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In nature species constantly battle for the resources that they need to survive, such as food and habitat.
Competition Theory
Competition theory states that perfect competitors cannot coexist. Therefore if two species are to coexist they must utilize resources differently and have different competitive abilities - in essence they must adapt in a manner that avoids pure competition.
Species may adapt to best utilize a particular resource, or they may simply make use of a wide variety of resources to avoid competition. Competitive displacement occurs when one species is unable to live in an area because it is unable to successfully compete for the local resources dominated by a second species.
When environments change or when one species out-competes another for the same set of resources, a species faces competitive exclusion. In this situation, two species become ‘perfect competitors'. Ultimately one of the species will survive and the other will become extinct. Invasive species often drive native species to extinction through superior competitive ability and higher populations. 
Bacteria & Algae
This concept in competitive theory can be applied to all life forms, but has benefits for the water manager specifically as it applies to bacteria & algae. By creating a Friendly Environment for beneficial bacteria (such as nitrifiers) to thrive, harmful pathogenic bacteria strains & algae do not have the resources they need to become established and thrive in the water body.
Traditional means of removing these unwanted pests revolve around the use of chemicals such as Potassium Permanganate, Formalin, Malachite, copper sulfate, chloramines, UV, Ozone and in the case of unwanted bacteria the entire spectrum of antibiotics. However, the chemical approach has suffered from numerous problems:
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It indiscriminately kills all bacteria strains, including beneficial nitrifiers, which ultimately upsets the water chemistry and negatively impacts the quality of the water that fish & other desirable life forms depend upon for survival.
- The continued development of stronger antibiotics & algaecides has led to the ongoing evolution of hardier bacteria & algae, thus solving today’s problem at the cost of bigger problems tomorrow.
- The chemicals themselves can be harmful or deadly to fish & plant populations, thereby weakening the health of the species that we seek to protect. In this weakened state they are more susceptible to becoming sick and make an attractive host for pathogens.
- Algae killed by algaecides sinks to the bottom and decays. In doing so, it releases nutrients back into the water body that encourage the growth of the next generation of algae.
Natural Approach to Controlling Algae & Pathogens: Competitive Exclusion
The natural way to reduce pathogens & algae is to "competitively exclude" them from the vital elements they require to survive, grow and multiply. This requires a vibrant community of nonpathogenic bacteria that utilize the same elements and are able to out-compete pathogenic bacteria and algae.
Use competitive exclusion to your benefit:
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Create a Friendly Environment that supports & encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria in the pond.
- Utilize enzymes, bacteria, and trace minerals to promote the rapid breakdown of organics in the water.
- Install a properly designed aeration system to provide the high oxygen level required by aerobic bacteria and also keep the water moving.
- Reduce run-off as it often contains large quantities of fertilizers and other nutrients that support algae growth. If the pond suddenly has an abundance of Nitrogen, for example, the nitrifiers can not multiply fast enough to consume it and as a result algae will gain a foothold.
- Incorporate beneficial aquatic plants that will also compete for the resources that sustain algae.
- Plant trees and shrubs 25-50 feet away from the shore. Decaying leaves are a great source of food for algae.
- Keep geese and other animals out of the pond when possible.
- Stock the pond with the appropriate type and number of fish to avoid overpopulation.
It can take years for a pond to deteriorate, but when it does, the costs to revive and restore it are substantial. Instead, support the competitive exclusion process before a pond ages severely by adding aeration to create turnover and abundant levels of oxygen; enzymes to speed the breakdown of contaminants; trace minerals to support a healthy biota; and beneficial bacteria to boost population levels and increase the consumption of organic matter. Even the smallest steps are valuable, so start sustaining long term pond health today!
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 | Easy to use, Orb-3 Lake & Pond Liquid Bacteria’s blend of select strains of bacteria is formulated to reduce turbidity and sludge generating organics and leaves water fresh, clear, and sparkling. | MSDS
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Water Garden MSDS
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