BIOLOGICAL POND CONTROLS

Microorganisms break down organic matter into basic chemical components that can be recycled into the aquatic ecosystem. Without microorganisms, ponds would rapidly turn into pools of green slime where no fish or plants could survive. Although microorganisms are present in all ponds, the most effective microorganisms for nutrient recycling are not always present when they're needed the most. By supplementing the natural microbial population with large numbers of selected strains, it's often possible to eliminate algae problems and remove excess organic matter that collects at the pond bottom. We do not recommend using oxidizers, algaecides, or herbicides because they disrupt the natural biological cycle.

liquid clarifier

LIQUID CLARIFIER: All Season Pond Clarifier is a natural microbial product formulated to improve water quality and control bottom sludge without harming aquatic life. It is a blend of many different microorganisms selected for their ability to digest organic matter and remove dissolved nutrients such as ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and phosphates. It combines all of the features of warm‑weather biological clarifiers, cold-weather biological clarifiers, sludge-control products, and bio-filter starters into a single, safe, easy-to-use product that works for ponds of any size. It is also suitable for brackish-water estuaries, sewage plants, and septic systems.

To determine the proper application rate, estimate how many gallons of water are in a pond using the following formula (be sure to measure at the longest, widest, and deepest points):

gallons = length (ft) x width (ft) x depth (ft) x 5

Then use the chart below to determine the recommended remedial and maintenance application rates in ounces or gallons per week. One gallon of clarifier contains 128 ounces, typically enough to treat 1000 gallons of water for a full year.

Pond Size	Remediation	Maintenance
1000 gal	8 oz/week	2 oz/week
2500 gal	16 oz/week	4 oz/week
5000 gal	32 oz/week	8 oz/week
10,000 gal	64 oz/week	16 oz/week
25,000 gal	1 gal/week	32 oz/week
50,000 gal	2 gal/week	64 oz/week
100,000 gal	4 gal/week	1 gal/week
250,000 gal	8 gal/week	2 gal/week
500,000 gal	16 gal/week	4 gal/week
1,000,000 gal	32 gal/week	8 gal/week

Before starting a biological treatment program, remove as much organic debris as possible from the bottom of the pond with a leaf net or pond vacuum. Apply clarifier at the recommended remediation rate until the water becomes clear, typically two to four weeks. Then continue application at the recommended maintenance rate. Should water clarity deteriorate, it is safe to resume the remediation rate as often as required.

For best results, maintain the pH between 6.5 and 8.0 using pH increasing or reducing salts followed by buffers. Always run a waterfall pump, fountain, or air compressor continuously when using biological treatments to assure good circulation and adequate aeration. Turn off ultraviolet sterilizers for 24 hours following each application so the new microorganisms can thrive.

dry clarifier

DRY CLARIFIERS: We recommend monthly application of Biological Clarifier, a dry bacteria and enzyme mixture that helps to break down accumulated fish waste, leaves, and other organic pond debris. An 8 ounce bottle can treat a 8000 gallons of water, or a 1000 gallon pond monthly for Spring, Summer, and Fall. To solve really difficult water quality problems – such as uncontrolled growth of string algae – we suggest Clarity Max. We can't guarantee it will work in every situation, but it's one of the most promising biological products we've seen. A 40 ounce bottle can treat 20000 gallons of water, or a 4000 gallon pond for a typical course of five applications. As with liquid clarifier, for best results with dry clarifiers it is necessary to maintain the pH between 6.5 and 8.0 using pH increasing or reducing salts followed by buffers. Always run waterfall pump, fountain, or air compressor continuously when using biological treatments, and turn off ultraviolet sterilizers for 24 hours following each application.

mosquito dunks

MOSQUITO DUNKS AND MOSQUITO BITS: Bacillus thuringiensis, often abbreviated as Bt, is a naturally occurring bacteria that paralyzes the digestive tract of insect larvae, causing them to die within a few days. Mosquito Dunks float on the surface of ponds and slowly release a specific strain of this bacteria designed to kill mosquito larvae; Mosquito Bits are a rapid-release granular form of the same product. Although bacillus thuringiensis is not suspected to cause any environmental side effects, we suggest you use it sparingly to minimize the possibility that mosquitos will eventually become resistant.

barley straw

BARLEY STRAW: For centuries farmers have thrown bales of barley straw into ponds to control algae, since as the straw decomposes it emits a natural algal growth inhibitor. We supply mini-bales of real Scottish barley measuring 4" x 4" x 7". One bale treats 500 gallons of water for a year. Insert the bales into the mesh bags provided and place them near flowing water where there is plenty of oxygen, such as near the base of a waterfall.

PRICING: Call or email for current pricing.

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