[MWG] Today's Pond Q&A
------------------------------- Today's Pond Q&A In this issue: - SLUDGE - DIRT ON THE BOTTOM OF THE POND - ALGAE PROBLEM - FIGHT OR FLIGHT? ----------------------------- Question> I have a pond that has collected a lot of settled dirt on the bottom, however the water is crystal clear. Is there a way to clean up the bottom dirt? Kathy Bryan _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ Pond Filters, Pumps, UV's and More... Discount Prices at Our Online Store! http://www.macarthurwatergardens.com _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ Answer> Hi, Kathy, Yes, there is a Microbe Lift product that is specifically made to remove the debris on the bottom, called Microbe Lift Sludge Away. It will turn the pond dark brown initially and then clear up again on its own, so don't worry. It may take a few applications to clean it but that is the sole purpose of that product. The beauty of it is that it is biodegradable so it will not harm you, plants or fish. - Carolyn == Question> Hi Carolyn! This is my third year of having a fish and aquatic pond. The biofilter prevents the water from being green but I have to clean the filters twice a week from algae clumps, etc. I tried using Microbelift PL but it didn't seem to help keep the sludge controlled and I even bought a water wych and the water is not mountain stream clear. Is it ok to combine algae fix and pond zyme to assist in keeping the water clear enough to enjoy my fish or should I just use one or the other? My pond is 220 gallons and I use a 300 gph pump feeding into the biofilter. I also have a polyurethane water fall with a 500 gph pump feeding into it. It seems to me that this water fall may be the culprit in producing additional algae and sludge. What do you think? Thanks- Barb Luick == Answer> Hi Barb, Before I use an algaecide I would use the barley straw extract or pellets which are recommended to be used in conjunction with the Microbe Lift PL. The barley straw produces "lignin", a naturally occurring chemical that will inhibit the growth of algae while the PL actually competes with algae for the nutrients it needs to subsist in the pond. They are a "team" and best used together on algae problems. You also mentioned sludge. I don't know if you are speaking of a sludge build-up on the bottom (in which case you should read the message above) or are referring to the algae clumps. But I have to mention a few things about algae here. First, there are several main types of algae and although it is natural in a pond, it is not harmful to fish. The single-celled free floating algae is the one that causes the green water condition we call "pea soup". The string algae can be easily removed, although temporarily, (as it grows back readily) by using a stick and wrapping it around like spaghetti on a fork. And the worst algae is blanket-weed which is capable of actually choking out other life forms in the pond. Although you don't really describe blanket weed, if you feel it exists in your pond you may still want to use the algaecide, but should use it first, then wait three to four days before adding the Microbe Lift PL and barley straw products. The algaecide will kill the algae and interfere with the bacteria in the Microbe Lift otherwise. As for the waterfall, I don't see how it can be causing problems. The more water flow, the less settlement as I see it. More than likely it is the hot, hot weather and sun causing it. In a 200 gallon pond, I expect the water would heat up quickly during the day. And if you feed the fish a few more pellets than they really need, you have all the makings of algae bloom. The extra water circulation is probably helping you keep the water clear. - Carolyn == Happy Pondkeeping! Brett Fogle MacArthur Water Gardens www.macarthurwatergardens.com © MacArthur Water Gardens 1698 SW 16th ST Boca Raton, FL 33486 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=- This email is never sent without permission. You (or someone using your email address) bought something from MacArthur Water Gardens, or signed up for our newsletter, affiliate program, mini-course or requested a fr^e report.. The information we have on file is Your name: Friend Your email: If you wish to be removed from this list, simply click once on the link below.
Message Added: August 30th, 2005 at 2:45 pm
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