Barley Straw Blanketweed Control | Barley Straw Pond Treatment
does barley straw kill blanket weed?
Since medieval times corn has been thrown into ponds by villagers as part of ceremonies and rituals to ensure the purity of the village water. In more recent times however barley straw has been discovered to contain certain properties that provides a natural algae control method in your fish pond or water garden for filamentous string algae types such as blanketweed (pond scum) and hair algae.
How many pond keepers have asked themselves this simple question "How do I get rid of blanket weed from my pond?" The answer has always been the same ... Wish I Knew! ... Now, thanks to John McLauchlan we all know. John McLauchlan, is the owner and developer of Viresco Aqua and Viresco Koi, blanketweed and string algae destroyer ...
Blanket weed goes under numerous different names including: Blanketweed, Blanket Weed, Pond Scum, String Algae, Stringy Algae, Silk Weed, Filamentous Algae, Curly Weed or Maiden's Hair.
It is totally different from the common suspended small particle size algae responsible for green or brown murky pond water referred to as Algae Blooms, Algal Blooms, Pea Soup Algae, Planktonic Algae or Green Water.
Research at the IACR Centre for Aquatic Plant Management in Berkshire, England, on the use of organic barley straw extract as a natural blanketweed cure in fish ponds and other situations has revealed some interesting facts.
Barley straw blanketweed control has been found to be a more effective natural remedy than other straw variants such as: maize, linseed and wheat.
Floating pond algae (suspended algae), known as phytoplankton (green water) has been reduced in ponds using barley straw and so has filamentous string algae such as blanket weed (pond scum) and hair algae.
The research carried out by the centre which is part of the IACR (Institute of Arable Crop Research) has stated that barley straw pond treatment acts as a natural control agent because although it doesn't kill existing algal cells in your fish pond or water garden it prevents future algal cells from developing, therefore controlling the levels of both green algae and filamentous string algal types e.g. blanket weed.
How Barley Straw Pond Treatment provide natural blanketweed control?
Phytoplankton that causes the "pea soup effect" in fish ponds, usually disappears within 6 to 8 weeks after using barley straw (cooler water temperatures below 50 Fahrenheit or 10 Celsius) . In warmer water (above 70 Fahrenheit or 21 Celsius it takes between 1 - 2 weeks. Control of the larger string algae i.e. blanketweed and hair algae can take longer, perhaps a season. The optimum time to apply barley straw to your pond or water garden is early spring.
In order for your garden pond to obtain the maximum benefits from the addition of the barley straw it is essential that the pond is well oxygenated. This allows the barley straw to release lignin which is believed to oxidize and form humic acids. Humic acid along with oxygenated water and sunlight act as a catalyst in the production of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is not capable of surviving in your garden fish pond for long periods of time but because the barley straw can take up to 6 months to decompose there is a constant supply.
Does barley straw adversely affect the pond eco system?
Barley Straw Pond Cleaner: The application of barley straw won't harm plant life or fish, except where too much barley straw is used in too small an area of water. In the same way that it is important to Manage Algae Bloom to prevent your pond water from becoming oxygen deficient, the same applies to the use of barley straw.
Using barley straw as a algaecide to remove blanketweed (pond scum) has an added bonus - your koi and goldfish feed on the invertebrates that form around the decomposing barley straw.
So in answer to the question of "Does using barley straw to get rid of blanket weed work?" the answer is Yes!
Before you consider the other Blanketweed cures on this page I would high recommend that you consider VIRESCO BLANKET WEED SOLUTIONS in the first instance ... It is without a doubt, in my opinion the best solution to blanketweed and string algae problems.
Summit Floating Barley Straw Bog Filters
Summit Pond Barley Straw Planters Improve water quality while providing an attractive, floating planter. These planters act as a natural bog filter, keeping pond water clean and clear. Includes a hidden Styrofoam ring for stability and flotation. Protects plant from Koi nibbling. Showcase any non-submersible species. Will not harm fish or plants. Continues to treat your pond for up to 6 months.
Summit Floating Barley Straw Bog Filters are available in the following sizes: Summit 3 Ounce Small Planter - 6" dia x 3.25" tall for ponds up to 500 gallons ... Summit 8 Ounce Medium Planter - 9" dia x 5" tall for ponds between 1000 to 1500 gallons ... Summit 14 Ounce Large Planter - 11" dia x 7" tall for ponds between 2500 to 4000 gallons.
Barley
straw bale - blanket weed treatment
Barley Straw has been used in England for many years. Many pond owners have had success with barley straw in the treatment of string and filamentous algae.
Summit Barley Straw Pond treatment
A natural algae control method for controlling filamentous string algae types, such as blanketweed. Treats up to 2,000 US gal of pond water
Barley
pellets for ponds
Saturated with organic ingredients like peat and humates, and pelletized for sustained release of nutrients. Rich in natural humic acids these barley straw pellets for ponds gently soften water, reduce the negative effects of phosphates, chelates and metals like mercury and arsenic.
Barley straw pellets produce harmless hydrogen peroxide to buffer water pH and prevent black mold.
Green Ways Barley
Pond Strip
Green Ways Barley Pond Strip provides natural algae control for ponds; Made from a matting of barley straw and natural cotton netting.
Green Ways Barley Straw Pond Strip has a large surface area allowing easy access of water and oxygen to the barley straw and free release of natural compounds.
Barley Straw Concentrate
All natural Microbe-lift Barley Straw Concentrated Extract is a liquid concentrate barley straw extract formulated to improve water clarity and to help with natural water ph balance. Especially helpful where bottom drains exist. Goes to work on contact. Decomposition process starts immediately.
Barley Straw Concentrate is not harmful to aquatic life, plants, humans or pets. One bottle is equal to multiple barley straw bales with no messy residual. Can be used all year around.
Crystal Clear Clarity Max Plus Activated Barley
Crystal Clear Clarity Max Plus Barley Plus bacteria and enzyme blend, combines the organic degrading powers of activated barley with the natural powers of quality bacteria and enzyme complex for maximum results in a pond ecosystem. Removes slimy debris from ponds and waterfalls. Crystal Clear Clarity Max removes organic build up, seeds biofilters and restores your garden pond's chemical balance. You'll notice the difference in just a few easy biological water treatments. Treats 8000 gallons per lb.
Available sizes: Crystal Clear Clarity Max Plus 2.5 lb ... Crystal Clear Clarity Max Plus 6 lb ... Crystal Clear Clarity Max Plus25 lbs.
Crystal Clear Natures Choice Barley Straw Pellets
Crystal Clear Nature's Choice Barley Straw Pellets provides a sustained release of barley straw extract. The flow through net allows for easy application and use. Three month application. 5lb treats 5000 gallons.
Available Sizes: Crystal Clear Natures Choice 2lb … Crystal Clear Natures Choice 5lb
Flora APM Barley Straw Pond
Treatment
Flora APM Barley Straw keeps your pond water pristinely clean, allowing you to actually see your fish. Environmentally friendly and totally organic. Flora APM pond barley straw treatment will not harm pond fish or plants. It is made from Barley Straw Extract with NO herbicides or synthetic chemicals. Starts working immediately.
Unlike barley straw bales or bundles Flora APM Barley Straw Liquid Pond Additive doesn't waste time ... It is already decomposed ... Quick and easy to use as a barley straw pond cleaner.
Biosphere Ball Barley Straw
Care Free The Pond Pill Barley Biosphere beneficial natural bacteria barley extract and barley straw all in one treats between 100 to 500 gallons of pond water and will last for months.
30lb Organic Barley Straw Bale
Barley Bale And Bundle Kit has been specially designed for larger garden ponds. Features include: 30 lbs of compressed, Certified Organic Barley Straw ... 3 x 24" x 36" nylon mesh bags ... anchor twine ... Instructions for use.
The 30lb Barley Bale And Bundle Kit treats approximately 10,000 square foot (1/4 - acre) of water.
Planttabs Barley Straw Bales
Planttabs Barley Straw Bales are made from high grade barley grown for food production. This fully biodegradable and economical barley straw log is packaged in a mesh bag. Apply to your garden pond in spring and in fall, for best results.
Each Barley Straw Log treats 1000 gallons of pond water for up to 6 months. Also encourages invertebrate activity.
Pond Care Barley Clear Pond Clarifier
Pond Care Barley Clear is a highly concentrated suspension of natural barley and peat plus natural activators that quickly unleash the power of barley and peat into the water. Phenolic compounds found in natural barley acts as a pond clarifier, helping to keep your pond water clear.
Barley Clear is a barley straw pond treatment that helps maintain the natural carbon balance, which stabilized water quality and maintains clear water. The natural properties of peat buffer the pH to assist in stabilizing the pond environment.
Barley clear barley straw blanket weed removal provides the following benefits ... Treats up to 4000 gallons per 16 ounce ... Clears water naturally ... Clears murky water ... Contains natural clarifiers ...
Available Sizes ... Pond Care Barley Clear 16 Ounce ... Pond Care Barley Clear 32 Ounce ... Pond Care Barley Clear 64 Ounce.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A REVOLUTIONARY CURE FOR THE REMOVAL OF BLANKET WEED, STRING ALGAE AND GREEN POND WATER? IF SO THEN VIRESCO AQUA and VIRESCO KOI BLANKETWEED BLASTER AND STRING ALGAE STRANGLER IS THE GUARANTEED CURE ... THIS UK BLANKET WEED SOLUTION CAN BE SHIPPED TO ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, AT A VERY LOW COST.