Just as humans take vitamins and probiotics, ponds benefit from good bacteria. But what type should you add? Do they last year after year?

First, bacteria are added to water because they are living organisms that use nutrition floating in the water. Bacteria can also break down complex nutrients into its parts allowing nitrogen gas to escape into the atmosphere. Bacteria are an essential part of the nitrogen cycle of earth whether the bacteria is present in soil or water. When nutrients are consumed by bacteria, any algae present has less food source and can’t grow as well.

Bacteria typically comes as a blend of bacteria’s. Some bacteria work best when water is cool (below 55f) so these are called cold water bacteria. In MN, we use these first.

After the water warms up, typically mid-May, we switch to “beneficial bacteria” which is a blend that works best AFTER water warms past 55f.

When to add bacteria to your pond:

Bacteria need time-time to grow and colonize. For new ponds, add it daily for a week, then add a dose weekly for the growing season. Use the appropriate bacteria for the water temperature.

Bacteria need spots to live, like rocks or gravel or bio balls; things with lots of surface area. The bacteria likes filter pads too, which is why we recommend only rinsing off the big stuff only from filter pads. Bacteria also needs oxygen so flowing water helps it grow best.

Bacteria stored from previous years may not be as effective. Because it is a living thing, storage temperatures can affect how viable the bacteria are. Freezing temps can kill off bacteria.

Many brands of bacteria are available and will work. Liquid bacteria is best purchased fresh each year. It is the easiest to use.

Powdered bacteria may be a bit more shelf stable especially if it wasn’t frozen. Mix powdered bacteria in a small container of water to dissolve, then pour into your waterfall or fish pond.

Pets and bacteria:

Because bacteria are part of a healthy, living ecosystem, ponds treated with bacteria are safe for pets to play in or drink. Beneficial bacteria also help clean the water, preventing bad bacteria, smelly anerobic bacteria, and other undesirables from growing such as avian bird flu. According to Ed Beaulieu, The Pond Professor, beneficial bacteria combined with a good filtration system can remove 99.9% of toxins from your pond water.

Barley Straw in Ponds for Algae Prevention:

Barley straw is another additive that interferes with the metabolic processes of algae. It is NOT a bacteria and is not a living organism. As barley straw decomposes, it releases humic acid. The humic acid is thought to mix with water and create a low dose of hydrogen peroxide which hinders algae growth. So, barley straw is best used as a preventative. It also works best as water warms up because of faster decomposition rates.

Barley straw takes about 6 weeks to begin decomposing in a typical backyard, fish pond. Once the straw begins to rot, you can leave it in your pond for the entire season. You can speed up the process by using liquid barley extract but may need to add it once in a while.

If you have pond questions , please feel free to contact us at info@mnponds.com. Our goal is to help you enjoy your pond fullhy!