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Replies

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  Gary Hedges May 14, 2010 at 6:38pm

  Google 'Barley straw ponds'
  I use this method in my small home garden pond, it works.
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  Anthony Toop May 14, 2010 at 7:25pm

  Ive used this succesfully over the years. Takes a while to be effective and then you need to retreat as per the instructions. Has always worked well for me and i have used it in several other peoples ponds to good effect.
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  Mark Atkins May 15, 2010 at 9:33am

  Algae in water is actually a primitive bacteria (cyanobacteria) and other species of phytoplankton. They establish and develop in water and most mediums where there is moisture, some nutrients, especially phosphorus, nitrogen (nitrite), low oxygen etc. They are natural and harmless
  Pond / Lakes / canals / etc water can easily be maintained clean by applying various microbes that consume the algae.
  I have samples of a product to be called Fontis which is a two part product
  Part-1 a dry powder - Generates oxygen levels, increase pH slightly to kick start denitrification – to get rid of the nitrogen converted to ammonia
  Part-2 microbes in a dissolvable bag, which then establish and consume algae.
  They will not consume pond weed, etc - these are best eaten by having fish in the pond.
  The fish will eat and produce nutrients favouring algae blooms - the Fontis will eat the algae
  
  The two photographs were taken 8 day apart. It is usual that frequent applications are made as and when required.
  
  Barley Straw will kill the algae that then sinks to the bottom of the pond and decomposes producing food for more algae - it was a great method but has been surpassed
  Fontis is non hazardous
  If you would like a sample please ask
  
  

  

  
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  Ena Ronayne May 15, 2010 at 11:52am

  The one thing you shouldn't do is to empty the pond as the ecosystem will be affected. To protect the pond each year from developing Algal Bloom, you should ideally clean out in early Spring (but don't remove the water). Remove all debris and clean out existing plants of dead vegetation.
  
  How old is the pond? If relatively young a combination of barley straw, oxygenating plants and keeping the pump turned on every other day will help clear it. Our own pond a home which is now 3 yrs old is in full sun which is not the ideal. We have no UV filter on it which was a mistake. However for the last 3 yrs we've cleared it out in a matter of weeks each time. You'll just have to persevere.
  
  Barley straw is on occasion difficult to get but keep some extra in the shed for next time, cause there will be a next time. Unfortunately Barley Straw on its own will take too long to clear so you will have to combine with an algaecide. Remember the temperature of the pond has a lot to do with this scum forming also. Don't substitute hay or another straw for barley straw as they will most likely decompose too fast, which can be harmful to plants and fish in your pond. Be cautious when using algaecide. Do you have fish in the pond?
  
  I can't recall the product we've used in the past but I shall let you know when I've checked. Let me know how your get on....
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  Mark Atkins May 15, 2010 at 12:21pm

  Do not use willow trees either due to the 'aspirin; in the leaves and bark that may be detrimental to fish / aquatic life.
  There should not be any need to clean out a biological active pond / lake
  Definitely NEVER use any algaecides - they are pesticides and upset the balance of the ecosystem
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  Ena Ronayne May 15, 2010 at 12:38pm

  The product I use along with the Barley straw in Tetra Pond AlgoRem green water treatment. Its made in Germany and according to the label it is an environmentally friendly way to control water borne algae in garden ponds. If you know of an alternative please do tell.........
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  Mark Atkins May 15, 2010 at 1:15pm

  The biological (microbial) product that has been developed in the UK by Dr N Smith (microbiologist) is gaining a very good reputation.
  1 x 114 + 50 gram sachets (Fontis + Oxy-Aqua) will treat 50 sq m of pond surface. Improve efficacy can be obteined when used in combination with Oxy-Aqua that generate oxygen to counteract the BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand).
  It is always beneficial to have some physical aeration of any pond either with a fountain / waterfall / rapid / other
  
  The cost of the materials is relatively low at approx £10.00 / treatment for 50 sq m
  
  Tetra Pond AlgoRem is a product that flocculates algae which then has to be physically removed and repeated as more algae will develop
  
  Biological management is non hazardous, effective, easy to administer and low cost
• 

  Trevor Smith May 17, 2010 at 4:15pm

  Dear Mark,
  Interested in your product Fontis for clearing algae, would be pleased to receive a sample from you, is this a product due to come to the market ?
  
  Mark Atkins said:

  Algae in water is actually a primitive bacteria (cyanobacteria) and other species of phytoplankton. They establish and develop in water and most mediums where there is moisture, some nutrients, especially phosphorus, nitrogen (nitrite), low oxygen etc. They are natural and harmless
  Pond / Lakes / canals / etc water can easily be maintained clean by applying various microbes that consume the algae.
  I have samples of a product to be called Fontis which is a two part product
  Part-1 a dry powder - Generates oxygen levels, increase pH slightly to kick start denitrification – to get rid of the nitrogen converted to ammonia
  Part-2 microbes in a dissolvable bag, which then establish and consume algae.
  They will not consume pond weed, etc - these are best eaten by having fish in the pond.
  The fish will eat and produce nutrients favouring algae blooms - the Fontis will eat the algae
  
  The two photographs were taken 8 day apart. It is usual that frequent applications are made as and when required.
  
  Barley Straw will kill the algae that then sinks to the bottom of the pond and decomposes producing food for more algae - it was a great method but has been surpassed
  Fontis is non hazardous
  If you would like a sample please ask