Can i use hessian bags in my pond for barley straw??

Question

Hi,
I've got an algae problem in my pond, and this year i'm going to try the barley straw approach, I have a large pond so i got a whole bale of straw.
My question is, is it ok to submerse the straw in a hessian bag/sack as opposed to a mesh veg bag/sack. Would the hessian rot when underwater, also is there any reason not to submerse those veg sacks with it being plastic or coloured?
Thanks for reading and also for any help you can give me.
Jamie.

Answer 1

Please take the time to read the difference and then decide what to use.........
..................NOTE:......................
NEVER put any thing in your pond that could leech out and kill your fish...........such as bags with dye or plastic when you don't know what the compounds are.

I don't know how large is large but I have one that is roughly 1800 to 2000 gallons. I myself use a registered all natural ingredient called Pondzyme
.................................................
..............Pond-Zyme Plus................

http://www.watergarden.org/s.nl/it.A/id.197/.f?sc=2&category=5
Specially selected bacterial strains in Pond-Zyme Plus quickly break down pond sludge, converting it into harmless minerals and water. Pond-Zyme****** immediately begins breaking down fish waste and dead algae*********** that cause cloudy water, sludge build-up, and debris that clogs pumps and filters. Through natural nutrient competition and enzymatic action, Pond-Zyme Plus reduces pond maintenance and keeps pond water clean and clear. Pond-Zyme Plus is a 100% natural product, safe for all pond fish, plants, and wildlife.
..........................................................
..........What does barley straw do?
We have sold many units of these product in the past few seasons, and have heard from many customers that the proper use of barley straw led to much cleaner, clearer water in their ponds.
Is barley straw an algicide? No, it is not registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency as a pesticide, and therefore
....................................................
no claims are made regarding it's use in preventing, removing, controlling or eliminating algae.
......................................................

This is an all-natural product, and does not contain any known pesticides, chemical additives, or even "ingredients" - it's just straw, already.
..........Can it be overdone? .............
http://www.bestfish.com/barlybal.html

Answer 2

Green algae is a common problem. You can easily remove the filamentous type- blanket weed-by hand or with a stick, and flooding over the pool gets rid of the floating brown or green scum. But murky green water indicates that there are to few under water oxygenating plants to compete for the available light and minerals, or that too little shade is cast by floating water lilies. Correct these causes of imbalance, and then if necessary use permanganate of potash to clear the water. Stir in a maximum of 5ml of the solution for every 50 litres of water in the pool. The water should only go the mildest shade of pink and should clear in a few days, if necessary repeat later in the season. Barley straw dose not work.

Professional Gardner for 30 odd yrs(specialise in ponds and aquatic plants).
Feel free to email me for any advice.

Answer 3

I would just bundle the straw up tightly. Your algae problem could be due to many things including changing the water too often and not letting it settle properly. No flowing water such as waterfall or fountain, too overcrowded, not enough oxygenating plants or too much/too little sun. Don't let autumn leaves from nearby trees get into the pond because they give off gasses when they rot down under water. Ponds are a labour of love (Herons are a nightmare).

Answer 4

hi, Algae come from intense nitrogen on your pond water and to a lot photo voltaic. You did not say once you've any flowers or fish in the pond or no longer. So for now i am going to assume no longer. on the grounds that maximum pond flowers choose nitrogen. i ought to point you upload some pond flowers alongside with lilies. they'll also provide colour for fish and help to dam out lots of the photo voltaic. strong success inclusive of your pond.

Answer 5

The barley straw to kill off blanket weed don't work, i have found the best way to get rid of blanket weed is to use water forgetmeknots, let them cover the water foe three years and it is no more blanket weed