Microbe-Lift PL Bacteria - Quart / 32 oz

Specially formulated for koi ponds and water gardens. Keeps ponds clean and clear. Microbe Lift PL contains beneficial bacteria and enzymes to improve water quality. Also contains photosynthetic bacteria which reduces cloudy water, plus Nitrifiers including both Nitrosomonas & Nitrobacter species. Safe for fish, plants, and household pets that may drink from the pond.

Treats a 500 gallon pond for 11 months or 1,000 gallon pond for 8 months.

Features:

• Creates a healthy environment for your pond, promoting faster fish growth.
• Reduces ammonia and nitrogen levels.
• Seeds and maintains biological filters.
• Contains nitrifiers, including both Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter species.
• Effective over a wide range of pH conditions.
• Significantly reduces noxious odors caused by dead algae, fish fecal matter, and urine.
• Reduces buildup of bird droppings, fish feed, and dead leaves.
• Breaks down dead algae.
• Improves dissolved oxygen levels.
• Dissolves away organic sludge.

FAQs

Why does the MICROBE-LIFT/PL smell like rotten eggs?

The smell is attributable to the natural production of hydrogen sulfide by sulfate reducing bacteria as part of the ecosystem. This provides a source of energy for the purple sulfur bacteria in the product and, as a metabolic inhibitor, preserves the product giving it its long shelf life.

If I open it and there's no smell, how do I know if it's still good?

If there is no smell, it doesn't mean it's dead. It is definitely bad if it is whitish-grey and has a burnt rubber smell. The bacteria are definitely dead in that case. If it is pinkish or brownish in color, just shake it up it should be fine .

What environmental factors will negatively impact the performance of the bacteria in the pond?

Neighbors spraying pesticides in the area; nearby parking areas with road cleaning chemicals from maintenance vehicles; countywide pesticide spraying programs; unseasonable temperature drops; chlorine from tap water; salt and other medications added to the pond; lime and acids from cement foundations; hurricanes and strong winds blowing toxic debris into the pond. Although these will impact the bacteria, it should not eliminate all from the pond. The bacteria can re-establish itself.

What is bioaugmentation for my water garden?

It is the purposeful inoculation of a pond with a pre-selected consortium of microorganisms to establish the ideal numbers and distributions of populations to restore the natural balance to your pond. This provides a healthier environment for all forms of aquatic plant and animal life in an ecologically balanced pond.

What is the difference in using liquid product over dry bacterial product?

It is the purposeful inoculation of a pond with a pre-selected consortium of microorganisms to establish the ideal numbers and distribution of microbial populations to restore the natural balance to your pond. This provides a healthier environment for all forms of aquatic plant and animal life in an ecologically balanced pond.

What is the difference in using liquid product over dry bacterial product?

A major benefit in using liquid (live) bacteria over powdered (spore) bacteria is that the live bacteria will start to colonize and go to work immediately whereas the powdered will take longer and the liquid bacteria possess photosynthetic properties which are not available in the powdered forms. The powdered (such as ML/TAC) on the other hand, contains additional beneficial additives that may not be in the liquid, such as sodium bicarbonate, sea salt and activated carbon. A primary difference, which is instantly noticeable, is the lack of odor in the dry product.