Barley Straw Extract Put To The Test In My Pond

[@alysonodell6929]

Hi, Id like to point out a few things here. Firstly, barley extract is an enzyme based concentration. It works through process of prevention. Meaning the special enzyme yielded by decomposition of barley straw will stop or slow algae growth. The enzyme cannot eat or decompose existing algae growth. I would recommend physically removing the majority of the algae and starting regular barley straw treatment. This will prevent algae from taking over. Second, if you would like to do this more cost effectively, you can use a bail or bundle of barley straw directly in the pond for constant algae growth control. It should be noted however that the control enzyme is a product of aerobic decomposition of the barley straw. Beautiful pond by the way.

[@Wrighty]

+alyson odell Hi Alyson, Thank you. I just wish they had told me that when I bought it. Instead I was sold it as an algae cure. Now I have my pond clear of algae and understand how it works, I will use it to keep the algae down. Thanks again. Terry.

[@g0fvt]

+alyson odell Thank you for the explanation, our little pond was plagued with green algae, I fished it out frequently but a few days later it would be back with a vengeance, now I have a bag of barley straw suspended in the filter barrel and no more green algae. The effect was far from instant but seems to be successful.

[@helainewilliams8253]

My husband and I are beginners at making a pond work, but what we found out is that if surround the pond with nice shade loving plants, and stock the pond carefully it clears after a couple of months, it is so balanced now that we hardly have to feed the fish, to much food cause's ammonia and nitrate build up, ideal for all sorts of algae.

[@sevensurvival]

Your pond is crystal clear. Barley straw is for the tiny micro algae suspended in Your water, and not string algae. I look at string algae as desirable in small quantities . You have to physically remove that stuff. Your pond looks good, excellent job Mate. Respect

[@Wrighty]

Hi Ivan, Thank you. This is one of my old videos. I now use Cloverleaf and get no algae problems at all. Thanks, Terry.

[@aaronkroeker2079]

For anyone who thinks barley extract doesn’t work you are wrong. You add it a the beginning of the season and if you have more plants in you pond there would be less algae

[@ladyb9648]

I found using actual Barley Straw loose into the pond works better and faster. It is less expensive than the Barley logs and you can use it as much as needed. You should be able to see improvement within 4-7 days not weeks.

[@pondguru]

The main problem with biological treatments is they tend to work with bacteria and enzymes which are much more active when the water is warmer so in the winter you may as well have poured it down the drain. The place you bought it from should have advised to use the barley straw extract from spring through autumn and I'm surprised it isn't on the container about water temperature so I'd be well miffed if I was you. Best solution I have found so far is Velda I-Tronic as it does an awesome job on blanketweed since it is temperature independent. The water test is very strange as you'd normally expect the ammonia and nitrite to be zero and nitrate to be high with all that plastic media in the filters so you're probably right that the weed is using up the nitrate.

[@Wrighty]

Hi m8, Thanks for that. No one told me it is no good in cold water and it's not on the container. As soon as the water warms a little I'll give you a shout and give the Velda I-Tronic a try. Thanks for info. Terry.

[@pondguru]

Wrighty No worries, any time.

[@sirdukeusa3289]

Also golden pothos is very good at keeping nitrites and nitrates down. I use it in all my 13 fish tanks, just break off a couple pieces of the plant and put in the tanks, but with the pond, I'd set the whole pot in. It's safe for the fish, actually I have some planted in my tanks, moving them all outdoor with the potted pothos.

[@sevensurvival]

It worked, Your water is crystal clear. It's not for string algae, but the suspended type that clouds Your water pea soup green. the worst kind. I like string algae, it's desirable, and helps keep Your water clear. My Koi eat it. Thanks, for Your work. Respect

[@joshuawoods1181]

Ivan Quin I agree , I got rid of my string algae then the single celled took over and turned it soup green.

[@kellyvb9881]

That S%$T doesnt do ANYTHING except cost you MONEY. It's all SNAKE OIL! I bought a Muck Block a year ago that said it could clear a 6 acre lake of the green muck that settles on the bottom. My pond is 4000 US gallons, It didn't do a thing, except cost me MONEY! The only way I get rid of the stuff is vacuum it out.

[@zzman5306]

Barley isn't an algaecide. If you want dead algae use algaecide and clarifier and then use barley to control algae growth and as a clarifier.

[@johnaddisoncull]

Scoop the existing algae out manually and any further algae ought to be prevented due to the barley straw extract

[@BoSSLeVeLs]

Love the old walls round the garden 👍🏻

[@bombaybargainer]

I had same problem, normally the ponds algae is manageable, but the last year, omg it was like a jungle. Anyway, I've cleaned away as much as I can, and now added a net of barley straw, let's see what is like this year.

[@Wrighty]

Hi Vijay, the best thing I have found that really works is the Cloverleaf Blanket Answer. Have a look at this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6uYiGdvpraDr5o Regards, Terry.

[@elihuthompson626]

Add some talpia to your pond and they will help keep your algea down

[@workplaceshenanigans5933]

I actually LOVE the look of the algae in the pond. Very clean and natural looking.

[@kyletayler18]

All your ponds look amazing!! How did you build a waterfall like that? Thinking of adding one to mine as a return from the filter. Do you use the same liner under the waterfall as the main pond liner?

[@Wrighty]

Thanks mate, You can cut a separate piece of liner if your pond liner is not big enough. Just make sure you overhang the pond liner well. Terry.

[@snackymcgoo1539]

buy some amano shrimp, they eat string algae. Also, other kinds of critters eat algae. try it out.

[@Wrighty]

Thanks mate, I will look into it. Thanks again, Terry.

[@Mslibor1]

Barley straw made the biggest mess ever

[@maxiculture]

Why don't the carp eat it? They eat anything.

[@anovemberstar]

Omg your pond is AMAZING!!

[@Wrighty]

Thank you very much appreciated. Trouble is, we have moved now to a new house and that pond has been filled in. I have built a new pond at the new house which I show in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnfTi6OOlK1jnJY Thanks again, Terry.

[@steelersgod]

I see your video editing is getting better. Got yourself on the good side of the lens!! Love how you can roll up your net. Question: do you have a net because of prey in the past, or did you install straight away? Great video as always. Look forward to the next one. Happy ponding.

[@Wrighty]

Hi Ron, How you doing m8. Not heard much on how your ponds going lately. I Had a Heron at my old pond, so I don't take the chance now. When I've rolled my net up I can also unclip the pole and put the whole lot in the garage out the way. That way I can enjoy my pond with no net in sight. It takes 2 minutes to remove and the same to put back. There are herons in our area so I cant risk it even though I hate to see a net on it. Do let me know how things are going with your pond m8. Happy Ponding lol

[@o0junglist0o93]

Barley does not touch string algae (blanket weed), only suspended (green water)

[@poochie49]

I agree. No harm to the fish. I did put in a bag of barley straw in the spring and it definitely did keep the string algae in check for a while. I have made up a custom string algae puller. I cut a patch of hardware cloth and fastened it to a broom handle making sure the points are protruding. I twirl the patch onto the algae and I do get quite a bit out. Sometime about 5 lbs worth. Again my water is clear and the fish are healthy..it just looks creepy.

[@Wrighty]

Hi poochie49, I use cloverleaf blanket answer now. It really works and now I find I only have to use it once a year and it keeps my pond clear. This video shows the first time I used it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6uYiGdvpraDr5o Thanks, Terry.

[@dannymills69]

I also made a 'custom algae puller' ! It consists of a large bottle brush, stuffed into a long plastic overflow pipe (about 3m). I twirl it around and it kind of catches the string algae and gently extracts it from leaves of the pond plants. I have realised I have an excess of available nitrogen (non free in the water, thanks to the string algea) so I've removed the string algea manually, doubled the number of plants and will try Terry's Cloverleaf suggestion. Not sure if I should add it all year round? It's August now...

[@Savag3216]

It is not used to kill algae, it is designed to clarify water and it's exceptional at doing the job, now if you spring clean the pond and add it imediatly, then yes it will help keep algae away along with with other actual algae products. It will leave your water crystal for months with minor maintenance

[@BoSSLeVeLs]

Best way to get rid of it is to get in and clean it lol Anyone got any miracle treatment I’d love to know

[@krixus72]

Muckaway

[@davidphilion1432]

Add more plants

[@magpiemale]

Yeah water cress in baskets soaks up nitrates n starved algae

[@aaronkroeker2079]

David Philion exactly if you add plants there would be less or no algae

[@stevemarks9360]

It's not capfulls, it's caps full! You should be adding barley straw itself, the extract will occur naturally.

[@toddblack479]

Hi Wrighty. I was using Oase AlGo Universal which would knock the algae around but never get rid of it. So i tried barley straw extract simply because it was in the local hardware shop when i was there. I was hoping it would work as its much cheaper then the Oase product. After 4 weeks, no difference at all. So i doubled the dose, and the change has been incredible. Having read the comments of Pondguru, I will say that this was done during an Australian spring/summer so water temp isn't a problem. kzbin.info/www/bejne/on2WoX6QpcyHgas shows before/after.

[@Wrighty]

Hi Todd, Pond looks great mate. I have herd of several that have had success with the barley straw extract just lately, and was thinking of giving it a go this year. I think last time I used it my water temp was too cold for it to work. I will give it a try in the new year and see how I get on. Thanks for the update. Terry.

[@darylogle6696]

No algae eaters

[@krixus72]

Muck a way

[@markyapril7235]

What did u add in the end to rid growing algae

[@Wrighty]

Hi Mark, I ended up using Cloverleaf Blanket answer, and I still use it today, and find it excellent. You can see me using it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6uYiGdvpraDr5o hope this helps, Terry.

[@nigelwilkinson605]

Hi terry do you know if i can I use Formalachite with me having sturgeon in my pond as I know some treatments for koi will harm sturgeon. also your pond looks free from blanket weed whot did you finish up using to get rid,i have small amount in mine it clogs k1 and makes it rise above water level,so I have to keep pushing it back under to stop it overflowing plus cleaning first filter out every week, thanks NIGEL WILKINSON PS building new 2nd pond this year will send photos...

[@Wrighty]

Nigel wilkinson Hi Nigel,How you doing m8. To be honest I don't know. It doesn't say anything on the bottle, only the doseage, and I've never kept sturgeon so I can't help m8, sorry. I'm keeping my algae down at the moment with my pond vac, but as soon as the water warms up a bit more I'm going to do another Barley Extract test. so there'll be another video on the way lol. Sorry I can't help m8. Terry.

[@Judy-qv8qj]

I use barley logs I put 2 in my skimmer and they last for4 months , they are great my water has very little algae and the water is so clear ! I love them , only thing you have to be patient it takes a while to start working , why don’t you try to take out some of the algae by hand , you may have to do that first , your pond has a lot of algae , well good luck 👍🍀

[@Wrighty]

Hi Judy, thank you for the advice. This is quite an old video, and I now use Cloverleaf Blanket Answer which keep the algae at bay. I also have a new pond now if your interested. This was the last pond build video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnfTi6OOlK1jnJY thanks again, Terry.

[@vly9497]

Lovely pond there. I just used barley straw bugs which is slightly different t and it works!

[@Wrighty]

Thanks for the info, will take a look, Terry

[@m1942g]

Hi, very nice pond! And your garden looks great. I have a small pond < 1000 gal and found over the years that a product name Algaefix works like a charm. I don’t know if it is available in the UK but give it a try if it is. Also, I find my fish do a pretty good job devouring the algae which builds up in winter, if left to their devices. The netting seems like a pain to manage. I tried that after I lost some koi to herons but it was a pain and not very attractive. But what I found really works is to set up an underwater refuge for the fishies. In my case I submerged several plastic milk crates in the middle of the pond held down with slabs of slate. I made sure to cut holes in the sides large enough to accommodate the largest fish. Also, the slates have a large enough overhang to discourage raccoons and fisher cats from rooting around under water. For the larger koi I left the center of the refuge open (like circlin’ the wagons😋) so they don’t lose time trying to squeeze through holes in the milk crates. The slate doubles as a nice platform for aquatic plant pots and which also impedes critters trying to use it as a platform to go fishing.

[@Wrighty]

Hi, thank you for you tips. I no longer have this pond as we have moved to a new house. This is the last video of 5 of my new pond build: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnfTi6OOlK1jnJY Thanks again, Terry.

[@iceman4856]

Great your parameters are in check and water is crystal clear 😁...maybe if you physically remove most of the hair algae ...the barley extract may keep it dormant ? ...just a thought Sir .. Great video ...your fish are Beautiful .. Ty ..👌👍

[@Wrighty]

Hi John, thank you. I do use cloverleaf on my algae now and it works a treat. You can see me using it in this video. Thanks, Terry.

[@daviddelalla4126]

Rather than leaving it in a bale, You need to break it up to increase the surface area of barley exposed to water. We’ve had great success.

[@boysrback5690]

More lily pads will stop it about 3rd to half the pond. I keep my ponds half or a little more reduces Temp during summer as well we get high 90s to 100s for 3 plus months a year. No algae happy koi have to break up the roots every couple of year to reduce lily's give to friends that need some. I also have a few whiskey barrels that I use for aquatic gardens keep pads,lettuce,hyacinth,duckweed etc, snails, frogs. Put fish eggs in during spring to hatch that wind up in the filter or in the roots of lily pads every few years when need more fish for friends or from predators. I have a Heron that loves to get in the pond to eat the small koi. Great looking pond.

[@Wrighty]

Hi mate, This is quite an old video, but thank you for the info all the same, much appreciated. Terry.

[@boysrback5690]

@@Wrighty I know but being off of work because of this BS Virus have a lot of time to watch pond videos of my favorite past time. KZbin recommendations is very weird with old videos lately. Thanks

[@sage6336]

Phosphates also can contribute to algae growth

[@barnbersonol]

I've tried absolutely everything. None of these "miracles" ever work. I just carry out constant 50% water changes.

[@Wrighty]

I now use Cloverleaf Blanket Answer. It does work. Here's a video of when I first used it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6uYiGdvpraDr5o Thanks, Terry.

[@ColossalSwordFormAndTechnique]

Uv sterlizer is safer, expensive. But worth it.

[@sage6336]

UV clarifier I think you mean has no effect on hair algae it doesn't go over the UV

[@rsimontimedance]

Plecos keep my mini pond pretty clean, was thinking about adding some water snails for the tinier spaces. Couldnt hurt to look into it.

[@Wrighty]

Hi Rachael, I remember quite a few years ago I had a couple of plecos and must admit they do there job. I found that after a while my fish were getting white patches on there sides. I eventually found that at night the plecos were sticking to the sides of my koi causing the white patches, so they had to go. I've found Cloverleaf blanket answer does the job. I treat my pond once a year and get no problems. Thanks for the comment, Terry.

[@barriewalker1878]

What a beautiful pond my friend. Did you ever get the algue sorted?

[@Wrighty]

Hi Barrie, and thank you. I don't have this pond any more mate. We moved house and I had to build another. This is the first video of 5 on the new pond build: kzbin.info/www/bejne/boW7fIiZjMeha5I you will find the rest of them on my channel. thanks, Terry.

[@donze52]

I have heard it controls Mosquitos -- does it ?

[@Wrighty]

Hi, I don't know, we don't have many mosquito's. we get gnat's and it doesn't seem to bother them. Terry.

[@sirdukeusa3289]

donze52, If you go to your LPS you should find mosquito fish, rather cheap, the will control mosquito's. I put my fish outdoors in a tub with no filtration to stir up the water, the mosquitos lay eggs and the fish dine on the larva.

[@Claudeblackburn]

Thank you very much, you saved me some money and disappointment

[@annsmusic7077]

You have a beautiful pond !

[@Wrighty]

Thank you, but I have moved now and that one has been filled in. Have a look at my new pond now it's finished. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnfTi6OOlK1jnJY Terry.

[@marchaaaaaaaaaaaa]

Thx for the video. I have a new pond and after two weeks the water started turning green. I bought some barley extract and began treating my green water, I have been treating it for over two weeks and still no visible results. This video confirms I should not through more money away on barley extract.

[@Wrighty]

+marchaaaaaaaaaaaa Hi, They do tell me that it only works when the water is warm, so it can't be used in the winter. If you have green water you need a UV light. That will cure your green water problem. Terry.

[@marchaaaaaaaaaaaa]

+Wrighty Thx for the reply. Yes, winter might be the reason why it is not working, I did buy a UV light and it's cleared up. Thx

[@markpool5128]

Hi Terry, do you have a solution yet for getting rid of blanket week?

[@Wrighty]

Mark Dauncey Hi Mark, I am at the moment keeping the blanket weed down with my pond vac which at the start when my pond was quite bad was a bit of a job, but now I have it under control it's not to bad. I don't mind a small amount as it's good for the pond and the fish like to eat a little, but I am thinking of doing another Barley Extract test as I got the last one wrong it seems. Thanks Terry.

[@melissamclaughlin3240]

I used barley straw in my little back yard pond. It never worked for me. Thanks for making me realize it wasnt me. It doesn't work.

[@Wrighty]

Hi Melissa, Your not on your own lol. I had no joy with it. I use cloverleaf Blanket Answer now and it's brilliant. Works a treat. Terry.

[@melissamclaughlin3240]

Wrighty thanks i will try it if i can find it . Have to ck my fish store in PA USA. You have a beautifull pond and the fish are amazing. I have a tiny pond dont use chemicals do 10% water change every 10 days works to keep it clear. Now to tackle that pesky algae. Dont laugh, my pond is only 5x7 ft 20 inches deep. 2 beautiful fish and one froggie. Happy ponding!

[@Wrighty]

Hi Malissa, Over the years I've found that pond size really doesn't mater, it's the hobby that's important. I've seen ponds 30ft x 20ft and 6ft deep and mountains of money thrown at them. But to be honest, they don't enjoy there pond any more than I do. The Cloverleaf is environment friendly but I don't think it available in the US. Sorry. Lots of pond plants to use up the nutrients that the algae needs. That will helps. Thanks, Terry.

[@joep1551]

Control phosphate.

[@sisha2909]

Funny that! I get string algae in my smaller still ponds that that are in the shade and don't have pumps. I pull it out and put it into my larger pond and the fish love it. The fish are always nipping it off the rocks and plants, I do however add a tablespoon of potassium nitrate to the biofilter of the 10,000lt pond in the beginning of summer to kick the plants into gear so I don't get pea soup and I feed my fish all year round as we don't get snow in South Australia, less nutrient means less algae. I only run a biofilter, no UV and have crystal clear water. When you breakdown string algae you still have too much nutrient, you are best off using a rake. Hope it helps

[@Wrighty]

Sisha Gonsior Hi Sisha, Thank you. Trouble is I get heaps of it. My pond is in the sun all day. I have bought plants and turned up the air in the pond and I now keep it at bay with my pond vac. Thanks again, Terry.

[@sisha2909]

Wrighty Hey Wrighty, as I said before my pond is in full Aussie sun and I don't get string algae in fact I put it in there but my Mum's pond gets less sun than mine but has a problem with string algae, weird, anyway I taped a toilet brush on a long handle so she can remove it that way and not bend down too much. I still think it's the best way coz your'e not adding chemicals to your beautiful fishies. The water may be still too cold for the bacteria to do it's job too. Happy ponding :)

[@Wrighty]

Sisha Gonsior Hi Sisha, Like I was told, because my filter is so efficient at clearing ammonia and nitrites I'm left with nitrate which algae thrives on. Love the idea of the toilet brush. Nice one. as you might know on my last video I dosed the pond with algae killer and I'm still getting it. My garden might be rubbish but I can grow algae Lol. Terry. HAPPY PONDING m8.

[@sisha2909]

Wrighty So I just realized the difference. My pond is full of plants too so I guess they don't give the algae a chance. So I can't grow algae but really good at weeds, can't have it all I guess lol

[@Davidsmith-pf9mm]

Could you not put grass carp in their to keep it down ???

[@Wrighty]

Hi David, There's to much algae for Grass Carp. You would want a lot of fish. Even then the algae would win. Thanks, Terry.

[@markpool5128]

sorry, Blanket weed!!

[@quarrystalker]

blanket answer need say no more

[@ABITOFTHISANDTHAT12]

What a beautiful pond.

[@Wrighty]

A BIT OF THIS AND THAT Thank you for your nice comments. Terry.

[@garybeharrie]

Jesus Christ!!! i thought i had a algae problem. wowzer!

[@Wrighty]

Hi Gary, It use to be a real problem. Because my filter system is so good at removing ammonia and nitrite it leaves the nitrate which algae feeds on. But now I've found Cloverleaf algae killer which I use once a year and I have no more problems. I show it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6uYiGdvpraDr5o Thanks, Terry.

[@garybeharrie]

heya, i have a natural pond. 5x5xlittle over 2m deep. i know its not exactly the minimum size of a natural pond. i have just a pump and many plants in them and 4 koi, small ones at the moment as a test if fish can survive with my well-point water. they are but for the first time algae started this summer. it looks like its clearing actually by itself but yeah, thx for the link. should come in handy in the future as u know these ponds have a mind of their own sometimes.

[@MrFahadaziz1980]

Which test kit is it?

[@Wrighty]

The one I used was the NT Labs Pondlab 200 multi-test.

[@sissymurphy9620]

Water temps help barley work and you can try barley with peat

[@Wrighty]

sissy murphy Hi Sissy, I'd never used barley extract before so I didn't know. What got to me was it never said anything about temperature on the bottle. Not to worry I'll give it another go and try the one with peat like you say. Thanks, Terry.

[@sissymurphy9620]

I had to look it up and it said it does not work below water temps of 60 degrees .Stupid because that is when it is growing .I use with great success a spring and fall additive microb-lift autumn and spring kit .

[@Wrighty]

sissy murphy Thank Sissy, I'll have a look at that. I'm using my pond vac at the moment and now I've got rid of the worst, it's not too bad. about 20 minutes once a week and it's done. Thanks again. Terry.

[@MrBerett315]

Barley extract works as a preventative more effectively than when the colony is already so large. Limit feeding and the fish will feed on the algae

[@dartist64]

It's a beautiful pond! Some of the algae can be removed physically by pulling it, tedious but you dont have to take out all away. The koi lay their eggs in it so some at the bottom is a good thing. Maybe you've had baby koi since this season. Anyway I love the pond, the water is crystal and the koi are happy and look really nice.

[@Wrighty]

Thank you, I no longer have this pond as I moved house a couple of year ago. You can see the 5 pond build videos of my new pond on my channel. I now use Cloverleaf algae killer which works really well and keeps the algae away as it does become a problem in the pump and filters. Thanks, Terry.