Clean the surface of your pond with a skimmer or algae net. Vacuum the algae from the pond with a pond vacuum. Place barley straw in a location that provides a good flow of water and sunlight. The barley straw will decompose adding hydrogen peroxide to the water, killing the algae.

Pond scum refers to the slimy, green or brown substance that is often found floating on the surface of ponds, lakes, or other bodies of stagnant water. This substance is primarily composed of various types of algae, which are simple, photosynthetic organisms.

Algae:
- Algae are a diverse group of aquatic organisms that range from single-celled microscopic species to large, multicellular forms.
- They can be classified into different groups based on their pigmentation and cellular structure.
- Algae play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems as they are primary producers, meaning they convert sunlight and nutrients into organic matter through photosynthesis.
- In nutrient-rich environments such as ponds, excessive growth of algae can occur, leading to the formation of pond scum.

Formation of Pond Scum:
- When environmental conditions such as warm temperatures and abundant nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorus) are present in a pond, it creates an ideal environment for algae to thrive.
- Algae reproduce rapidly through a process called cell division, leading to the formation of dense populations.
- As the algae grow, they form a thick layer on the water's surface, which is commonly referred to as pond scum.

Characteristics of Pond Scum:
- Pond scum is typically slimy and can have a foul odor.
- It may appear green, brown, or even red, depending on the types of algae present.
- The slimy texture is due to the mucilage or gelatinous substance produced by certain algae to help them float on the water's surface.

Importance of Pond Scum:
- Algae, including the ones that form pond scum, serve as a vital part of the food chain in aquatic ecosystems.
- They provide food and habitat for many aquatic organisms, including small invertebrates, insects, and fish.
- Algae also contribute to the oxygen production in water bodies through photosynthesis.
- However, excessive growth of algae can disrupt the balance of an ecosystem, leading to decreased oxygen levels and harmful algal blooms, which can be toxic to other organisms.

In conclusion, pond scum primarily consists of algae, which are simple, photosynthetic organisms. Algae play an essential role in aquatic ecosystems, but under certain conditions, they can grow excessively, forming a slimy layer on the water's surface known as pond scum.

Controlling algae in yourpond! Algae are primitive plants that do not have true leaves, stems or roots and reproduce by spores, cell division and fragmentation. They develop from excess nutrients in the water and need sunlight to grow.