‘Bacteria’ is a word that usually causes alarm. But not when it comes to fish ponds. Beneficial water bacteria are microorganisms present in all rivers and natural bodies of water, and they break down muck and organic waste and keep the water healthy for the fish. Without them fish life cannot exist. Ponds and water gardens develop bacteria naturally, like all bodies of water. But since many ponds are made with non-natural materials and chlorine-rich tap water, they tend to have fewer
beneficial bacteria than your average unpolluted lake. In other words, if you don’t add good bacteria to your pond manually, your fish will not have the benefit of developing in a healthy environment. A pond devoid of good bacteria will smell bad, look dirty, and in the long time, cause the death of the fish.
The Benefits of Bacteria For Your Pond
- Eliminate toxins, considerably improving the quality of the water; this increases the health of the fish and speeds up their development.
- Organically clean the pond of murk and natural debris such as leaves and bird droppings.
- Add carbonates that make the pond a better environment for the fish.
- Reduce hydrogen sulfide, nitrites, and ammonia, all of which harm the fish.
- Often increase the efficiency of your pond filter.
It’s important to make the distinction between beneficial pond bacteria and anti-algae or anti-leeches treatments. While the latter are chemicals that sometimes have nasty side effects that affect the plants and the fish, bacteria contain only organic enzymes and are pathogen-free. That said, beneficial bacteria should not be misused or overused. Most products are effective only when they are used at regular intervals, within certain temperature limits. Each product has its own temperature requirements, so make sure you check the package.
Recommended Products Larger ponds with many fish in them are the ones that most need beneficial bacteria, and the majority of professional products available today are formulated for them. A good and affordable product for large ponds is Living Water Aeration’s Pond-Vive, a blend of specialized bacterial strains that improve the clarity of the water, remove excess nutrients and bad odors, and break down the sludge at the bottom of the pond. Find out more about EasyPro Pond-Vive Pond Bacteria - 10 lbs. Sludge Remover Pellets are also good for you pond. They quickly sink to the the bottom of the water, where they release beneficial bacteria that break up the sludge, naturally cleaning up your pond. They are easy to use, inexpensive, and highly effective. You will always want to have a supply in your shed or garage.
Conclusion You should use beneficial bacteria for your pond, but you must do it responsibly, following the instructions provided by the maker of the product. Also, keep in mind that using beneficial bacteria doesn’t mean that you no longer have to clean your pond. Remove floating debris all the time, before it sinks to the bottom, and occasionally, pump out the water, remove the fish, and vacuum-clean the bottom.
