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Barley Straw - the natural algae control Questions and Answers: Q. When is the best time to put barley straw in my pond? A. As soon as possible in early spring. Barley straw is a preventative so ideally as soon as the ice melts. Q. What is I missed the early opportunity- is it still worth it? A. Absolutely, even a pea soup scummy pond can be turned around with barley straw. It takes longer to be effective if the pond is already green, but it will work. Algae is always cycling or aging, so you have to wait a couple weeks for the existing algae to die of "old age" Q. Why should I use barley straw? A. Barley straw is non toxic, inexpensive, overall beneficial to pond life and most importantly- it works to control algae. Q. How does it work? A. As the straw decomposes it produces natural enzymes that release hydrogen peroxide and several beneficial enzymes into the water and inhibits the start of new algae cells. Q. Will it work in my big retention pond? A. It works best in ponds that have a recirculating water system with a waterfall or filter so water flows through the straw. We have seen many reports that it works in still water ponds, but not as quickly or as effectively. It always works better where there is not a lot of suspended solids (gunk) that can settle on and coat the barley Q. How much barley straw do I need? A. The studies in Britain show application rates are best determined by total surface area of the pond, the level of algae infestation and the temperature. It can be quite confusing, since it is all natural and non-toxic we suggest go higher in amount if in doubt. Q. Where do I put the straw? A. The best place is where the greatest water volume will flow through it. If it fits put it in the filter box,skimmer box, filterfalls. You can also anchor it at the base of the base of the waterfalls. Q. How do I know when to replace my barley straw? A. The straw lasts about 6 months, in hot weather it my decline in effectiveness after 3 months. When you pick it up and it falls apart- it's time. If it gets covered in silt wash it off and put it back. If algae ever starts growing on it- it's way over due for replacement. Q. Is there a alternate to using barley straw? A. yes, now the enzymes that work to suppress string algae are available in Ultra Clear SST. liquid concentrate. The most effective new product we've seen in decades. We normally use SST and barley together so the SST. works fast and then the barley takes over the rest of the season.
Certified Organic Barley Straw is contained in Sturdy
mesh bags
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