Barley Straw Pond Filtration Naturally Solves Algae Problems
Those who have ponds want to enjoy pleasant appearing clear water and this can be a real challenge.
A common problem in the backyard pond is overgrowth of algae, a microscopic plant that can be really ugly and slimy and detract from any water feature.
There are many approaches to controlling algae and cleaning the water in ponds and one of them is to use barley straw as part of your pond filtration.
This is an all natural material that has ancient roots in water treatment and appeals to those who want low technology and nontoxic methods rather than mechanical and chemical treatments.
Pond filters are certainly effective, but they use electricity and require wiring that can be problematic and the bills come month after month.
Chemical algae killers also work, but many do not want toxic chemicals in their yards or ponds.
If there are fish in a pond or other creatures, chemicals may be even less desirable.
Barley straw pond filtration has roots in the ancient practice of throwing straw and hay into ponds and lakes to purify them.
While some of it may have been founded in superstitions, the composition of barley straw makes it actually work.
Best of all, it is natural with no harmful chemicals and is reasonably priced.
Barley straw is hollow, and when used for filtration water can enter the stems and helps them breakdown more readily.
With the breaking down, natural carbohydrates are freed and these bind onto algae and make them sink to the bottom of the pond.
There, they will decompose, as they settle, greenish ugly water clears naturally and effectively.
This requires no special knowledge or tools.
You simply buy barley pads or miniature bales of barley straw ready made.
These need to float on the surface, so they will have cork material or other flotation devices attached to them.
You do need a little patience when first using barley straw, because it takes a little time for the process to start up.
Then you only need to change the pads or bales about every six months.
Many recommend putting the new pads or bales in about a month before the time is up so when the old ones come out the new ones are really working well.
The overlap prevents the algae from having a chance to "bloom" while new barley is breaking down.
There's no maintenance between replacements, and the cost is low, generally $10 or so for average size ponds for six months of use.
Barley straw pond filtration works for most people and most ponds and is certainly worth a try to get rid of ugly algae without the hassle and power bills of conventional filters or the risks of toxic chemicals.
It is an affordable and low tech solution to caring for a pond and enjoying it to its fullest.
A common problem in the backyard pond is overgrowth of algae, a microscopic plant that can be really ugly and slimy and detract from any water feature.
There are many approaches to controlling algae and cleaning the water in ponds and one of them is to use barley straw as part of your pond filtration.
This is an all natural material that has ancient roots in water treatment and appeals to those who want low technology and nontoxic methods rather than mechanical and chemical treatments.
Pond filters are certainly effective, but they use electricity and require wiring that can be problematic and the bills come month after month.
Chemical algae killers also work, but many do not want toxic chemicals in their yards or ponds.
If there are fish in a pond or other creatures, chemicals may be even less desirable.
Barley straw pond filtration has roots in the ancient practice of throwing straw and hay into ponds and lakes to purify them.
While some of it may have been founded in superstitions, the composition of barley straw makes it actually work.
Best of all, it is natural with no harmful chemicals and is reasonably priced.
Barley straw is hollow, and when used for filtration water can enter the stems and helps them breakdown more readily.
With the breaking down, natural carbohydrates are freed and these bind onto algae and make them sink to the bottom of the pond.
There, they will decompose, as they settle, greenish ugly water clears naturally and effectively.
This requires no special knowledge or tools.
You simply buy barley pads or miniature bales of barley straw ready made.
These need to float on the surface, so they will have cork material or other flotation devices attached to them.
You do need a little patience when first using barley straw, because it takes a little time for the process to start up.
Then you only need to change the pads or bales about every six months.
Many recommend putting the new pads or bales in about a month before the time is up so when the old ones come out the new ones are really working well.
The overlap prevents the algae from having a chance to "bloom" while new barley is breaking down.
There's no maintenance between replacements, and the cost is low, generally $10 or so for average size ponds for six months of use.
Barley straw pond filtration works for most people and most ponds and is certainly worth a try to get rid of ugly algae without the hassle and power bills of conventional filters or the risks of toxic chemicals.
It is an affordable and low tech solution to caring for a pond and enjoying it to its fullest.