Every spring we are asked what is new in pond prevention products for large earth based ponds. And most springs there is very little change in the products we recommend. The main reason is that there are fewer products for this market, and since these are prevention products, it takes much longer for us to test and recommend them. Most springs we would recommend aeration, pond dye and beneficial bacteria for the prevention of problems later in the summer.
This spring is a little different. We have been working with a supplier of a new line of beneficial bacteria that we have been using for the last year and a half and with which we have had great success. They carry a complete line of beneficial bacteria from a muck pellet, to a general water column treatment, to a cold water bacteria geared towards shorter seasons like ours.
We now carry a line of beneficial bacteria that can be used in water as low as 4oC, called Polar Blend, which allows pond owners to start applying beneficial bacteria much earlier in the season and to get ahead of problems that often crop up in warm weather.
By applying earlier in the season, beneficial bacteria can break down the nutrients that feed algae in weed problems that can start on the first warm day of summer. Traditionally, beneficial bacteria could only be applied when the water temperature was above 15oC, which meant there were generally only four months per year we could use them. With this new option we can extend the season earlier in the spring and later into the fall to give us six to seven months of problem solving.
The further addition of a muck pellet can break down the sludge and organic matter at the bottom of lakes and ponds and can help the process along as well. Many of the nutrients in your pond find their source in this bottom layer and it naturally accumulates over time. This layer can be made up of old weeds that have died off the year before, leaves and sticks that have blown in, and grass clippings or other debris that have been washed in.
Muck pellets are made of beneficial bacteria that consume and accelerate the breakdown of these organic materials when oxygen is present. This brings me to a few questions that we get every year about beneficial bacteria.
FAQ about Beneficial (Aerobic) Bacteria
1) Is it safe for my pets, wildlife and the fish? Is it safe to swim in?
Yes. These bacteria are not the bacteria that cause beaches to be closed or get people sick, like e-coli. These bacteria use oxygen to break down the nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) in your pond by using oxygen; they are not designed to cause harm. These bacteria are essentially taking a natural occurring process and concentrating and speeding it up.
All of the beneficial bacteria brought into Canada through the proper channels have to contain only beneficial bacteria that are approved by CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) as safe for humans to be in contact with.
2) What do they do and where do the nutrients and muck go?
These beneficial bacteria, just like probiotics, take nutrients and break them down. The new forms of nutrient can either be safely released from your pond as gas, or used in the food chain as the bacteria are consumed by other animals. As these nutrients leave the water they are not available for algae and plant growth.
3) How often do I have to apply beneficial bacteria? Is one application enough?
We recommend following the directions which generally recommend bi-weekly or monthly applications. Even though beneficial bacteria are living and self-replicating, as the conditions of the water change, the number of different types (diversity) of bacteria decreases. By re-applying the bacteria on a regular basis you can maintain a larger diversity of beneficial bacteria so they can adjust to whatever conditions exist in your pond.
Our staff members work hard to help our customers find the right products for their lakes and ponds. If you need assistance finding the right product for your needs, please let us know.
Julia Webber
President
Fish Farm Supply Co.
Elmira, ON
