How to Clean Algae From Rocks in a Stream

Distinguished by their powdery or slimy texture and green color, algae are autotrophic organisms prevalent in streams where nutrients are abundant. Since algae are photosynthetic, they thrive on the sun's energy, as well as nutrients from fish waste. Algae are essential to streams as they supply other aquatic organisms with oxygen. Although algae are beneficial, some people don't appreciate their growth on rocks. Algae can make rocks or stepping-stones in streams slippery to walk on. You can clean algae from rocks in a stream using simple supplies.

Toilet brush
Clean, two-gallon pail
Stirring utensil
1/2 cup (non-chlorine) oxygen bleach
Pump sprayer

Instructions

- 1
  Scrub the algae off the rocks using a toilet brush. Detach as much algae as possible.
- 2
  Fill a clean, two-gallon pail with one gallon of hot, clean water. Stir 1/2-cup of (non-chlorine) oxygen bleach into the water. Thoroughly dissolve the white, powdery granules. Oxygen bleach consists of sodium percarbonate, which is environmentally friendly and water-soluble.
- 3
  Pour the white solution into a pump sprayer. Disperse the solution generously onto the exposed portion of the algae-covered rocks. Keep the solution on the rocks for 30 minutes.
- 4
  Scrub the algae off the rocks using the toilet brush. Remove all visible algae from the rocks.
- 5
  Rinse the oxygen bleach solution off the rocks with water.

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