjusted to their optimum level.

Water stabilising products from Söll

Using the Söll products is very straightforward and particularly environmentally friendly. A number of our water stabilising products are based on the functional principle of CarbonAdd. This is a mixture of substances which naturally occur in water and which increase the biological self-cleaning ability of the pond. CarbonAdd even complies with the stringent requirements for the treatment of drinking water!

All of our water stabilising products increase the actual carbonate hardness and optimise the pH value. For a consistently high level of water quality, the dosage should be administered three times a year or when required - for example, whenever the carbonate hardness falls below a level of 5 °dH.