When sludge becomes a problem
Sludge or ‘muck’ is the result of organic matter that accumulates over time and exists at the bottom of every dam. Sludge becomes a hassle if it begins to emit an unpleasant odour or houses excess nutrients. Nasty smells are bad enough, but excess nutrients are essentially just a delicious meal for aquatic weed and algae, so this can lead to algal blooms and other issues which can spring up very quickly.
Bugs that eat algae food!
Whilst introducing oxygen to your waterbody via aeration is the biggest and best step you can take to ensure water health, there’s another proven science that should not be ignored: Bioaugmentation.
This is because, aeration and bioaugmentation work hand in hand to optimize the integrity of your dam.
Bio…huh?
Bioaugmentation is the process of introducing bacteria, micronutrients, enzymes, and stimulants to the water to biodegrade groundwater contaminants, in other words busy bacteria that eats sludge!
There are numerous methods of introducing good bugs to your dam, but our favourite has got to be in pellet form.
What does a biological pellet look like?
Biological pellets are small, dry brown bullets that become alive and release probiotics when in contact with water. They immediately sink, landing directly onto the muck and get to work by delivering essential bio-stimulants and select bacterial cultures. Results are seen within two weeks.
How exactly will biological pellets help?
- They balance the ecosystem of the water by consuming the nutrients that algae and aquatic weeds require to survive. (aka the algae starve to death!)
- By ensuring consistently healthier water, you will be able to stock larger numbers of fish.
- By organically digesting muck, the costs of mechanical dredging are drastically reduced.
- The broad spectrum of organisms found in biological pellets typically eat up 70% of sludge in a dam.
- Pellets lower ammonia levels by introducing bacteria that is pH-friendly.
What kind of organic matter do biological pellets eat?
Dead leaves, grass and weeds. Waterfowl waste and fish poos!
What don’t they like eating?
Sticks, gravel, rock and sand.
Are they safe for my fish?
Our biological pellets and fish friendly which means they are 100% non-toxic to your fish if consumed.
Where do I apply biological pellets?
You can concentrate the application directly onto specific areas like shorelines but to experience full sludge-eating effects, get in your kayak, load up the fertiliser spreader and distribute them evenly over the targeted area in your dam! Always speak to an Aquatic Specialist for the best advice in treating your dam.
When do I use them?
Unlike traditional treatments like algaecides and herbicides, biological pellets are both a preventative and a cure, meaning application can be made at any time of the year, adjusting only your dosage rate according to whether your mission is upkeep or to attack!
Whilst we recommend that the pellets are applied year-round, it is worth noting that these very hungry bugs become even hungrier with warmer weather, so it is best to apply the pellets when it is warmer than 17 degrees Celsius and under 55 degrees Celsius.