Probiotics play a big part in the health of water. When we say probiotics, we mean bacteria strains and enzymes that feed the “good” microbes in an ecosystem. When they’re added into ponds and lakes they break down organic matter and leave less for algae, restricting its growth and negative effects.
Lots of dam and pond owners rely on chemical treatments to remove algae. This is great for a limited time. But as a long-term solution? Not really. These chemicals often harm both “good” and “bad” bacteria by upsetting their natural balance. Plus, over time species build up an immunity to chemical use which leads to a never-ending cycle of higher and higher doses.
A long-term solution that works? Probiotics. While probiotics don’t kill algae directly, the “good” bacteria they feed do consume and deplete nutrients in a water body which starves out the algae. There simply isn’t enough food for both to flourish.
Understanding the Importance of “Good” (Beneficial) Bacteria
Beneficial bacteria is also known as aerobic (oxygen-loving) bacteria. We call them the “good” bacteria for simplicity. “Good” bacteria is absolutely essential when it comes to water health, whether that’s a pond or a larger water source such as a dam. They thrive in oxygen-rich environments. In contrast, “bad” anaerobic bacteria grow in low-oxygen areas and produce foul and often toxic gases.
Effective probiotics contain a combination of specialised bacteria strains, enzymes, trace elements, and micronutrients. These all work together to support and sustain both introduced and native microbial populations. So, it’s a balance of introducing new “good” microbes and feeding the “good” microbes already in the water body.
It’s important to note, high quality probiotics don’t overwhelm water with new “good” bacteria. They are more focused on nurturing what’s already there. After all, the existing native bacteria have already adapted to the specific conditions of the ecosystem. Nurtured correctly, they’re more likely to thrive long-term. There is no point introducing a truckload of new bacteria if they all immediately die.
How Probiotics Work Against Algae
Algae isn’t welcome in a healthy pond and probiotics can help reduce the risk of it forming. Some dam, lake, or pond owners rely on chemicals to fix their algae problem. And this can be an effective short-term solution. But the real value is going upstream to the cause of the algae problem, and tackling that. This is what probiotics do.
Here’s how probiotics help:
Reduce Nutrients
In water rich in nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, algae thrives. These come from sources like:
- Fish waste
- Wildlife excrement
- Decaying plants
- Dead animals and insects
- Runoff from fertilisers
Algae blooms thrive when there is an abundance of nutrients in the water. By consuming these nutrients–through ratcheting up populations of “good” bacteria–you cut off the food source to algae. This prevents the algae from growing, and with a great enough population of “good” bacteria, the algae will begin to starve and recede.
Decomposing Organic Matter
Decaying organic matter includes:
- Dead leaves and plant material
- Fish waste and uneaten fish food
- Sludge at the bottom of the pond
All organic matter that enters a water body ends up on the dam floor as sludge. This sludge becomes a continual source of nutrients to water and essentially acts as fertiliser for algae.
“Good” bacteria break down this organic waste and help to prevent sludge and nutrients from accumulating. As a result, the “good” bacteria cut off the algae’s food supply and stop it from growing.
Improving Filtration Efficiency
Probiotics supercharge the filtration process when they’re combined with biological filtration systems. Instead of allowing waste to accumulate, probiotics help filtration systems work better. And this prevents conditions that promote algae blooms.
Benefits of Using Probiotics in Your Pond
Rather than relying on short-term chemical treatments, probiotics provide long-term and effective results. Probiotics create a healthier and self-sustaining aquatic ecosystem by working to strengthen beneficial bacterial populations.
Using probiotics in your pond offers these key benefits:
Natural Algae Control
Probiotics offer a long-term, natural solution for starving out populations of algae and preventing it from growing. By encouraging the growth of “good” bacteria, probiotics help to make sure this bacteria outcompetes algae for nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. This is a natural solution and doesn’t harm fish or aquatic life the same way chemical treatments might.
Improved Water Quality
Excess nutrients can cause problems in water and probiotics help to stabilise the conditions and avoid them. Probiotics support native bacteria that already exist in the pond and strengthen it to its surroundings. By reducing harmful ammonia and nitrite levels, which can be toxic to fish and aquatic life, the water quality becomes healthier and the condition of the water is stabilised.
Reduced Odours
“Bad” anaerobic (oxygen-hating) bacteria produce gases like hydrogen sulfide. You might know this as the gas that smells like rotten eggs. As anaerobic bacteria break down organic matter, it releases more of this smell. Probiotics promote “good” bacteria and they outcompete “bad” bacteria. This “good” bacteria breaks down organic matter as a natural biological process, reducing odour production.
Healthier Ecosystem
“Good” bacteria help to maintain a stable and balanced environment within a water body. And that is crucial for the aquatic organisms’ and microbes’ health. “Good” bacteria is encouraged by beneficial fungi and nutrient cycling microorganisms, and it helps in long-term pond health. Probiotics act at the microbial level, not as a temporary solution, but to create a healthy environment where the aquatic ecosystem can thrive.
Reduces Sludge
“Good” bacteria work to break down organic sludge that forms at the bottom of a water body. This consists of decaying plant matter and fish waste. And these are extremely nutrient-heavy. The “good” bacteria prevents excess nutrients from accumulating and fueling algae growth. Probiotics support these bacteria, helping them thrive and work more efficiently, reducing sludge buildup.
Choosing the Right Probiotic: Why Biostim is the Best Choice
We recommend Biostim, a 100% natural probiotic designed to improve water quality by supporting the “good” bacteria already present in your pond, dam, or lagoon. This is our own label of probiotics and something we back because of the results.
Though it contains bacterial strains, its true power comes from encouraging the growth of natural microbes, not adding new ones that may not survive. This is why slogans like ‘1 billion cultures in every bottle’ are misleading – the bacteria won’t survive without the right conditions.
Biostim works effectively because it includes enzymes, trace elements, and micronutrients, which help sustain native bacteria, leading to a healthier, more balanced ecosystem in the long run.
How to Introduce Probiotics to Your Pond or Dam
Keeping your pond or dam healthy with probiotics is easy. Add them to the water and let nature handle the rest!
Follow these key tips for the best results:
Choose the Right Biostim for Your Pond
Biostim comes in different forms: powder, liquid, tablets, and pellets. Liquids act fast, powders tackle the water column, and tablets/pellets are more focused on sludge.
Follow the Dosage Instructions
You can’t “overdose” your pond with Biostim, it’s 100% natural. That said, using the right amount helps make your supply last longer and will give you the best results. Technically you can’t use too much. But it’s always good to save money on replacing it where you can.
Use It Regularly
Probiotics aren’t a one-off solution and work best with consistent use. In summer, when algae and weeds grow at a rapid rate, you may need to increase the dosage. In winter, when growth slows, you can cut back.
Combine with Aeration for Maximum Impact
Probiotics love oxygen. Adding aeration (like a fountain or air pump) boosts “good” bacteria, helping them break down waste and clear the water even faster. We say 1 + 2 = 3 because probiotics and aeration together give results far greater than using either alone.
Final Thoughts
At Water Quality Solutions, we’re passionate about helping you get the clear, healthy water you’re looking for. We sell Biostim and believe in its excellent quality and the results it provides.
Biostim works to naturally reduce the nutrients that algae thrives on without the use of harsh chemicals, supporting a balanced ecosystem. Explore Biostim and its benefits. Or, for more information, get in touch with us today.