I just purchased several of these, following indications from some net sources that they will help suppress algae growth. Are there any learned opinions on this? Good idea? Bad idea? Other ideas? My pond is new last fall, it is starting to show some filamentous algae growth, it is in the shade for the most part, and of course, there is not yet an established plant population.
Thanks
Vicki
Barley straw bales ......
Dear Wanna, Please use the barley straw, it will make a world of difference, and save you a lot of frustration it releases a natural chemical that surpresses string algae.
I know some people say that it doesn't make and difference, but....
We put in a 1 acre pond last year and there are 3 bales of barley in the pond and no algae, also our smaller pond, no algae.
I really believe in it.
Thanks so much, Annnabelle - this is what I was hoping to get - a solid testimonial!!! I already have one bale floating on its tether - my pond is one of those black vinyl preformed things, so presume one bale should be enough. I have the others so that I can keep it going as time goes on. I had never seen these before, so I bought what they had because it was there!!! Of course, being a new ponder, I am sure that my eyes are going to open to many new things!
In as much as I already have some minimal filamentous algae going w/o warm water/weather inspiration, I can also take comfort in the fact that there should be no more of that stuff coming along.
Thank you again!!!!!
Just make sure you keep it floating where air and water both can hit it. Place it new a water fall or some other water movement. If it starts to sink, place some styrophone in the bag or tie it to the bale. You have to keep air and light/water all at the same time.
We used it last year also and it worked very well.
Paul
I think the floating problem has been managed, as the vendor of this item has put a float inside the net that holds the straw. I have it tethered in such a way that it is near the place where the water splashes back into the pond. It may look a little misplaced - or foreign - but as soon as the pond vegetation gets up on top, that should be somewhat tempered.
I appreciate so much the time that folks are taking to comment on this.
Vicki
Where do you get these Barley Straw Bales? We just put in a pond this winter and I am seeing string alge also. Also have a Lotus in a large round tub by its self. How do you keep algea from growing in there? Can tell Im new at this huh?Thanks for any info from the Great Ponders out there!
In your lotus pot, I use a product called algae fix. You can get it at petsmart and some other retail stores. I have even seen it at my local walmart in the pond section. Don't use algae destroyer. That will harm your plants.
I purchased my bales of barley at a local pond place. But this year I am going to grow my own. My father in law is tilling me up a section of land to grow my own. Should save me lots of money next year.
I use barley straw balls. I've used them for 3 years now and they really help. I used one ball in each of my ponds, of course my ponds are not large, the largest one is for my goldfish, it is sort of oval shaped, 9 ft across and about 12 feet long, and 30" deep in deepest place. You have to bet a permit in this area if deeper than 30". they have several new products using barley out now. I think I will get a kind to use in the small containers where I planted the lotus. Donna
The key for barley to work is air, light, water. I would recomend using barley in a net bag instead of a ball. You get more circulation through this. That might have been your problem. I had much sucess with barley and I have many ponds.
For great prices on barley straw go to www.naturalsolutions.com. The straw is the best quality and the prices and low.
That link for bales does not work for me ---- hmmm! I got mine at the local nursery in the pond equipment section, but as I said earlier, this was the first time I had ever seen them.
Vicki
Thanks for the info.My DH kinda cringes at the sight of algae.I told him I would fix it!HeHe and I didnt have a clue how.Gonna give it a try.
I found the link to natural solutions: http://www.naturalsolutionsetc.com/ - and the prices do look good. Thanks, Annabelle!!!!!