QUALIFYING PONDS

When qualifying ponds, be sure to pay close attention to the volume of water in the pond and the depth of the water. Small shallow ponds present difficult problems to overcome for biological treatment, especially when trying to out-compete algae.

To calculate surface acreage for larger ponds:
Pond length x width ÷ 43,560 = Surface Acres

To calculate pond volume for small to medium ponds:
Pond length x width x depth x 3.75 = volume (gallons).

The majority of the problem ponds center around being either too small, too shallow or both! In small ponds and in shallow ponds there is usually a lack of oxygen, as well as a lack of food for the bacteria. This not only limits bacterial action, but often times make it next to impossible to out-compete algae.

Our bacteria actually digest the animal and plant wastes (this clarifies the water and eliminates the odors). Algae control is achieved by out-competing the algae for their food (nitrogen and phosphorus). The "backbone" of the H2Organic program is as follows:

The algae bloom is not the problem! The problem is excess nutrient build-up in the water (mostly nitrogen and phosphorus). Once these nutrients reach a high enough level, they will trigger and algae bloom. The algae bloom can happen within 24-48 hours, once this nutrient level is reached.

The goal of our bacteria is to reduce the level of excess nutrients in the water and out-compete the algae. This process usually takes 4-5 weeks, give or take.

When starting with an existing algae problem, an EPA approved algaecide, should ALWAYS be used to kill the algae, before using H2Organic. The H2Organic program should be started 48 hours after the algaecide has been applied!

A very important variable to remember is that the algae has potential to re-bloom within these first 4-5 weeks of treatment with H2Organic until the bacteria have reduced the level of excess nutrients. If a re-bloom occurs, just spot treat the problem area(s) with a liquid algaecide as before (always remembering to apply algaecides 48 hours before your weekly dose of H2Organic is due to be applied). BE PATIENT and wail the 4-5 weeks for the bacteria to take over.

Even when you do not start with algae problems, if your nutrient levels are high enough to support an algae bloom, you can easily get caught in the bloom / re-bloom cycle, at any time during the first 4-5 weeks of treatment! Again, continue the H2Organic program and wait it out!

A quick reminder that our bacteria will not clear up murky water caused from mud or clay. Mud and clay are inorganic and not able to be digested by the bacteria!

Also remember to stay away from planktonic algae. Only treat filamentous algae (the mossy, floating type)!

Always check the retention of the pond to confirm the bacteria will not be pumped out or flushed out of the system.

Always check the pH and temperature of the water!

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