Why are thunderstorms dangerous when there is an algea bloom? I'd have thought it would be good as it will ‘freshen' the air up? Any ideas guys n gals?
In reply to Post #1
An algal bloom can consist of millions of individual algae spores that require light and nutrients. Thunderstorms often punctuate hot periods and the sudden loss of light and input of rain kills of large numbers of algae.
The 'dead bodies' of each individual spore are then feasted on by bacteria which require oxygen. We all know that water holds less oxygen at higher temperatures, which combined with huge numbers of bacteria consuming oxygen cause levels to dip.
These are the same bacteria we encourage to colonise filters in our fish tanks, they help metabolise fish waste by converting lethal ammonia in to less harmful nitrate (which ironically feeds plants and algae). Not only will less oxygen in effect suffocate fish, higher ammonia levels as a result of insufficient bacteria can also contribute.
An algal bloom can consist of millions of individual algae spores that require light and nutrients. Thunderstorms often punctuate hot periods and the sudden loss of light and input of rain kills of large numbers of algae.
The 'dead bodies' of each individual spore are then feasted on by bacteria which require oxygen. We all know that water holds less oxygen at higher temperatures, which combined with huge numbers of bacteria consuming oxygen cause levels to dip.
These are the same bacteria we encourage to colonise filters in our fish tanks, they help metabolise fish waste by converting lethal ammonia in to less harmful nitrate (which ironically feeds plants and algae). Not only will less oxygen in effect suffocate fish, higher ammonia levels as a result of insufficient bacteria can also contribute.
In reply to Post #2
Good, easy to understand post
I thought it would be a far more complicated answer
Good, easy to understand post
I thought it would be a far more complicated answer
In reply to Post #2
Good explanation Tim, in the current weather water temperatures in our lakes are the highest I've seen in years but it still amazes me how many fisheries don't have monitoring equipment or take samples regularly for lab analysis but rely on the EA when they first see visual signs of a problem by which time it is often too late. What happens after a crash usually ends up with the EA being slagged off via social media when the blame should be levelled at the fishery owner/management. The EA are not responsible for privately owned lakes in any way and even the large reservoirs owned and managed by the water companies are not their responsibility, the companies must monitor and analyse the water quality and keep detailed records.
Good explanation Tim, in the current weather water temperatures in our lakes are the highest I've seen in years but it still amazes me how many fisheries don't have monitoring equipment or take samples regularly for lab analysis but rely on the EA when they first see visual signs of a problem by which time it is often too late. What happens after a crash usually ends up with the EA being slagged off via social media when the blame should be levelled at the fishery owner/management. The EA are not responsible for privately owned lakes in any way and even the large reservoirs owned and managed by the water companies are not their responsibility, the companies must monitor and analyse the water quality and keep detailed records.
In reply to Post #1
I was also explained to, that the sudden pressure drop during a thunderstorm is what the fish struggle to manage.
The sudden change in pressure was simply explained to me like opening a can of pop, suddenly and gas becomes released. Then the fish struggle to breathe which is what people call an Oxygen crash.
If algae is present, taking up the Oxygen too, then this will cause further stress for the fish.
I always thought thunderstorms would have been good fishing conditions but in the recent heat wave, they're a killer!
I was also explained to, that the sudden pressure drop during a thunderstorm is what the fish struggle to manage.
The sudden change in pressure was simply explained to me like opening a can of pop, suddenly and gas becomes released. Then the fish struggle to breathe which is what people call an Oxygen crash.
If algae is present, taking up the Oxygen too, then this will cause further stress for the fish.
I always thought thunderstorms would have been good fishing conditions but in the recent heat wave, they're a killer!
In reply to Post #6
That is also correct, Chris. Big storms and algal blooms are a threatening combo.
That is also correct, Chris. Big storms and algal blooms are a threatening combo.
On our syndicate we have invested in one of these METER one of the guys who lives local checks daily before work and later in the evening which is the most important check, strangely this year during the unprecedented long spell of warm weather the saturation has been very good yet last year it was dire when we had a warm spell so we got the paddle wheel aerator going for a week or so.
In reply to Post #2
Good reply Tim, made me aware of a few things.............
Good reply Tim, made me aware of a few things.............
In reply to Post #2
Thanks for all of your replies lads, much appreciated
Thanks for all of your replies lads, much appreciated
In reply to Post #1
Between Tim and Chris they've pretty much nailed it.
Nighttime thunderstorms are worse than those during daylight. During the night algae is consuming oxygen rather than producing it, as it does during daylight, so if the oxygen crashes during darkness the algae die and make the crash even more serious.
In the bottle of pop analogy that Chris uses the cap on the bottle is the high air pressure leading up to thunderstorms, which is literally holding the dissolved oxygen in the water. When the storm goes BANG the oxygen is rushes out of the water.
Algae can also be killed by a sudden drop in temperature, maybe caused by a sudden downpour.
Last nights storms had me rushing back from Peterborough to get the aerators running.
Between Tim and Chris they've pretty much nailed it.
Nighttime thunderstorms are worse than those during daylight. During the night algae is consuming oxygen rather than producing it, as it does during daylight, so if the oxygen crashes during darkness the algae die and make the crash even more serious.
In the bottle of pop analogy that Chris uses the cap on the bottle is the high air pressure leading up to thunderstorms, which is literally holding the dissolved oxygen in the water. When the storm goes BANG the oxygen is rushes out of the water.
Algae can also be killed by a sudden drop in temperature, maybe caused by a sudden downpour.
Last nights storms had me rushing back from Peterborough to get the aerators running.
I never knew that. I had often wondered the same!
I've heard that zwetsloots has crashed.
All lost.
All lost.
In reply to Post #13
Where is that? Sounds Dutch?
Where is that? Sounds Dutch?
In reply to Post #14
On the a1 in Bedfordshire near Biggleswade/ Bedford.
Under the radar for years but more recently made a little more public by Martin bowler. Was full of very big carp, to the point where I've heard of people unhooking them in the water cos it's only another 40lber.
Sadly all gone.
On the a1 in Bedfordshire near Biggleswade/ Bedford.
Under the radar for years but more recently made a little more public by Martin bowler. Was full of very big carp, to the point where I've heard of people unhooking them in the water cos it's only another 40lber.
Sadly all gone.
In reply to Post #15
That's terrible
That's terrible