Algea In The Birdbath-need Remedy

[BJ]

I need something that will help to remove the algea in my bird bath...that black nasty stuff! I scrub it with a brush..but it needs something else to help disolve it. I need something friendly to the environment as there are lots of flowers for the butterflies planted around the bath. Bleach is a killer of plants and earthworms! Is there something more "natural"?

[Wanda]

Peroxide from the cheapest place you can get it!!! The kind that fizzes when you put it on a cut. I put a couple of ounces in my small fountain every time I add water. The hollyhocks and other flowers don't mind it and the birds still drink the water and bathe in it.
Mr Wanda
Mike

[sheep tamer]

Not the answer you're probably wanting, but if it's
possible, try putting the birdbath in mostly shade.
The sun is the main culprit for a *good* algae crop.
Frequent rinsing and brushing clean and letting dry
in the sunshine will help it from getting so built up.

[littlebitfarm]

Copper kills algae. I wonder if a couple old pennies placed in there would do the trick? New pennies are zinc and wouldn't work.

Kathie

[TabletopHomestead]

Originally Posted by littlebitfarm

Copper kills algae. I wonder if a couple old pennies placed in there would do the trick? New pennies are zinc and wouldn't work.

That's exactly what my mother says to do. It seems to work for me.

[Little Quacker in OR]

Diluted amonia will help also. IT breaks down into nitrogen when it gets into the soil and so is a good fertilizer for plants.

LQ

[MaKettle]

Peroxide and amonia sound plant friendly. White vinegar also works, but not very plant friendly unless they like acid soil.

[rzrubek]

If you don't have any old pennies, some copper fittings from the plumber will work.

[Becky H.]

Try putting crushed clove of garlic in there it will keep the algae down. It will be good for the birds too.