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See green film or “paint” on your pond? Don’t guess—know if it’s toxic.

Get a FREE Cyanobacteria Screening from Natural Waterscapes. Send a sample, get lab-reviewed results—and start safe prevention today.

Lab technician review Sampling PDF on checkout $0.00
Why this matters

Cyanobacteria can produce harmful toxins—and you can’t confirm it by sight alone.

  • Some blooms look like green paint, film, or jelly-like blobs—but a microscope is required to confirm cyanobacteria.
  • Dried shoreline scums can retain toxins (e.g., microcystin) and re-dissolve back into the water later.
  • Toxins can be released when cells die; always handle suspected blooms with care and follow PPE guidance.
HAB basics Species ID guide
Step 1

Quick visual check: flag suspicious growth

These cues help you decide to submit a sample. (Confirmation still requires microscopy.)

Microcystis floating surface scum resembling green paint or powdery film on calm water
Microcystis — floating surface scum that resembles “green paint” or powdery film on calm water.

“Green paint” slicks / powdery film (surface)

Forms floating surface scums that look like green paint or powder; common in warm, nutrient-rich, calm water and often accumulates along leeward shores.

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Oscillatoria dark, slimy bottom mats with long hair-like strands that can detach and float
Oscillatoria — dark, slimy bottom mats with long hair-like strands; mats may detach, float, and drift.

Dark benthic mats / hair-like strands

Grows as dark, slimy bottom mats with long, hair-like strands; mats can gas-lift, detach, and drift to the surface or accumulate along shorelines after wind.

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Nostoc forming gelatinous green blobs or cushions in shallow, calm areas near shore
Nostoc — gelatinous, jelly-like colonies forming green blobs in shallow, calm areas near shore.

Jelly-like green blobs

Appears as gelatinous green blobs or cushions in shallow, calm areas; colonies feel jelly-like and can expand rapidly after rains or nutrient pulses.

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Lyngbya dense, tough, fibrous bottom mat that is dark green to black and tears into clumps
Lyngbya (Microseira wollei) — dense, tough, fibrous bottom mats, dark green to black; break free and drift.

Dense, tough bottom mats (often very dark)

Develops dense, tough, fibrous bottom mats that are dark green to black; clumps may tear loose, float, and collect in coves or along windward shores.

See images
Only microscopy confirms cyanobacteria—submit a sample to be sure.
Step 2

How the FREE screening works

1
Add to Cart the FREE Cyanobacteria Screening, then complete checkout to get your sampling PDF.
2
Collect and ship your sample following the simple PDF instructions.
3
Lab tech review—you’ll receive results with clear next steps.
Step 3

While you wait: safe prevention plan

  • Keep people and pets away from suspect water and shorelines.
  • Run or install aeration to boost oxygen and circulation.
  • Shade the water with pond dye to limit sunlight that fuels growth.
  • Cut phosphorus—bind phosphate now to remove a key algae food source.
  • Add beneficial bacteria to digest organics and consume excess nutrients.
  • Document it—photos, wind and weather notes help tailor your treatment plan.

Pond Dye

Blocks problem light wavelengths, helps limit regrowth; safe for aquatic life.

Shop Dye

Phosphate Eliminator

Binds phosphate and buffers pH—remove algae fuel without harming fish.

Shop Phosphate Binder

Beneficial Bacteria

Reduces nutrients (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate) and odors—works best with aeration.

Shop Bacteria

Aeration (Bottom or Surface)

Increases dissolved oxygen and circulation; helps limit nutrient release from muck.

See Aerators

Need an answer today?

Cyanotoxin Test Kit (microcystin + anatoxin) gives results in ~30 minutes.

Test for Toxins
Safety note: Avoid agitating thick scums. If algaecide is later recommended, know that toxins can release as cells die. Follow label directions and use PPE.
After results

What your results unlock

Confirmed cyanobacteria? We’ll prioritize nutrient control and aeration, maintain dye, and if advised, apply an appropriate algaecide—then bind released nutrients to prevent rebound.

Not cyanobacteria? Keep up prevention (aeration + dye + bacteria + phosphate binder) and monitor runoff, muck, and waterfowl inputs.

FAQ

Common questions

Can I confirm cyanobacteria by sight?
No. Visual cues help you flag risk, but only microscope analysis confirms cyanobacteria. That’s what the free screening is for.
Is it safe to treat a visible scum immediately?
Killing an active bloom can release toxins as cells rupture. While waiting for results, focus on aeration, dye, phosphate binding, and beneficial bacteria—or use the 30-minute toxin test for faster clarity.
Will dye or bacteria harm fish?
Natural Waterscapes’ dyes and beneficial bacteria are safe for fish and wildlife when used as directed.
Get Free Cyanobacteria Screening