Discovery of Some Pond Products

[goldenpuon]

I noticed Barley and other products were being sold that I had never heard of for ponds by Carl and one of the sites on his "Great Links" page I forgot the name of.

These include Pond Keeper beneficial bacteria w/ barley straw and Pond Keeper beneficial bacteria blocks.

I also saw a product sold on the site under "Great Links" (the one I forgot the name of) which is some kind of clay you put into a pond that is supposed to absorb ammonia, nitrites, and other toxins. I looked at the article Pond Information and Aquarium Answers and did not find information on these (other than a brief explanation of barley).

I do not of course own a pond. Still, I am curious how these products work as I have never heard of them nor seen them sold before and would like to learn more. Does anyone know how these work and how effective they are? Also, are they suitable for aquariums as well as ponds?

Carl, I personally think information such as this that goes more in-depth into this in the Pond Information article would be helpful to many pond owners and fishkeepers that are curious about it. As well, these are not commonly sold products from what I know (at least for aquariums) so providing information on them might be helpful. That's my two cents.

Renee

[Carl]

I do have information on the Pond Care Sub Article:
Pond Green Water Control

Here is a quote:

Barley Straw; this is a so-so method in my opinion for green water control, however this can work or aid in green water control especially in milder cases or in conjunction with other methods and parameter controls. Barley Straw products work best when combined with other methods or products, Pond Keeper with Barley Straw is a much better Barley and effective Barley product as it is combined with Heterotrophic Bacteria. Pellets or even extract are more effective than plain straw due to the higher concentration of Iodine which has been shown to be the effective ingredient in this method.

The Pond Care Blocks are mentioned in the Bio Care Section of the Pond Care Article (which I just revamped this section prior to your question)

These are a good product but inferior to SeaChem Stability

Thanks for noting this products and information

Carl

[goldenpuon]

Thanks for the information. You're welcome. I guess I did not look hard enough in your articles. Sorry about that.

P.S. I realized I posted 2 of the exact same topic instead of one. My computer's internet was freezing a bit last night and thought the first tiopic hadn't posted. I'm going to delete one of these since they are the same.

[cashay]

I have tried or should I say I use the Pond Keeper beneficial bacteria w/ barley straw and Pond Keeper beneficial bacteria blocks. I like the products it seems to have really helped out my pond alot. Has not hurt my fish in anyway, and very easy to use I would recommend them.
I don't think I would use them in my aquarium tanks in the house but yes to a pond. I would stick to the wonder shells for the inside tanks.